In the latest installment in our ongoing South Africa series, Elite Traveler celebrates the rapidly growing fine-dining scene. Here, we take a closer look at five of the best restaurants in South Africa.
The Michelin Guide has yet to stretch to South Africa, but the fine dining scene in its major cities is unquestionably on the rise. The countryâs unique mix of cultures and a wealth of fertile land has inspired inventive cuisine not seen anywhere else on earth.
South Africaâs restaurants may not be eligible for Michelin stars, but here we list five that would certainly be in the running.
The Test Kitchen
The Test Kitchen was the only African restaurant to be included in Elite Travelerâs Top 100 Restaurants in the World, finishing 46th in the 2018 results. Housed in an old biscuit mill in Cape Townâs trendy Woodstock, it has long been regarded as the continentâs best restaurant.
Head chef Luke Dale-Roberts is behind its success. He has opened a number of successful restaurants across the world, but, as the name suggests, The Test Kitchen has been the scene of his most daring dishes.
Dale-Roberts specializes in pairing ingredients and flavors that a traditionalist would never serve together. Guests embark on an 18-course sensory experience beginning in the Light Room and moving into the Dark Room with a mixture of traditional fare and creative small plates.
Smoked Scallop Sashimi, Mushroom Ponzu, Jerusalem Artichoke / ŠAndyLund
Wolfgat
The tiny beachside restaurant in the village of Paternoster stormed into the limelight earlier this year when it took top prize at the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in Paris.
It was the culinary underdog story of the year: the restaurantâs six staff had no formal training when it opening in 2016 and can only feed 20 people per sitting.
Head chef Kobus van der Merwe makes use of the lush West Cape by foraging daily for ingredients along the seashore. The menu is everchanging as a result, but his philosophy of interfering with the produce as little as possible remains the same.
Despite their success, the prices remain incredibly cheap. The tasting menu is priced at R850 per person ($60) with an optional wine pairing at R550 ($40). Unsurprisingly, reservations are incredibly hard to attain with sittings sold out months in advance.
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The Restaurant at Waterkloof
Waterkloof Estate in Somerset West is one of the most successful wine producers in the region, however, it is the on-site restaurant that draws the most visitors in.
Head chef Gregory Czarnecki delivers typical Haute cuisine in a modern space that offers beautiful views across the estate and beyond through floor-to-ceiling windows. The classic dishes make best use of fresh seasonal ingredients, which are available in a selection of tasting menus.
Wine pairings are optional but in reality, are an absolute must. The wine pairing is a chance to sample some of the vineyardâs best produce alongside some of the most exquisite fine dining cuisine on the continent.
eatout.co.za/venue/the-restaurant-at-waterkloof/
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La Petite Colombe
La Petite Colombe originally opened as the little sister restaurant of the legendary La Colombe, but under the guidance of talented young chef John Norris-Rogers, it has in many peopleâs eyes risen to greater heights.
Norris-Rogers cut his teeth under the La Colombeâs chef-restaurateur Scot Kirton, but has become a culinary star in his own right with outstanding classic French food. The main show is the Gourmand Menu, an eight-course taster that presents South Africaâs bountiful produce in all its glory. A Reduced Menu and Vegetarian Menu are also available.
The wine menu is also an exclusively South African affair. All of the wines are South Africa including three from Franschhoek, where the restaurant is based.
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Mosaic at The Orient
Pretoriaâs The Orient Hotel is considered to be one of South Africaâs most opulent properties. There are many reasons to stay at the hotel but many come to experience the in-house Restaurant Mosaic.
Head chef Chantel Dartnall is the genius behind the wonderfully diverse fare, which is always served in spectacular fashion. The Grande Degustation menu begins with beautifully-designed small plates such as âduck liver mi cuit, quince and hibiscusâ.
The restaurant also boasts one of the most extensive wine cellars in South Africa, containing some of the most exclusive vintages to hail from the region. Once youâve feasted on excellent food and wine, you can retreat to one of the hotelâs spacious suites.
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