Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
Sublime South African dining
World's 50 Best Restaurants
Margot Jansen, award-winning chef at Le Quartier Français.
© Le Quartier Français
Did you know?
A restaurant's ranking in the World's 50 Best Restaurants is decided by the votes of a panel of 806 respected international judges.
The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is a coveted achievement in culinary circles, so when 2 Western Cape restaurants were voted in, global gourmands started to discover what South African epicures have long-known: South Africa is a must-do destination for serious foodies.
In 37th place, in the top 50 restaurants, was the Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français, led by Dutch-born, largely self-taught executive chef Margot Jansen, who heads up arguably South Africa’s most-awarded restaurant. Le Quartier Français also took top honours in the Acqua Panna Continental Restaurant Awards, capturing the title of Best Restaurant in The Middle East and Africa.
On the other side of Table Mountain and hot on Le Quartier’s heels in 38th position among the 50 best restaurants, is La Colombe at Constantia-Uitsig wine estate. Under the creative direction of British-born, Swiss-trained executive chef Luke Dale Roberts, nature and nostalgia are constantly evolving themes on La Colombe’s menus.
A further 3 South African restaurants made it on to the top 100 restaurants list. At number 79 is Jardine's, serving contemporary-classic food created by Scottish chef George Jardine. Under the technically acute eye of Belgian-born executive chef Harald Bresselschmidt, Cape Town restaurant Aubergine takes its place at number 96 on the list.
Rust en Vrede restaurant’s creative 4 or 6-course fine dining menus earned this elegant winelands dining experience the 98th spot on the 2009 list. Local head chef David Higgs presents a contemporary take on the classics with the freshest, finest local produce in the starring role.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Le Quartier Français
16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
+27 (0) 21 876 2151
restaurant@lqf.co.za
La Colombe
Constantia-Uitsig Wine Estate, Constantia
+27 (0) 21 794 2390
lacolombe@uitsig.co.za
Jardine
185 Bloem Street, Cape Town City Centre
+27 (0) 21 424 5640
reservations@jardineonbree.co.za
Aubergine
39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town
+27 (0) 21 465 4909
info@aubergine.co.za
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
Stellenbosch
+ 27 (0) 21 881-3881
info@rustenvrede.com
How to get here
Cape Town and the surrounding winelands are easily reached by air, rail and road.
Around the area
Besides these award-winning establishments, Cape Town and the winelands will leave food lovers spoiled for choice with the variety of restaurants on offer.
Get around
All of the restaurants featured are accessible by car.
What will it cost
Tasting menus at the winning restaurants range between R700 to R900 per person, including wine, and depending on the number of courses. Advance booking is essential.
What to pack
Smart casual attire is required for these establishments.