2022
In March 2022, South Africa’s culinary greats were honoured at the 4th Annual Luxe Restaurant Awards.
The 2022 LUXE Restaurant Awards
The 2022 LUXE Restaurant Awards took place in March at Ethos in Johannesburg, where South Africa’s culinary elite gathered to celebrate excellence across the national dining landscape. The prestigious ceremony welcomed an intimate audience of 100 leading industry figures.
The evening was hosted by renowned media personality Shashi Naidoo. Guests included celebrated chefs James Gaag, Siba Mtongana, Wandile Mabaso, and The Lazy Makoti, alongside prominent business and lifestyle leaders.
Winners were selected through a rigorous judging process led by a panel of anonymous food critics, complemented by a national public vote. The judging panel was convened by Chad Fourie, Chief Judge of the LUXE Restaurant Awards and Managing Director of The Hospitality Counsel.
Reflecting on the evening, Fourie noted:
“Over the past nine months, our judges have sought out exemplary dining experiences across South Africa. Tonight, we celebrate those who continue to elevate our industry and create meaningful, lasting memories through hospitality.”
A total of twenty category winners were announced, spanning disciplines from fine dining and sustainability to service excellence and culinary innovation. The Chef of the Year award was accompanied by an exclusive BMW experience.
The 2022 LUXE Restaurant Awards category winners are as follows:
1. Restaurant of the Year: La Colombe
2. Chef of the Year: Wandile Mabaso
3. New Restaurant of the Year: Pier
4. Style Award: Zioux
5. Culinary Icon Award: Siba Mtongana
6. Culinary Innovation Award: Candice Philip
7. Culinary Rising Star Award: Moses Moloi
8. Sustainability Award: The Test Kitchen Fledgelings
9. Service Excellence Award: Basalt
10. Pioneer Award: Luke Dale-Roberts
11. African Restaurant of the Year: Emazulwini
12. Bistro of the Year: Embarc
13. Burger Joint of the Year: BGR
14. Coffee Shop of the Year: Truth Café
15. Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: La Petite Colombe
16. Hotel Restaurant of the Year: Aurum
17. Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year: Tang
18. Steakhouse of the Year: The Blockman
19. Street Food Experience of the Year: How Bao Now
20. Wine Service Award: Michelle Moller (La Colombe)


