South Africa Secures Africa’s Culinary Crown as Cape Town and Regional Hotspots Shine in 2025 Awards

The heartbeat of Africa’s gastronomic scene has once again been set by South Africa, taking centre stage at the esteemed 6th World Culinary Awards. This global celebration of excellence across the food and hospitality sector has reaffirmed the country’s position as a powerhouse for exceptional dining, inventive chefs, and destination-driven experiences. The 2025 edition saw South Africa not only maintain its prestige but expand its influence, reflecting the continent’s evolving culinary ambitions and the opportunities these trends present for Africa’s travel sector.

South Africa Rises to the Top

At the heart of this year’s results is the reaffirmation of South Africa as Africa’s Best Culinary Destination 2025. This recognition is a testament to the nation’s persistent innovation and its ability to blend tradition with modernity, offering visitors a unique taste journey. Cape Town, already famed for its breathtaking scenery, has added to its accolades by being voted Africa’s Best Culinary City Destination 2025. These twin honours not only boost the country’s appeal to international food lovers but also signal widespread opportunities for the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors to expand offerings around food-focused experiences.

Showcasing South Africa’s Elite Dining

This year’s awards highlighted an impressive sweep by South African establishments across multiple culinary categories. Leading the pack is FYN in Cape Town, celebrated as Africa’s Best Restaurant 2025. The city’s fine dining credentials were further bolstered by Nobu Cape Town taking the title of Africa’s Best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant and Thali earning recognition for Indian cuisine. Meanwhile, The Red Room at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, triumphed as the continent’s top Chinese restaurant, while Le coin Français by Darren Badenhorst in Franschhoek was named the best for French cuisine.

Johannesburg also made its mark, with The 11th Floor crowned Africa’s Best Rooftop Restaurant and Qunu @ Saxon Hotel, Villa & Spa taking home the award for Africa’s Best Hotel Restaurant. The emergence of Guild Restaurant @ Steyn City Hotel by Saxon as the best new hotel restaurant reflects the city’s growing status as a culinary innovator.

Other standout winners include MERTIA in Stellenbosch for best fine dining, Life Grand Cafe Waterfront for landmark restaurant, and Amare in Cape Town, which clinched the award for Africa’s best new restaurant. Together, these venues are redefining South Africa’s culinary map, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary flavours that attract both local and international guests.

Regional Excellence: Southern Africa’s Finest

The World Culinary Awards did not only spotlight South Africa but extended recognition to outstanding establishments across Southern Africa. These achievements are vital in shaping the region’s reputation as a rising star in global gastronomy.

In Angola, Café Del Mar of Luanda was named the nation’s best, while Kimera @ EPIC SANA Luanda was lauded as the leading hotel restaurant. Botswana saw Table50Two in Gaborone and Xigera Restaurant @ Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta take the top spots. Eswatini’s Ramblas Restaurant and Together & Co. Restaurant @ Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane joined the ranks of the region’s finest, reflecting a broader trend of investment in culinary infrastructure that’s transforming hospitality experiences.

Mozambique’s MOOD Restaurant & Bar and Clube Naval @ Avani Pemba Beach brought global attention to Maputo and Pemba, while Namibia’s Jetty 1905 and Stratos Restaurant & Bar @ Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino demonstrated the country’s growing appeal for food-driven tourism. Zambia’s The Theatre of Food @ Avani Victoria Falls Resort and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Twenty Two and Livingstone Room @ The Victoria Falls Hotel were also recognised, reinforcing the message that Southern Africa’s culinary scene is both diverse and world-class.

Implications for Africa’s Hospitality Sector

The significance of these awards goes beyond individual restaurants—they are a reflection of the region’s world-class hospitality standards and a signal to the broader travel industry. As global food tourism continues to grow, Africa’s ability to offer unique, high-quality dining experiences will be central to attracting new visitor segments.

For stakeholders in the travel sector, these achievements highlight the importance of integrating culinary experiences into broader tourism offerings. From food and wine tours to chef-led masterclasses and exclusive tasting events, there is enormous potential to create new products that leverage Africa’s diverse gastronomic heritage. This trend is particularly important as travellers become more discerning, seeking authentic, memorable experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.

The surge in recognition for African restaurants and chefs reflects a changing landscape for regional tourism. With Cape Town leading as Africa’s premier culinary city, the city’s influence is likely to drive further investment in food-focused infrastructure, from boutique hotels incorporating destination dining to new culinary festivals that attract international attention.

The growing prominence of neighbouring countries in the awards also points to the rising importance of cross-border travel for food enthusiasts. As connectivity improves and more regional routes become available, there is a clear opportunity for African destinations to collaborate, crafting multi-country culinary itineraries that showcase the best of the continent’s food and hospitality sectors.

Furthermore, these accolades provide a powerful marketing tool for the region’s hospitality industry, positioning Southern Africa as a must-visit destination for global foodies. Hotels, tour operators, and destination marketers can leverage the stories behind these award-winning establishments to inspire travellers and set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive global market.

The 2025 World Culinary Awards have set a new benchmark for Africa’s hospitality sector, challenging stakeholders to think creatively about the future of culinary tourism. With an emphasis on innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and investment in talent, the region is well placed to continue its upward trajectory. As new restaurants open and established venues refine their offerings, the future promises even greater diversity and excellence, attracting visitors eager for unique taste experiences.

For Africa’s travel industry, the message is clear: the continent’s culinary renaissance is not only a celebration of flavour but a strategic driver for growth. By embracing these trends, regional players can elevate their offerings, forge new partnerships, and ensure Africa remains at the forefront of the global food tourism movement.