Top 100 SA restaurants reflect growth and diversity
SOUTH Africa’s culinary scene offers a range of gourmet gems that are dotted around the country offering contemporary cuisine in a relaxed and, often, spectacular setting. Several are award-winning, and this year has proven to be no exception.
American Express, in the 18th edition of its Platinum Fine Dining Awards, recently revealed its top 100 most coveted culinary establishments. The awards reward eateries that excel in haute cuisine, service and ambience and pay tribute to those who have gone the extra mile in delivering extraordinary culinary experience.
This year saw the highest number of first-time recipient restaurants receiving recognition.
Thirty seven restaurants were from the Western Cape, including the much feted Babel at Babylonstoren in Franschhoek and Indochine at Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch. In Gauteng, there were 13 restaurants, including District Six Eatery in Emmarentia, Bistro Michel, and Level Four, while there were four from KwaZulu-Natal.
“The awards now reflect the growth and diversity of new restaurants in our country, along with a tangible elevation of our culinary talent. South Africa is truly owning its place as a foodie nation, and this is manifested by the arrival of a wide variety of new avant-garde and contemporary establishments which have emerged in the past few years,” said American Express judge Tamsin Snyman.
“More importantly, our best restaurants are reflecting the dynamic and multicultural nature of our country, encompassing a wide spectrum of styles, ethnicities and ambience.”
The other competition judges included Anna Trapido, a renowned author, journalist, broadcaster and commentator on food and wine and Jackie Cameron, chef and author.
The winners were announced at two separate events: at the Olive Press at Boschendal Estate in Franschhoek, and at Marble Restaurant in Rosebank, Joburg. 1. Babel at Babylonstoren 2. Camphors at Vergelegen 3. Foliage 4. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve 5. Indochine 6. Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge 7. Kwandwe Game Lodge 8. Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve 9. Phinda Forest Lodge 10. Singita Sweni Lodge 1. Abingdon 2. District Six Eatery 3. Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge 4. Japa 5. Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve 6. Les Delices de France 7. Level Four 8. Londolozi Game Reserve 9. Makanyi Private Game Lodge 10. Mrs Simpson’s 1. Abingdon 2. Thai Café 3. Parc Café 4. Esiweni Private Game Reserve 1. Mosaic in Gauteng 2. Spice in Durban 3. Sugar Club in Durban 4. Yamato in Joburg 5. Mimosa Lodge, in Montagu in the Western Cape 6. Pembreys in Knysna 7. Serendipity in the Wilderness 8. Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse in the Drakensberg Mountains