Best Restaurants In The World South Africa: Where to Satisfy Your Culinary Cravings

If you’re a foodie, then South Africa should be on your bucket list. This diverse country has a unique blend of cultures, and its cuisine is a reflection of that. The best restaurants in South Africa boast a fusion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional dishes to modern takes on classic cuisine, South Africa has something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to South Africa, keep reading to discover the best restaurants that you must try.

🍴 The Test Kitchen

The Test Kitchen is located in the heart of Cape Town and is run by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts. The restaurant is known for its innovative dishes, which are a fusion of African, Asian, and European flavors. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu is a testament to the chef’s creativity. The Test Kitchen is also one of the few restaurants in South Africa to make it onto the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

🍴 La Colombe

La Colombe is situated in the picturesque Constantia Valley in Cape Town. The restaurant offers a modern take on classic French cuisine, with a South African twist. The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest produce available. La Colombe has been voted one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for several years running.

🍴 Wolfgat

Wolfgat is located in a 130-year-old fisherman’s cottage in Paternoster, a small fishing village on the West Coast of South Africa. The restaurant is run by chef Kobus van der Merwe, who creates dishes using local, sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s seafood-focused menu is a reflection of its seaside location and has earned Wolfgat a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

🍴 Foliage

Foliage is situated in Franschhoek, a town in the Cape Winelands. The restaurant is known for its creative use of foraged ingredients, and the menu changes regularly to reflect what is in season. Chef Chris Erasmus’s innovative dishes have earned Foliage a coveted spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

🍴 La Petite Colombe

La Petite Colombe is the sister restaurant of La Colombe and is located in Franschhoek. The restaurant’s menu is a modern interpretation of classic French cuisine, with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant setting and exquisite dishes have earned it a spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

🍴 The Pot Luck Club

The Pot Luck Club is located in the trendy Silo District in Cape Town. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by global street food, and the dishes are designed to be shared. The Pot Luck Club’s rooftop location offers stunning views of Cape Town’s skyline, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

🍴 The Restaurant at Waterkloof

The Restaurant at Waterkloof is located on a wine estate in Somerset West, a town in the Cape Winelands. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of French and South African cuisine, and the dishes are created using sustainable, organic ingredients. The Restaurant at Waterkloof has earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

🍴 Greenhouse

Greenhouse is located at The Cellars-Hohenort, a luxury hotel in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of African, Asian, and European flavors, and the dishes are created using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant setting and exquisite dishes have earned it a spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

🍴 Terroir

Terroir is located on a wine estate in Stellenbosch, a town in the Cape Winelands. The restaurant’s menu is a modern interpretation of classic South African dishes, and the dishes are created using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers. Terroir has been awarded a prestigious Eat Out Top 10 restaurant award for several years running.

🍴 The Shortmarket Club

The Shortmarket Club is located in a historic building in Cape Town’s city center. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of British and South African cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The Shortmarket Club’s elegant setting and delicious dishes have earned it a spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

🍴 Qunu

Qunu is located at The Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa in Johannesburg. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of African and European flavors, and the dishes are created using locally sourced ingredients. Qunu has been awarded a prestigious Eat Out Top 10 restaurant award for several years running.

🍴 Overture

Overture is located on a wine estate in Stellenbosch, a town in the Cape Winelands. The restaurant’s menu is a modern interpretation of classic South African dishes, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

🍴 The Chefs’ Table

The Chefs’ Table is located in the trendy suburb of Umhlanga Rocks in Durban. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of African and Asian flavors, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s intimate setting and delicious dishes have earned it a spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

🍴 The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room is located at Le Quartier Français, a luxury hotel in Franschhoek. The restaurant’s menu is a modern interpretation of classic South African dishes, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The Tasting Room has been awarded a prestigious Eat Out Top 10 restaurant award for several years running.

🍴 The Foodbarn

The Foodbarn is located in Noordhoek, a town on the outskirts of Cape Town. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of French and South African cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The Foodbarn’s rustic setting and delicious dishes make it a must-visit for foodies.

🍴 Other Notable Mentions

While the above restaurants are some of the best in South Africa, they are by no means the only ones. Other notable mentions include La Tête in Cape Town, The Kitchen at Maison in Franschhoek, and Marble in Johannesburg.

🍴 FAQ

1. What is the best time to visit South Africa for foodies?

The best time to visit South Africa for foodies is between October and April when the weather is warm and sunny.

2. What is traditional South African cuisine?

Traditional South African cuisine includes dishes like bobotie, biltong, and boerewors.

3. What is the dress code for South African restaurants?

Dress codes vary from restaurant to restaurant, but generally, smart casual is acceptable.

4. Are South African restaurants expensive?

South African restaurants range from budget-friendly to high-end, so there is something for every budget.

5. Do South African restaurants cater to vegetarians and vegans?

Most South African restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, but it’s best to check with the restaurant beforehand.

6. Is it customary to tip in South African restaurants?

Yes, it is customary to tip around 10% in South African restaurants.

7. What is the legal drinking age in South Africa?

The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18.

8. Are reservations necessary at South African restaurants?

It’s best to make reservations at high-end South African restaurants, but most casual restaurants do not require reservations.

9. What is the currency used in South Africa?

The currency used in South Africa is the South African rand.

10. What is the official language of South Africa?

The official languages of South Africa are English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, and Tshivenda.

11. Are there any food festivals in South Africa?

Yes, there are several food festivals in South Africa, including the Cape Town Food and Wine Festival and the Durban Good Food and Wine Show.

12. What is the tipping etiquette in South Africa?

Tipping around 10% is customary in South Africa, but it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand.

13. What is the best way to get around South Africa?

The best way to get around South Africa is by car