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.
