Latest news with #LaColombe
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
The first batch of the world's best restaurants has been revealed for 2025
Each year, the World's 50 Best announces a list of the top 50 restaurants on the planet, and for 2025 that will take place at a ceremony in Turin on June 19. But 50? That's hardly very many spots to allocate when there are so many fantastic restaurants out there. Luckily, there's an extended version of the list – 50 restaurants that didn't quite make the final cut, but can very proudly say they're in the top 100 on the planet. Ahead of announcing the official top 50, the guide has just released the 51-100 best restaurants in the world right now. Among the inclusions is La Colombe, a stunning fine-dining institution near Cape Town, nestled in the Silvermist organic wine estate, which overlooks the Constantia Valley. Here you'll find a menu of classy plates influenced by Asian cuisine and created with French techniques. Over in the heart of São Paulo you'll find Tuju, a breezy, contemporary restaurant led by chef Ivan Rolston, where you can indulge in a decadent 10-course menu – which, according to World's 50 Best, 'pays homage to Brazil 's distinct seasons, showcasing locally sourced ingredients through creative techniques.' Then there's Burnt Ends, an iconic Singaporean restaurant where pretty much all the dishes on the menu are flame-cooked. Salivating? Same – check out the rest of the top 100 below. These are the world's best restaurants, from 51-100 Alcalde, Guadalajara, Mexico Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau, Switzerland Den, Tokyo, Japan El Chato, Bogotá, Colombia La Colombe, Cape Town, South Africa Jordnær, Copenhagen, Denmark Onjium, Seoul, South Korea Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin, Germany Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin, Germany Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico Nuema, Quito, Ecuador Willem Hiele, Oudenburg, Belgium Bozar, Brussels, Belgium Fu He Hui, Shanghai, China Quique Dacosta, Dénia, Spain Saint Peter, Sydney, Australia Arca, Tulum, Mexico Masque, Mumbai, India Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia Tuju, São Paulo, Brazil Sazenka, Tokyo, Japan Chef Tam's Seasons, Macau, China Tantris, Munich, Germany Mountain, London, UK Mil, Cusco, Peru Leo, Bogotá, Colombia Le Doyenné, Saint-Vrain, France Cocina Hermanos Torres, Barcelona, Spain Coda, Berlin, Germany SingleThread, Healdsburg, USA Oteque, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fyn, Cape Town, South Africa A Casa do Porco, São Paulo, Brazil Aponiente, El Puerto de Santa María, Spain Txispa, Atxondo, Spain The Clove Club, London, UK Mugaritz, San Sebastián, Spain Salsify at the Roundhouse, Cape Town, South Africa Huniik, Mérida, Mexico Le Bernardin, New York, USA Koan, Copenhagen, Denmark Al Gatto Verde, Modena, Italy Burnt Ends, Singapore, Singapore Meet the Bund, Shanghai, China Evvai, São Paulo, Brazil Atelier Crenn, San Francisco, USA Labyrinth, Singapore, Singapore César, New York, USA Amisfield Restaurant, Queenstown, New Zealand Neolokal, Istanbul, Türkiye Did you see that the best pizzerias in Europe have been crowned for 2025?
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.
Time Out
30-05-2025
- Time Out
How to spend a luxurious day in Cape Town
Cape Town is a day-tripper's delight on any given day of the week. Whether you live in the city or are visiting for the first time, your choices are endless. Simplicity, they say, is the ultimate sophistication. With this in mind, we've curated a seamless guide to spending a luxurious day in the city - made even more effortless with your Capitec Credit Card. Morning: Sumptuous Sunrise Delights and Artistic Exploration Breakfast with a view Kickstart your day with a rooftop breakfast at the Radisson Red Hotel in the V&A Waterfront. Choose from a selection of breakfast options at their Rooftop Bar & Terrace, open from 8am. You'll enjoy panoramic views of Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront, setting the ideal tone for your day of pampered spoils. Immersive Contemporary African Art Just a short stroll across the Silo District, you'll find the largest museum of contemporary African art on the continent, The Zeitz MOCAA. Housed in a transformed grain silo, it's a testament to Cape Town's innovative spirit, with cutting-edge exhibitions set to stimulate your creative juices. Midday: Coastal Elegance and Culinary Delights Scenic Drive Along Chapman's Peak to Boulders Beach Cape Town's scenic beauty is in a class of its own. Fortunately, the city has several picturesque drives, providing ample spots to stop and take in the view – and snap that perfect selfie. Chapman's Peak Drive sets the pace with its outstanding road safety engineering as the backdrop to the Atlantic Ocean's cinematic seascape views. Later, make your way to Boulders Beach to marvel at the charming, yet critically endangered African penguins who have set up a colony alongside this natural rock tidal pool. Feeling adventurous? Why not take a dip. Or head to nearby Simon's Town for a thrilling shark cage diving experience with Shark Explorers. Underwater, you're more likely to see Bronzies than a Great White these days, coupled with some seals or rare Cape Otter sightings. You will, however, come away with an unforgettable glimpse into the Cape's dramatic marine life and secret world beneath the waves. Lunch at La Colombe Now that you've worked up quite the appetite, pace yourself for a leisurely lunch at La Colombe in the Constantia Valley. Their lunch experience gives you a first-hand preview of why they are consistently ranked among the world's best restaurants - all set against the backdrop of the lush Silvermist Wine Estate. Afternoon: Vineyard Sips and Island Spa Twists Wine Tasting in the Valley Staying in the scenic Constantia Valley, make your way to the OG of the Cape's vineyards: Groot Constantia. Here, fine wine and rich architectural heritage converge. Sip your way through award-winning vintages while strolling the estate's manicured gardens and soaking in centuries of history. Relaxation on an Island Oasis Return to Cape Town and unwind at the newly revamped One & Only Spa. You'll be able to bliss out for an hour with a bespoke facial or a sought-after Bastien pedicure. Evening: Sunset Sips and Gourmet Dining Cocktail Sundowner Cruise As the sun sets, why not head back to the ocean for a Table Bay Harbour boat cruise? Sip on your favourite cocktails or bubbly as you enjoy unobstructed views of the Waterfront and Atlantic Seaboard beachfront, making it the perfect spot for golden hour. Dinner at FYN Restaurant How you finish your day of opulence matters. So, why not take a culinary journey at FYN, globally recognised for its masterful blending of South African flavours with Japanese techniques. Located in the city centre, its minimalist design and open kitchen create an immersive dining experience that's worth every bite. Night: Rest in Refined Luxury Stay at The Marly End your day off with a seascape stay along Camps Bay at The Marly, a boutique hotel set on the famous beach strip. Here you'll be wrapped in modern luxury with the crisp South Atlantic atmosphere hitting all the right notes. Savings Tip: Credit cardholders can benefit from exclusive accommodation deals. Check Capitec's official website for the latest on partner deals and rewards. So, there you have it. Unlocking Cape Town's finest offerings has never been simpler, ensuring that every moment is both an indulgent and rewarding experience. Travel Tip: Did you know your Capitec Credit Card comes with free travel insurance of up to R5 million for international trips - and zero currency conversion fees? That means more peace of mind and more spending power wherever you go. TIME OUT RECOMMENDS:
