South Africa’s reputation as a gourmet destination has increased by leaps and bounds in the past decade. Internationally renowned chefs have been drawn by the attractive climate and wealth of fresh produce, and global critics acknowledge that the country has some of the best fine-dining options in the world.
Reliable reviews of the best restaurants can be found by consulting the Business Day awards or the Diner’s Club list of top restaurants. Several local publications, such as Wine magazine and Eat Out magazine also publish an annual list of the best deluxe restaurants.
One of Cape Town’s finest is One.Waterfront at the Cape Grace hotel, which overlooks the yacht basin next to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Exotic dishes created by award-winning chef Bruce Robertson include turbot with saffron potatoes and slow-braised rabbit on a bed of noodles.
Many of the Cape’s premier restaurants are situated on wine estates, where the best local wines complement fine fare. Cream of the crop is the multi-award-winning Buitenverwachting where chef Edgar Osojnik produces dishes that lose none of their rich savour by being prepared in a healthy way. The menu is continental with a South African twist and includes fresh seafood, duck and venison.
In Paarl, Bosman’s at the Grande Roche hotel has won many awards as well as Relais Gourmand status for its innovative mix of local and international cuisine. Formal dining in the old Cape Dutch manor house, built in 1707, is a sacred affair where the food is relished in hushed silence.
In Hermanus, Seafood at the Marine is where fish-lovers go for the finest fruits of the ocean. The Marine is a five-star establishment with gorgeous views and a relaxed yet genteel atmosphere.
While the Cape may have the monopoly on gourmet restaurants, the other regions don’t do too badly. Le Canard is a restored Georgian homestead under oak trees in the heart of Johannesburg’s financial district. This establishment has been judged by American Express as one of the country’s top 10 restaurants. Here the signature dish is deboned half-duckling, crisped with honey and black pepper.
Other top-notch Johannesburg restaurants include Piccolo Mondo at the Michelangelo Hotel, where the menu ranges around the world. La Belle Terrasse at the stately Westcliff Hotel is another notable eatery, where diners enjoy spectacular views of the city and the Johannesburg Zoo below.
In the peaceful Mooi River region of KwaZulu-Natal is Hartford House where the five-course menu changes daily and is influenced by global food trends with a classical base.
Even the splendid wildness of the eastern Cape boasts a gourmet restaurant. Gorah Elephant Camp in the Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth, is candlelit luxury in a five-star game lodge. Food is African fusion, such as smoked springbok on a potato gallette with caramelised red onion, baby corn and pepper salsa.
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