What South Africans will be Eating, Drinking, and Leaving Behind in 2026
In the first few months of 2026, a clearer sense of what we actually want to eat, drink, and gather around emerges. Not what went viral. Not what photographed well for three weeks. But what endured, what exhausted us, and what is quietly inching its way onto menus and into our homes. In South Africa, this reckoning feels especially sharp. The cost of living has narrowed our appetite for novelty-for-novelty’s sake. Diners are cautious, more deliberate, and increasingly value- and values-driven. What follows are 10 emerging food trends identified by Dineplan that are shaping how – and why – we eat now.
A Night of Prestige and Plate: The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards
The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at MIRA Sandton, presented in partnership with Audi South Africa, bringing together South Africa’s leading chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary trailblazers for an evening of prestige, recognition, and celebration.
CLOSED: Win a R1000 Voucher to Una Mas in Sea Point
We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a R1000 dining voucher to Una Mas – Sea Point’s buzzing Mexican hotspot located on the main road, just a stone’s throw from the ocean.
The Icon Reimagined: Schweppes Awakens the Senses with NEW Trio of Flavours
There are few names in the world of beverages that carry the same quiet authority as Schweppes. Since 1783, the brand has defined what it means to drink well – not loudly, but with intention. Now, in a moment where taste, ritual, and restraint are shaping how we socialise, Schweppes returns with a reimagined identity that places flavour and connection at the centre of the experience.
The Ultimate Food Pairings for Every Jacobs Coffee Moment
If you’ve ever curated a weekend brunch board or planned a Friday wind-down, you know that coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood. In South Africa’s buzzing coffee scene, where sipping on something good is as iconic as the tune you pair it with, the flavour companion you choose can elevate every moment.
Whether you’re hosting friends on a sunlit patio, powering through emails at your desk, there’s a Jacobs coffee and a perfect pairing to match.
Why These Winelands Escapes are Worth the Drive and View
For many South Africa, daily life means sitting behind a screen, juggling targets, managing people, responding to complaints, or simply running hard to keep everything moving. And then the weekend arrives, or a rare free weekday afternoon opens up, and suddenly all we want is space, perspective and beauty.
Few places offer that kind of reset quite like the Cape Winelands. Vineyards stretching into the distance, thoughtfully made wines, good food and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down.
The following Winelands destinations produce exceptional experiences, offering views that do half the work of unwinding for you.
Top Dining Out Spots in Cape Town [updated Jan ’26]
Few cities dine quite like Cape Town. Framed by mountains and ocean, the Mother City’s food scene blends world-class restaurants, innovative chefs and a deep appreciation for fresh, local ingredients. From buzzy inner-city hotspots and refined fine-dining destinations to relaxed neighbourhood favourites, this guide rounds up Cape Town’s top dining-out spots — each offering a taste of the city’s endlessly evolving culinary identity.
Top Dining Out Spots in Pretoria [updated Jan ’26]
Here’s a tasty introduction to top dining-out spots in Pretoria – a vibrant city where culinary diversity meets local flair. From elegant fine-dining experiences and chic international menus to relaxed neighbourhood favourites and hidden gems, Pretoria’s restaurant scene has something for food lovers of every taste and occasion.
Top Dining Out Spots in Joburg [updated Jan ’26]
Joburg is a world all on its own: bold, cosmopolitan and endlessly surprising. Here are our top Dining Spots in the city that never slows down.
#HelloRecommends: A Sensory Journey at S!GNS Restaurant Sandton
S!GNS Restaurant Sandton delivers an experience that goes beyond food, blending Afro-Global flavours with a stylish setting that feels right at home in Rivonia’s dining scene. From the thoughtfully plated dishes to the attentive service and vibrant atmosphere, the evening feels curated rather than rushed. It’s the kind of restaurant you choose when you’re marking an occasion or simply craving something a little more sensory than your usual night out.
Ribs and Burgers, the way to go this New Year
Ask the founders of Ribs and Burgers Grillhouse about their ethos, and they will tell you it comes down to one thing: quality you can taste. For this chain, it’s all about authenticity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to great food.
Cape Town’s First Ceremony Matcha Bar Opens on Sea Point Promenade
Advertisement Share this article A new chapter for mindful sipping, flavour and community Cape Town’s wellness scene just got a new ritual. Ceremony Matcha Bar has officially opened its doors on the Sea Point Promenade, bringing with it a serene blend of Japanese tradition, mindful living and ocean-front calm. Founded by Mikayla McClean, Ceremony Matcha […]
Three Reasons to Explore Stellenbosch on Foot
We recently visited Stellenbosch in the Western Cape and experienced a curated walking tour which allows you to take in a town’s sights and smells in a whole new way.
Quick and Easy Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Recipe with B-well Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Advertisement Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this Tomato and Basil Bruschetta recipe is sure to be a hit. Share this article Aromatic basil and crusty Italian bread make Tomato and Basil Bruschetta a classic and delightful dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can […]
