Best fine dining destinations in Africa
Best fine dining destinations in Africa
Award-winning fine dining restaurants and gourmet hubs in Africa
South Africa anchors much of Africa's fine dining scene, with a wine-region restaurant culture built alongside some of the world's most renowned vineyards. North African cities draw on centuries of culinary tradition for an entirely different version of African excellence.
The destinations on this list range from wine-region restaurants, where chefs work alongside renowned vineyards, to North African cities, where fine dining draws heavily on centuries of regional culinary tradition. Both represent very different versions of the continent's food culture.
Pairing a meal with a wine estate visit remains one of the most distinctive things about dining well in southern Africa specifically, combining the food with the landscape that produces it. Asking staff directly about seasonal specialities also tends to reveal dishes that don't always make it onto the printed menu.
Lists by region
City in South Africa
Stellenbosch
Wine, Heritage and Mountain Views
Eike, Overture and Rust en Vrede all made the 2019 Eat Out top 20. Eike ranked seventh and Overture twelfth. Overture is at Hidden Valley Wines at the foot of the Helderberg. The Tokara restaurant has a cliff edge location with vineyard views. Delaire Graff serves South African inspired dishes with a twist.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Nine of the 20 restaurants on the 2019 Eat Out awards list were in Cape Town. La Colombe in Constantia took first place. FYN in the City Bowl ranked fifth. Salsify in Camps Bay ranked eighth. Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia placed tenth. The Shortmarket Club also made the list.
City in Kenya
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
Talisman is a high end gastro lounge serving Asian, European and African fusion. Its garden hosts exhibitions and live music. Tamarind in Karen is a seafood restaurant with Asian, French and African dishes. The Carnivore grills game meats such as ostrich and crocodile on traditional Maasai swords.
Island in Seychelles
Mahé
Tropical Paradise with a Wild Side
La Plage on Beau Vallon Beach serves French inspired seafood from chef Sylvain Bregeon. Lobster thermidor is the dish to order. Marie Antoinette in Victoria has served Creole food since 1972. Its dishes include parrotfish, tuna steak and pumpkin chutney. Del Place in Port Glaud serves a red snapper carpaccio.
Country
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
Le Château de Bel Ombre is a 19th century plantation house serving French fine dining. Inti, a Peruvian restaurant at a Lux resort, features chef Pedro Burgos. Chef Fabio de Poli cooks with orchard produce at La Table du Château. Le Chamarel serves Creole food 250 metres above sea level with treetop views.
City in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
Lucy Gazebo is an upmarket restaurant with semi alfresco dining beside the National Museum. Its menu is international but strongest in Ethiopian dishes. Yod Abyssinia pairs its meals with traditional music and dance. Upmarket traditional restaurants offer the coffee ceremony where beans are roasted in front of guests.
Town in South Africa
Franschhoek
Wine, Mountains and Gourmet Living
French Huguenots founded the town in 1688. Three Franschhoek restaurants made the 2019 Eat Out top 20. La Petite Colombe ranked sixth. Chefs Warehouse at Maison and Le Coin Français ranked 14th and 16th. Bastille Day on 14 July decorates the town in the French tricolor.
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