The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards took place this week. If you consider yourself a foodie, this is the list you need to save!
Johannesburg, South Africa (27 February 2026) – Recognised as one of South Africa’s most anticipated award ceremonies in food and hospitality, the 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards this week celebrated the biggest names who’ve been shaping the local scene.
Shashi Naidoo made her comeback as MC, joined by cookbook author and culinary icon Mogau Seshoene (aka The Lazy Makoti) as the official awards correspondent.
The night’s top honour went to Mertia in Stellenbosch, named Restaurant of the Year!
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Mertia was recognised for its refined approach, consistency, and exceptional dining experience. The win adds to an impressive trajectory of Best New Restaurant in 2024, two LUXE Stars and a Service Excellence Award in 2025.
“This award belongs to our entire team. The early mornings, late nights, relentless standards and the quiet dedication behind every service. To Chef Matt and Marais, whose vision continues to shape who we are. And to every guest who has chosen our space to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.” shared Mertia.
Carla Schulze took home Chef of the Year, and in the same breath, her restaurant, Salon in Cape Town, was awarded a Three Star rating.
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“A triumphant evening at the LUXE Awards, where Executive Chef Carla was honoured with the coveted Chef of the Year title, a powerful recognition of her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Under her direction, SALON was also awarded a prestigious Three Star rating, affirming its place at the forefront of contemporary fine dining.” shared Salon.
Chef Callan Austin from Dusk in Stellenbosch picked up the Culinary Innovation Award for boundary-pushing food that keeps fine dining exciting.
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“We’re grateful to be acknowledged among peers in the industry, and even more grateful to the team who show up daily to make it possible. Thank you to everyone who supports what we do.” shared Dusk.
For new arrivals, Amura at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town had a strong night, winning both New Restaurant of the Year and the Style Award.
The evening also recognised Nic Charalambous of Ouzeri in Cape Town for his distinctive voice and rapidly growing influence within the industry, which scooped him the Culinary Rising Star Award.
See the full list of category winners below, and click here for starred restaurants.
2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards Winners
1. Restaurant of the Year: Mertia (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
2. Chef of the Year: Carla Schulze (Cape Town, Western Cape)
3. New Restaurant of the Year: Amura (Cape Town, Western Cape)
4. Pioneer Award: Marble Hospitality (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
5. Culinary Innovation Award: Callan Austin – Dusk (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
6. Culinary Rising Star Award: Nic Charalambous – Ouzeri (Cape Town, Western Cape)
7. Hidden Gem Award: Melfort (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
8. Pastry Chef of the Year: Arno Ralph (Cape Town, Western Cape)
9. Service Excellence Award: Hōseki (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
10. Style Award: Amura (Cape Town, Western Cape)
11. Sustainability Award: Fermier (Pretoria, Gauteng)
12. Restaurant Group of the Year: Olives & Plates: (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
13. African Restaurant of the Year: Qunu (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
14. Bakery of the Year: Lion’s Bread (Cape Town, Western Cape)
15. Bistro of the Year: Le Bistrot de JAN (Franschhoek, Western Cape)
16. Burger Joint of the Year: Le Pickle (Cape Town, Western Cape)
17. Cafe of the Year: Café Sofi (Cape Town, Western Cape)
18. Casual Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Coy (Cape Town, Western Cape)
19. Concept Restaurant of the Year: The Wiggle Room (Cape Town, Western Cape)
20. Contemporary Restaurant of the Year: Embarc (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
21. Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Rust en Vrede Restaurant (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
22. Food Truck of the Year: Briskets & Biscuits (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
23. Grab and Go Restaurant of the Year: Slaps Sandos (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
24. Grillhouse of the Year: Vuur (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
25. Hotel Restaurant of the Year: The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
26. International Restaurant of the Year: De Eetkamer (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
27. Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year: Ocaso (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
28. Supper Club of the Year: Nine Lives (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
29. Street Food Restaurant of the Year: How Bao Now (Cape Town, Western Cape)
30. People’s Choice Award: Club Como (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
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