2025

Restaurant Awards

The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at the exclusive 11th Floor in Johannesburg. Renowned for its prestige and elite guest list, this annual celebration once again brought together the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs and culinary innovators for an evening of recognition and celebration.‍

The 2025 LUXE Restaurant Awards

‍

The 2025 LUXE Restaurant Awards took place at The 11th Floor in Johannesburg, bringing together the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders for an evening of recognition and celebration.

The ceremony was hosted by Shashi Naidoo and Mogau Seshoene, who guided guests through an elegant and dynamic programme.

Candice Philip was named Chef of the Year, while Salon by Luke Dale-Roberts received Restaurant of the Year. Liam Tomlin was honoured with the Pioneer Award for his lasting contribution to the industry.

The evening also recognised Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and Phil Carmichael for their exceptional culinary achievements.

The awards reaffirmed their position as one of South Africa’s most prestigious hospitality platforms, celebrating leadership, innovation, and global competitiveness.

The 2025 LUXE Restaurant Awards category winners are as follows:

‍

1. Restaurant of the Year – Salon

2. Chef of the Year – Candice Philip

3. New Restaurant of the Year – Coy

4. Pioneer Award – Liam Tomlin

5. Culinary Innovation Award – Carla Schulze

6. Culinary Rising Star Award – Amori Burger

7. Hidden Gem Award – Good to Gather

8. Pastry Chef of the Year – Keshia Louw

9. Service Excellence Award – Mertia

10. Style Award – Marble Cape Town

11. Sustainability Award – Reverie Social Table

12. Mixology Rising Star Award – Caitlin Crockart

13. Bistro of the Year – Mill Street Bistro

14. Burger Joint of the Year – Brash

15. Coffee Shop of the Year – La Cotte Mill House

16. Café of the Year – Ground Art Caffe

17. Casual Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Elgr

18. Contemporary Restaurant of the Year – Upper Union

19. Family Restaurant of the Year – Culinary Table

20. Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Cyra

21. Grillhouse of the Year – Tyler’s

22. Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Proud Mary

23. International Restaurant of the Year – Club Como

24. Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year – Gemelli

25. Patisserie of the Year – La Tarte

26. Pop-Up Restaurant of the Year – Edge at Vue Short Market

27. Restaurant Group of the Year – Tashas

28. Rooftop Restaurant of the Year – The 11th Floor

29. Street Food Restaurant of the Year – Yatai Ramenbar

30. 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