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Daily Maverick
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
World's 50 Best Restaurants: Top SA chefs part of the global elite
South Africa has three restaurants in the world top 100, with the top 50 pending. What does it mean to be ranked among the world's best? Are any South African restaurants in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025? We don't know yet. But three are in the top 100, and there are no surprises among that trio. This annual list can be confusing. Though they are called the World's 50 Best Restaurants, they issue rankings for an extra 50. It is the second half, numbered from 51 to 100, that have been issued so far. The higher rankings are to be announced in Turin on 19 June. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Chef Ryan Cole's Salsify at The Roundhouse in Camps Bay, Cape Town, has broken into the World's 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time with a placing at number 88. Making the cut the first time is a significant milestone — apart from the joy and benefits of being seen among the world's very best, it also means that you're on their radar. The chances of a repeat performance — possibly with a higher ranking — becomes all the more likely. Also in the rankings in 2025 — that is, of those restaurants placed from 51st to 100th — are Peter Tempelhoff's FYN, and La Colombe, where executive chef James Gaag has reigned for several years, keeping the eatery in the top global echelons. This is no mean feat. Both FYN and La Colombe are accustomed to this level of acclaim. But for Salsify and Ryan Cole, reaching the highest global echelon is new. Now the local industry is on tenterhooks, watching closely to see whether other South African restaurants make the cut — and thereby beat both La Colombe and FYN, and 'newcomer' Salsify. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Salsify is the current Eat Out restaurant of the year in South Africa. Are there other South African restaurants that could surprise us by beating FYN, La Colombe and Salsify to a spot in the top 50? If it may seem unlikely, this does not mean it's impossible. Restaurants shift up and down the list every year, sometimes rising or dropping dramatically. The LivingRoom at Summerhill at Cowie's Hill in Durban is likely to be on the radar of the judges. If it soared into the top 50, past the above trio, it would be an astounding achievement. Other restaurants in the La Colombe stable are also likely to be known to the judges. La Petite Colombe and Pier were both rated three stars in 2025 by the Eat Out Awards judges. Dusk in Stellenbosch was rated three stars by Eat Out. FYN, La Colombe and Salsify also achieved three Eat Out stars, so the rise of another of this elite group of three-star winners in the global rankings is not beyond the realms of possibility. Ryan Cole is also highly popular among his peers. A real mensch among local chefs, with a personality and manner that both embraces his own staff and wins the respect of others in the broader industry. Cole, asked what it feels like to make the grade on the global forum for the first time, said: 'I honestly can't say what it takes. If I look at the list, there is no criteria, you don't have to be in any box. I think you need to be consistently excellent and innovative, creative and keep pushing. 'It's a massive honour to be seen through a global lens. And I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. It validates years and years of hard work and honing our space and offering. I am proud to have a restaurant in South Africa that has been recognised as one of the 100 best in the world. I feel like our footprint is getting bigger and our position stronger. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'I think it's a great reminder to the team that their hard work and commitment and dedication is seen. The entire team is buzzing. 'It's a good day!' The World's 50 Best entry for Salsify reads: 'As far as settings go, you'd have to go some way to top this Camps Bay spot. Tickled by the Atlantic and with Lion's Head for its backdrop, you'll find this cosy, contemporary restaurant within an old 1700s guardhouse — now one of Cape Town's finest dining destinations. A romantic setting with a retro edge, it plays host to an exemplary six-to-10-course menu devised by chefs Ryan Cole and Nina du Toit, driven by a mantra of simplicity and local and foraged produce from land and sea.' Asked if there's anything he does that is aimed at attracting such awards, Cole replied: 'No. I've always marched to my own drum. I've been lucky to work and be taught by incredible chefs/mentors and I am grounded in the belief [that] the real accolades are a happy, motivated, driven team and a full restaurant. 