Who are the Winners of This Year’s Luxe Restaurant Awards?
The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at the exclusive 11th Floor in Johannesburg. Renowned for its prestige and elite guest list, this annual celebration once again brought together the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs and culinary innovators for an evening of recognition and celebration.
Exuding elegance, the night was hosted by media personality, Shashi Naidoo alongside award-winning cookbook author and culinary star, Mogau Seshoene, (aka The Lazy Makoti). Together, they guided guests through a dazzling evening where South Africa’s top restaurants and chefs were honoured for their creativity, dedication and artistry.
Celebrating the Best in the Industry
Among the standout winners of the evening, Candice Philip was crowned Chef of the Year. Ultimately, this proved a well-earned recognition of her precision and ingenuity in the kitchen. In addition, the prestigious Restaurant of the Year award went to Luke Dale Roberts for Salon, his latest venture that has set a new benchmark for contemporary fine dining. Meanwhile, industry trailblazer, Liam Tomlin received the Pioneer Award. In essence, this award acknowledges his significant influence on South Africa’s evolving culinary landscape.
Furthermore, the evening celebrated two Michelin-starred chefs for their contributions to the industry. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen received a Luxe Three-Star Award for Klein JAN, his celebrated restaurant set in the breathtaking Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Renowned for his expertise in modern European cuisine, Phil Carmichael took home Bistro of the Year for Mill Street Bistro. This solidifies the dining destination’s reputation as one of the country’s premier restaurants.
A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s Luxe Restaurant Awards reaffirmed its position as one of South Africa’s most prestigious culinary events. Beyond celebrating those at the pinnacle of their craft, the evening also served as an inspiration for the next generation of chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality visionaries.
Here’s a full list of the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Award Winners:
2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards Category Winners
Restaurant of the Year – Salon
Chef of the Year – Candice Philip
New Restaurant of the Year – Coy
Pioneer Award – Liam Tomlin
Culinary Innovation Award – Carla Schulze
Culinary Media Personality of the Year – Zola Nene
Culinary Rising Star Award – Amori Burger
Hidden Gem Award – Good to Gather
Pastry Chef of the Year – Keshia Louw
Service Excellence Award – Mertia
Style Award – Marble Cape Town
Sustainability Award – Reverie Social Table
Bar of the Year – Sin + Tax
Bartender of the Year – JJ Hendricks (Fable Bar)
Mixology Rising Star Award – Caitlin Crockart
Bistro of the Year – Mill Street Bistro
Burger Joint of the Year – Brash
Caterer of the Year – Vicky Crease Catering + Events
Coffee Shop of the Year – La Cotte Mill House
Café of the Year – Ground Art Caffe
Casual Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Elgr
Contemporary Restaurant of the Year – Upper Union
Family Restaurant of the Year – Culinary Table
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Cyra
Grillhouse of the Year – Tyler’s
Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Proud Mary
International Restaurant of the Year – Club Como
Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year – Gemelli
Patisserie of the Year – La Tarte
Pop-Up Restaurant of the Year – Edge at Vue Short Market
Restaurant Group of the Year – Tashas
Rooftop Restaurant of the Year – The 11th Floor
Street Food Restaurant of the Year – Yatai Ramenbar
Tapas Restaurant of the Year – De Eetkamer
Luxe Starred Restaurants
One-Star Restaurants
Belly of the Beast
Beyond by Peter Tempelhoff
Epice
Fermier
Hōseki
Le Coin Français
Les Créatifs
Post & Pepper
The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira
Two-Star Restaurants
Arkeste by Richard Carstens
Coy Restaurant
Cyra by Candice Philip
JAN Franschhoek
Mertia
Rust en Vrede Restaurant
The Living Room at Summerhill Estate
The Pot Luck Club (JHB & CPT)
Wolfgat
Three-Star Restaurants
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Dusk Restaurant
FYN Restaurant
La Colombe
La Petite Colombe
Pier
Restaurant Klein JAN
Salsify at The Roundhouse
Salon
Once again, these annual awards showcased South Africa’s culinary excellence, celebrating those who push the boundaries of taste and experience. These award-winning establishments stand as beacons of inspiration in an ever-evolving industry, for sure.
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