South Africa’s culinary elite honoured at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards
The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at Johannesburg's exclusive 11th Floor, a venue synonymous with prestige and a star-studded guest list.
Once again, the annual event brought together the country’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary trailblazers for an evening of recognition and celebration.
The night exuded sophistication, with media personality Shashi Naidoo and celebrated cookbook author and culinary icon Mogau Seshoene, also known as The Lazy Makoti, hosting the glamorous affair.
The duo guided guests through an evening where South Africa's finest restaurants and chefs were celebrated for their innovation, craftsmanship, and tireless dedication to the culinary arts.
Among the standout winners, Candice Philip was crowned Chef of the Year, an accolade that speaks volumes of her unwavering commitment to precision and creativity in the kitchen.
Luke Dale Roberts clinched the prestigious Restaurant of the Year award for Salon, his latest culinary venture that has redefined contemporary fine dining.
Liam Tomlin, on the other hand, received the Pioneer Award, a nod to his enduring influence on the evolution of South Africa’s dining landscape.
The evening also paid tribute to two Michelin-starred chefs for their exceptional contributions.
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen was honoured with the Luxe Three-Star Award for Klein JAN, his acclaimed restaurant nestled within the stunning Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.
Phil Carmichael, revered for his modern European culinary expertise, took home Bistro of the Year for Mill Street Bistro, further solidifying its status as one of the country's finest dining establishments.
The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards has once again proven itself to be one of South Africa’s most prestigious culinary events.
Not only did the night celebrate those at the pinnacle of their craft, but it also served as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of gastronomic talent.
Below is the full list of winners:
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 St Bistro
Burger Joint of the Year – Brash
Caterer of the Year – Vicky Crease Catering + Events
Coffee Shop of the Year – La Cotte Mill House
Cafe 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