'Make no mistake, Salsify has been awarded Restaurant of the Year and made it to the top 100 in the world, and these are both MASSIVE achievements and incredible reminders that what we are doing speaks to many, many people. But it's not the only reason we do what we do.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads At FYN, the smiling, humble demeanour of Peter Tempelhoff is matched by a tenacious work ethic and creativity. FYN has been placed in the World's 50 Best Restaurants five times now: 82nd (this year), 60th, 72nd, 37th, and 92nd. These are numbers that Ryan Cole might consider with interest, as he is almost sure to have new numbers of his own in years to come. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads On the new list, FYN is described like this: 'Pronounced 'fayn', FYN tells African stories with a Japanese accent on the fifth floor of a 19th-century silk factory in Cape Town. Using fish, poultry and meat from the best local suppliers, chefs Ashley Moss and Peter Tempelhoff serve a tasting menu with dishes such as the signature hazelnut-crusted springbok with salt-baked celeriac, black figs and mountain sage. General manager Jennifer Hugé runs the dining room, underneath which the team also oversees a casual ramen bar called Ramenhead.' 'Anywhere on the 100 Best Restaurants list is quite something,' says Tempelhoff. 'It's an incredible achievement by the team — Ashley Moss, Jennifer Hugé, Paul Bruce-Brand, Bea Malherbe… what talent.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads How do you stay in the top 100? For Tempelhoff, it's about pleasing regular customers, not judges. 'It's not easy staying on the list while constantly changing menus as much as we do. We've got many incredible regular guests who've been with us from between 40 to 65 visits. If we weren't as accommodating, fluid and dynamic with our menu changes we'd never have kept them coming back. We can't stand still or have dishes on the menu for too long as we get bored, and are scared our guests will too. 'This game is all about keeping up with or getting ahead of the culinary Joneses in terms of innovation and creativity. If you can hold your own and forge ahead with your own style and be constantly innovative, you'll do well and maybe even make that list. It isn't easy but it will make it easier to get acknowledged by World's 50 Best judges. 'This job is always about trying to impress everyone, but knowing you never will. Restaurants aren't around forever, so making the best hay while the sun is shining doesn't seem like a bind, it feels like a duty.' At La Colombe, James Gaag is familiar with global success. In 2022 La Colombe was placed 56th in the world, 94th in 2023, 49th in 2024, and this year 55th. 'It's always amazing to be recognised on a world platform,' Gaag says. 'It's very special to me and the entire team and affirms that we are moving the restaurant in the right direction. 'The World's 50 Best voters are totally anonymous and from all around the world, so I think the key is consistency. It's what we strive for every day.' The World's 50 Best describes La Colombe like this: 'Tucked away in the Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Neck, with stunning views over the Constantia Valley towards the sea, South African fine-dining institution La Colombe is the flagship restaurant of Scot Kirton's La Colombe Group, comprising a slew of the country's top restaurants. Consistently winning local and international awards, chef James Gaag and his team create elegant dishes grounded in French technique and accented with Asian flourishes.' Does he do anything in particular to please their judges? 'I think what's most important is that we cook food that makes me happy,' said Gaag. 'Food that I enjoy and that keeps me and the team motivated and interested. We are always trying to push the boat out and find new and exciting things, be it techniques or ingredients.' Now the eyes of industry watchers are on 19 June and those top 50 results from Turin. DM
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Three renowned Cape Town eateries shine on the 2025 World's Best Restaurants list
La Colombe ranked 55th. Image: Facebook / La Colombe Cape Town continues to assert itself as a global culinary capital, with three of its most acclaimed restaurants earning coveted spots on the 2025 World's Best Restaurants list. These fine-dining establishments, known for their innovation, world-class talent, and spectacular settings, are showcasing the best of South African gastronomy on the world stage. La Colombe ranked 55th Making its sixth appearance on the list, La Colombe stands tall at number 55, reaffirming its status as a South African fine-dining icon. Nestled within the Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, the restaurant boasts panoramic views of the Constantia Valley, stretching all the way to the sea. La Colombe is the crown jewel of Scot Kirton's La Colombe Group, which includes some of South Africa's most celebrated restaurants. Under the direction of Chef James Gaag, the kitchen delivers a refined dining experience rooted in classic French technique, subtly infused with Asian influences. In 2024, La Colombe was ranked 49th globally and was named Best Restaurant in Africa, adding to its impressive string of accolades. FYN ranked 82nd Securing the 82nd spot, FYN returns to the list for the fifth time, further establishing its reputation as a cutting-edge culinary destination. Opened in 2018 by renowned chef Peter Tempelhoff, with Culinary Director Ashley Moss and Beverage Director Jennifer Hugé, FYN fuses Japanese precision with the rich flavours of South African ingredients. The restaurant offers a curated, seasonal tasting menu that highlights sustainability and storytelling, delivering an immersive dining journey. In 2023, FYN became the first stand-alone African restaurant to be inducted into the prestigious Relais and Châteaux association, a global hallmark of excellence in fine dining and luxury hospitality. Salsify at the Roundhouse ranked 88th A fresh addition to the global stage, Salsify at the Roundhouse debuts on the list at number 88. Located in the historic Roundhouse building above Camps Bay, the restaurant offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion's Head. Led by Executive Chef Ryan Cole and Head Chef Nina du Toit, Salsify presents modern, seasonal tasting menus that draw inspiration from local, foraged ingredients, blending land and sea in every bite. Recognised locally, the restaurant earned three-star status at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards in both 2022 and 2023. IOL Lifestyle
Time Out
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Salsify and FYN both claim spots on prestigious list
So here's a bit of a brainteaser which may require you to reach for a Panado or two... Salsify at the Roundhouse has just been named in 88th spot and FYN in 82nd place on The World's 50 Best Restaurants Top 100 list. The question you may be pondering now is, how do you make the 82nd and 88th spots on a top 50 list? Well, you see, this particular list highlights the 50 best restaurants globally as their flagship list, but then they also have a secondary extended list of the next best in the world - it's kind of a preview to the restaurants who are likely to have a go at cracking the top 50 one day. I told you that Panado would come in handy. The news broke on Thursday and to say that Salsify head chef Nina du Toit is happy would be an understatement. 'I am so proud of what we have accomplished, it has been a dream to be on the list, and it has been many years of consistent growth and hard work,' says Nina. Since opening its doors in 2018, Salsify has become known and celebrated for its insistence on the preservation of heritage; paying tribute to history, stories and ingredients while creating outstanding light, delicate dishes. FYN's Peter Tempelhoff shares the delight felt by du Toit, saying: 'To be recognised by the World's 50 Best for the fifth time is an extraordinary honour. This is a celebration of the whole team - from our kitchen and service brigades to our foragers, farmers, fishermen and ceramicists. FYN is the product of a deeply collaborative ecosystem, and this recognition is for everyone who plays apart in creating the FYN experience. We are very grateful.' Fun fact about FYN FYN is the only African establishment to be awarded the top-tier three-star rating from the Food Made Good Standard in 2025 - the global benchmark for ethical hospitality. Fun fact about Salsify Last year, Salsify erected an immersive ceiling installation of thousands of meticulously folded flowers made from old Salsify menus – dating back to the restaurant's opening in 2018 – symbolising both the evolution of the restaurant and its commitment to sustainability. Each flower tells a story of culinary creativity and the team's dedication to reducing waste and preserving the essence of what Salsify stands for.
