Under soft lights and sharper ambition, South Africa’s culinary elite gathered at MIRA Sandton for an evening that has become a defining fixture on the nation’s gastronomic calendar — the 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards.
Presented in partnership with Audi South Africa, the awards brought together leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality innovators to celebrate excellence across South Africa’s dynamic dining landscape. It was a night of prestige and plate — a celebration not only of food, but of discipline, daring and devotion.
A Stage Set for Excellence
The ceremony unfolded with poise and personality. Media figure Shashi Naidoo returned as Master of Ceremonies, guiding guests through a programme that balanced glamour with gravitas. Alongside her stood celebrated cookbook author and culinary force Mogau Seshoene, widely known as The Lazy Makoti, who served as the official LUXE Awards correspondent.
Together, they steered an evening that reflected the creativity, discipline and craftsmanship shaping South Africa’s hospitality industry.
The guest experience was curated by luxury event specialist and catering designer Vicky Crease, whose refined aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail elevated every element of the evening — from atmosphere to execution — ensuring the setting matched the calibre of the honourees.
The Night’s Highest Honours
Among the standout winners, Mertia claimed the coveted Restaurant of the Year title, recognised for its refined approach, consistency and exceptional dining experience in Stellenbosch.
Chef of the Year was awarded to Carla Schulze, a testament to her leadership and artistry in the kitchen.
Innovation took centre stage as Callan Austin of Dusk received the Culinary Innovation Award, applauded for his bold creative vision and ongoing contribution to contemporary cuisine.
Cape Town’s Amura, located at the Mount Nelson, was named New Restaurant of the Year, celebrated for its elegant concept and immediate impact on the fine dining scene. The restaurant also secured the Style Award, affirming its aesthetic and experiential excellence.
Recognising emerging brilliance, Nic Charalambous of Ouzeri received the Culinary Rising Star Award, acknowledging his distinctive culinary voice and growing industry influence.
Celebrating Depth, Diversity and Distinction
The awards extended beyond headline titles, capturing the full breadth of South Africa’s vibrant food culture.
Pioneer Award: Marble Hospitality
Hidden Gem Award: Melfort
Pastry Chef of the Year: Arno Ralph
Service Excellence Award: Hōseki
Sustainability Award: Fermier
Restaurant Group of the Year: Olives & Plates
African Restaurant of the Year: Qunu
Bakery of the Year: Lion’s Bread
Bistro of the Year: Le Bistrot de JAN
Burger Joint of the Year: Le Pickle
Cafe of the Year: Café Sofi
Casual Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Coy
Concept Restaurant of the Year: The Wiggle Room
Contemporary Restaurant of the Year: Embarc
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Rust en Vrede Restaurant
Food Truck of the Year: Briskets & Biscuits
Grab and Go Restaurant of the Year: Slaps Sandos
Grillhouse of the Year: Vuur
Hotel Restaurant of the Year: The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg
International Restaurant of the Year: De Eetkamer
Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year: Ocaso
Supper Club of the Year: Nine Lives
Street Food Restaurant of the Year: How Bao Now
People’s Choice Award: Club Como
LUXE Diamond Star Awards
The prestigious Diamond Star distinction was awarded to:
La Colombe
Salsify at the Roundhouse
Fyn
LUXE Three Star Awards
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
La Petite Colombe
Pier
Salon
The Living Room at Summerhill
LUXE Two Star Awards
Belly of the Beast
Cyra
JAN Franschhoek
The Pot Luck Club Cape Town
LUXE One Star Awards
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic
Curate
Galjoen
Le Coin Français
Les Créatifs
Marble Restaurant
Post & Pepper
Reverie Social Table
The Tasting Room at Creation
The Test Kitchen Fledgelings
Upper Union
A Defining Culinary Moment
As glasses clinked and applause echoed through MIRA Sandton, one message resonated clearly: South Africa’s culinary industry is not merely thriving — it is evolving.
The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards honoured excellence, but they also spotlighted depth, diversity and the relentless pursuit of refinement across provinces and plates. From fine dining institutions to street food innovators, from established pioneers to rising stars, the evening affirmed the power of hospitality to inspire, elevate and connect.
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