The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at the exclusive 11th Floor in Johannesburg. Known for its prestige and star-studded guest list, the annual awards once again brought together the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary tastemakers for an evening of recognition and celebration.
The night was an elegant affair, hosted by renowned media personality Shashi Naidoo alongside award-winning cookbook author and culinary personality Mogau Seshoene, known as The Lazy Makoti. The duo guided guests through an evening of glamour and gastronomy, as South Africa’s most exceptional restaurants and chefs were honoured for their innovation, dedication, and artistry.
Among the big winners of the night, Candice Philip was crowned Chef of the Year, a testament to her unwavering commitment to precision and creativity in the kitchen. Luke Dale Roberts took home the coveted Restaurant of the Year award for Salon, his latest venture that has set a new standard for contemporary fine dining. Meanwhile, Liam Tomlin received the Pioneer Award, recognizing his profound impact on the evolution of South Africa’s dining landscape.
The evening also saw two Michelin-starred chefs honoured for their contributions to the industry. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen received a Luxe Three-Star Award for Klein JAN, his acclaimed restaurant set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Phil Carmichael, celebrated for his expertise in modern European cuisine, was awarded Bistro of the Year for Mill Street Bistro, solidifying its place as one of the country’s top dining destinations.
The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards once again cemented its status as one of the most prestigious culinary events in South Africa. The night not only celebrated those at the peak of their craft but also served as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of culinary 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 Restaurant:
- Belly of the Beast
- Beyond by Peter Tempelhoff
- Epice
- Fermier
- Hōseki
- Le Coin Français
- Les Créatifs
- Post & Pepper
- The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira
- 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
- Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
- Dusk Restaurant
- FYN Restaurant
- La Colombe
- La Petite Colombe
- Pier
- Restaurant Klein JAN
- Salsify at The Roundhouse
- Salon