The South African
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Three Cape Town eateries make World's Best Restaurant 2025 list
No fewer than three Cape Town eateries have been named in the top 100 World's Best Restaurants list for 2025, solidifying the Mother City's reputation as the top South African city to eat in. No other South African restaurants in other provinces featured. La Colombe (55th), FYN (82nd) and Salsify (88th) all made the list. For La Colombe, it was a sixth appearance, while FYN appeared on the coveted list for a fifth time. Salsify made its debut this year. Each year, the World's 50 Best Restaurants list highlights 50 exceptional dining establishments, accompanied by an extended list ranking restaurants from 51 to 100. The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 ceremony will be held in Turin in Italy on Thursday, 19 June. The World's Best Restaurant website had the following to say about the three South African establishments: No 55 La Colombe Cape Town Tucked away in the Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with stunning views over the Constantia Valley towards the sea, South African fine-dining institution La Colombe is the flagship restaurant of Scot Kirton's La Colombe Group, comprising a slew of the country's top restaurants. Consistently winning local and international awards, chef James Gaag and his team create elegant dishes grounded in French technique and accented with Asian flourishes. No 82 FYN Cape Town Pronounced 'fayn', FYN tells African stories with a Japanese accent on the fifth floor of a 19th-century silk factory in Cape Town. Using fish, poultry and meat from the best local suppliers, chefs Ashley Moss and Peter Tempelhoff serve a tasting menu with dishes such as the signature hazelnut-crusted springbok with salt-baked celeriac, black figs and mountain sage. General manager Jennifer Hugé runs the dining room, underneath which the team also oversees a casual ramen bar called Ramenhead. No 88 Salsify at the Roundhouse – NEW ENTRY Cape Town As far as settings go, you'd have to go some to top this Camps Bay spot. Tickled by the Atlantic and with Lion's Head for its backdrop, you'll find this cosy, contemporary restaurant within an old 1700s guardhouse – now one of Cape Town's finest dining destinations. A romantic setting with retro edge, it plays host to an exemplary six to 10-course menu devised by chefs Ryan Cole and Luke Dale-Roberts, driven by a mantra of simplicity and local and foraged produce from land and sea. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
05-06-2025
- Business
- News24
Three Cape Town restaurants make the World's Best list for 2025
Three Cape Town spots have been named in the top 100 World's Best Restaurant's list, solidifying its reputation as the best South African city to dine in. La Colombe (55), FYN (82) and Salsify (a new entry at 88) all made the list, with La Colombe making it's 6th appearance, and FYN making it's 5th. Each year, the World's 50 Best Restaurants list highlights 50 exceptional dining establishments, accompanied by an extended list ranking restaurants from 51 to 100. Previously, Paternoster restaurant Wolfgat made the cut, peaking at number 50 in 2021. The co-owner of Salsify, Ryan Cole, told News24 Food that the ranking was a result of years of graft from his team. 'It's incredible to be recognised on a world stage, it's a testament to years of commitment and hard work. I don't think you can ever expect something like this.' Salsify also took home the coveted Eat Out Restaurant of the Year award for 2025 in March. Salsify head chef Nina du Toit told News24 Food that their accolades this year were not an overnight success story, but rather 'a culmination of the last six years of consistent hard work and innovation, always pushing to be better'. 'I am so proud of what we have accomplished, it has been a dream to be on the list,' she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salsify at The Roundhouse (@salsify_at_the_roundhouse) 'To be recognised by the World's 50 Best for the fifth time is an extraordinary honour,' said FYN founder Peter Tempelhoff. 'This is a celebration of the whole team - from our kitchen and service brigades to our foragers, farmers, fishermen and ceramicists. FYN is the product of a deeply collaborative ecosystem, and this recognition is for everyone who plays apart in creating the FYN experience. We are very grateful.' FYN is also the only establishment in Africa to receive a top-tier three-star rating from the Food Made Good Standard in 2025 - the global benchmark for ethical hospitality. It is also the only stand-alone restaurant on the continent to have been inducted into the Relais & Châteaux association. Cape Town was crowned the World's Best Food City in the 2024 Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, beating out culinary hotspots like Tokyo, Rome, and Porto. The 2025 World's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony will be held in Turin, Italy, on 19 June.
