South Africa has cemented its position as Africa’s leading culinary destination, with Cape Town’s vibrant food scene receiving top honors at the 2024 World Culinary Awards. Held at the prestigious Summersalt luxury beach club in Dubai, the event celebrated excellence in global gastronomy, with South African restaurants and chefs taking center stage.
Cape Town’s Salon, located in Woodstock’s iconic Old Biscuit Mill, was crowned Africa’s Best New Restaurant. Helmed by renowned chef Luke Dale-Roberts, Salon has quickly become a standout destination since opening its doors in April 2023. The restaurant is the latest venture of Dale-Roberts, who first gained widespread acclaim for his work at The Test Kitchen, which set a new standard for innovative cuisine on the continent.
Leading the charge at Salon is executive chef Carla Schulze, a protégé of Dale-Roberts who has been part of his team since her early days at The Test Kitchen. Under her guidance, the restaurant offers a menu that reflects Dale-Roberts’ global culinary adventures, while emphasizing local, in-season ingredients. Schulze expressed her excitement about the award, stating, “This award validates our efforts and inspires us to continue striving for greatness.”
Salon’s recognition highlights the growing influence of South African cuisine on the global stage. Dale-Roberts himself acknowledged the significance of the win, attributing it to the dedication of his team. “Receiving this award is a testament to our passionate team and our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence,” he said. Beyond Salon, Dale-Roberts has garnered numerous accolades for his other ventures, including The Pot Luck Club and The Shortmarket Club, along with his community-driven initiative, The Test Kitchen Fledgelings.
Adding to the accolades, Cape Town was once again named Africa’s Best Culinary City Destination, solidifying its reputation as the continent’s gastronomic capital. With a rich blend of international flavors and a focus on fresh, local ingredients, the city continues to attract food lovers from around the world. This marks the second consecutive year that Cape Town has received this prestigious recognition, reflecting the strength and diversity of its culinary offerings.
The World Culinary Awards, which seek to honor excellence in the international culinary industry, are determined through a year-long process in which travel industry professionals and the public cast votes for their favorite culinary brands. The winner in each category is the nominee that receives the most votes, making these awards a reflection of both industry expertise and public appreciation.
Rina van Staden, director of the World Culinary Awards, praised this year’s winners, calling them “visionaries whose creativity and craftsmanship bring joy to millions daily.” She emphasized the role of dedication and passion in achieving culinary greatness, qualities exemplified by South Africa’s top chefs and restaurants.
Another Cape Town-based restaurant, Salsify at the Roundhouse, was also honored at the event, being named Africa’s Best Landmark Restaurant for the second consecutive year. The award-winning restaurant, nestled in the historic Roundhouse in Camps Bay, is celebrated for its commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences that fuse history with modern culinary techniques. Head chef Nina du Toit attended the ceremony to receive the award, expressing gratitude for the recognition of the team’s hard work.
Ryan Cole, executive chef and co-owner of Salsify, added his thanks, stating, “I am incredibly proud of my team and grateful for the acknowledgement. We are fortunate enough to work from one of the most incredible locations in Cape Town, between land and sea.” The combination of stunning views and innovative cuisine has made Salsify a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
With these accolades, South Africa continues to set the standard for culinary excellence in Africa, offering a world-class dining experience that reflects both its rich cultural heritage and its forward-thinking culinary vision. As the country’s food scene continues to evolve, it remains a beacon for both local and international gourmands seeking unique, flavorful, and innovative dining experiences.
Leave a comment