South Africa’s culinary landscape has been electrified with the announcement of Candice Philip as Chef of the Year and Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the highly anticipated 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, held in Johannesburg on February 18, 2025. The awards ceremony, hosted by renowned media personality Sashi Naidoo alongside award-winning cookbook author and culinary personality Mogau Seshoene, known as The Lazy Makoti, was a resounding celebration of excellence in the dining and hospitality sectors.
This prestigious event, curated by renowned luxury event planner Vicky Crease, set the stage for an unforgettable evening that celebrated the country’s finest chefs, restaurants and hospitality innovators. Guests were treated to a spectacular menu prepared by some of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs, including Candice Philip herself, whose passion for culinary artistry was evident in every bite.
The evening also marked the official launch of the Luxe Star Grading System, an innovative initiative designed to set a new benchmark for excellence in the hospitality industry. Modelled after the Michelin Guide, the Luxe Star Grading System offers a prestigious and transparent grading standard, ensuring a rigorous and objective evaluation of the finest dining establishments across the country. The system’s impartiality is upheld by anonymous evaluations conducted by a trained panel of inspectors, whose expertise spans culinary arts and hospitality.
The standout moment of the evening was Candice Philip’s well-deserved recognition as Chef of the Year, along with her restaurant, Cyra, winning Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year. Renowned for her avant-garde approach to fine dining, Philip was honoured for her exceptional contributions to South Africa’s culinary landscape.
Located at the prestigious Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, Cyra has quickly established itself as a beacon of innovation since opening in late 2022. Offering a meticulously curated menu, it seamlessly blends bold, contemporary flavours with delicate presentation, delivering a multi-sensory dining experience that pushes the boundaries of fine dining. With its refined yet inviting atmosphere, Cyra has captivated both local food enthusiasts and international visitors, solidifying Philip’s reputation as one of South Africa’s leading culinary talents.
The Luxe Star Grading System
The Luxe Star Grading System’s rigorous evaluation process ensured fairness in its award decisions, taking into account key aspects such as quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, presentation and service. A weighted approach to scoring guarantees that every aspect of the dining experience is thoroughly assessed. The breakdown includes:
- Quality of Ingredients (20%)
- Mastery of Flavour and Cooking Techniques (20%)
- Presentation and Personality of the Cuisine (15%)
- Beverages (10%)
- Harmony of Flavours (10%)
- Ambience (5%)
- Service (15%)
- Value for Money (5%)
Candice’s win is a testament to her remarkable talent, her relentless pursuit of excellence and her dedication to pushing the boundaries of fine dining. Her ability to elevate simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes has made her a beloved figure in South Africa’s dining community, inspiring both local and international food enthusiasts.
With her win, Candice Philip further cements her place as a pioneering force in South Africa’s fine dining scene. Cyra continues to offer an unparalleled dining experience, with a menu that embodies the essence of Candice’s creativity, passion and commitment to culinary excellence.
The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards has once again raised the bar for the hospitality and dining sectors, ensuring that excellence remains at the heart of the South African culinary experience.
