The 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards, held in MIRA Sandton, celebrated South Africa’s top chefs and restaurants for their excellence in innovation, culinary technique, service, and guest experience.
Once again, Cape Town and the Western Cape stood out as leaders in the country’s culinary scene, with several restaurants and chefs receiving prestigious honors.
Restaurant of the Year
Mertia Restaurant – Recognized for its refined culinary technique and exceptional dining experience.
Chef of the Year:
Carla Schulze – Celebrated for creativity and leadership in the kitchen.
New Restaurant of the Year
Amura Restaurant – A standout newcomer known for bold flavours and innovative dining
Special Culinary Awards
Culinary Innovation Award – Callan Austin at Dusk Restaurant
Culinary Rising Star Award – Nic Charalambous at Ouzeri
Hidden Gem Award – Melfort
Pastry Chef of the Year – Arno Ralph
Service Excellence Award – Hōseki Restaurant
Category Winners
These restaurants stood out in their respective categories:
Bakery of the Year: Lion’s Bread
Bistro of the Year: Le Bistrot de JAN
Burger Joint of the Year: Le Pickle, Cafe of the Year: Café Sofi
Casual Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: COY Restaurant
Concept Restaurant of the Year: The Wiggle Room
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Rust en Vrede Restaurant
Grillhouse of the Year: Vuur
International Restaurant of the Year: De Eetkamer
Street Food Restaurant of the Year: How Bao Now
LUXE Diamond Star Restaurants
The highest recognition in the Luxe Awards, Diamond Star honor celebrates restaurants that deliver extraordinary culinary experiences.
- La Colombe restaurant, Salsify at the Roundhouse and FYN Restaurant
LUXE Three-Star Restaurants
- Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia,Dusk Restaurant, La Petite Colombe restaurant, Mertia restaurant, Pier Restaurant and Salon Restaurant
LUXE Two-Star Restaurants
- Belly of the Beast, Hōseki Restaurant, JAN Franschhoek restaurant, Rust en Vrede Restaurant and The Pot Luck Club
LUXE One Star Awards
- Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic, Curate Restaurant, Galjoen restaurant
Le Coin Français Restaurant, Ouzeri restaurant, Post & Pepper Restaurant
Reverie Social Table Restaurant, The Tasting Room at Creation, The Test Kitchen Fledgelings ,Upper Union restaurant and Vuur restaurant
These achievements highlight the continued excellence of the Western Cape hospitality industry. From fine dining to innovative culinary concepts, visitors to Western Cape can look forward to unforgettable dining experiences created by some of South Africa’s most talented chefs.
