World's Best Restaurant South Africa

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‘The Oscars of food’: Three SA eateries named on World’s Best Restaurant list

The biggest honour in the food business has been bestowed upon a trio of South African venues, after they were named amongst the World’s Best Restaurants.

World's Best Restaurant South Africa

Photo: Facebook

What a result this is for some of the most creative and hard-working eateries in the country. Three venues in South Africa feature on the World’s Best Restaurant list for 2021 – an accolade that those in the business have dubbed ‘The Oscars of food’. However, Cape Town could not keep up with Copenhagen at the top of the table…

World’s Best Restaurants: The official top 10

Two restaurants in the Danish capital took the top places. Noma is officially the World’s Best Restaurant, with Geranium following in second. Peru is emerging as something of a foodie haven, with two entries from Lima in the top 10. That feat is also achieved by Spain, with two luxury dining experiences occupying the top five:

1. Noma, Copenhagen
2. Geranium, Copenhagen
3. Asador Etxebarri, Axpe, Spain
4. Central, Lima
5. Disfrutar, Barcelona
6. Frantzén, Stockholm
7. Maido, Lima
8. Odette, Singapore
9. Pujol, Mexico City
10. The Chairman, Hong Kong

South Africa’s highest-ranked eateries

On the top 100 list, South Africa’s three entries come in at 50th, 81st, and 92nd respectively. Wolfgat is our highest-performing restaurant, and the coastal kitchen wowed judges with its unrivalled seafood menu. La Colombe, a staple on this list, continues to impress – and Fyn makes its debut, thanks to a series of complex and daring dishes.

50: Wolfgat – Paternoster, Western Cape

Photo: Wolfgat


The restaurant atop a cave on the west coast of South Africa is the highest-rated on our shores. The fine-dining extravaganza boasts some of the best dishes known to man, and Wolfgat is proud of its unique identity:

“Kobus van der Merwe’s signature Strandveld food menu comprises a series of tasting dishes presented in seven courses. Sustainable seafood, local lamb and venison, and seasonal veldkos are featured, enhanced by wild herbs, seaweeds from the local rock pools, and pickings from the garden.”

81: La Colombe – Constantia, Western Cape

Photo: Facebook


La Colombe is one of Cape Town’s most well-loved and decorated restaurants. They’ve got this contemporary French-meets-Asian fine-dining thing down to a tee, and their beautifully served plates have earned them global plaudits.

“With last year’s awards being postponed due to the pandemic, receiving this recognition during such a difficult time for the industry means so much. As always, we wouldn’t exist without the support of every diner who walks through our doors – and, of course, the global industry who acknowledges the work and creativity our team delivers.”

92: Fyn – Cape Town, Western Cape

World's Best Restaurant South Africa
Photo: Facebook


Fyn is a brand new entry on the list, and their inclusion is just reward for a restaurant that likes to mix up and experiment with bold and exciting flavours. Don’t knock the ostrich custard until you’ve tried it, guys…

“Discoveries are made when boundaries are crossed. At FYN, South Africa’s wild freedom is tempered by the rigours of contemporary cuisine to create a restaurant at the edge. Our design challenges the separation of kitchen and dining room, so each become part of the other –  complexity and deliciousness must always lead the way.”