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Michelin Star Restaurants in South Africa: Are there any?
- What is the Michelin Star rating system?
- Exploration of Michelin-Starred Restaurants in South Africa
- Reasons South Africa Doesn’t Have Michelin Stars
- What South Africa Brings to the Table
- African Chefs Breaking Michelin Boundaries
- Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen
- Jean Delport
- Hylton James Espey
- Nick Honeyman
- FAQs About Michelin Stars in South Africa
The short answer is no. There are no Michelin-starred restaurants in South Africa.
But don’t worry, it’s not because the food isn’t amazing. The reason goes beyond just the quality of the dining experience.
Interestingly, several South African chefs working abroad have earned Michelin stars for their exceptional culinary creations.
So, let’s dive into why Michelin hasn’t expanded to South Africa. We’ll break down the grading system and explore what it means for the local food scene so you’ll have a clear understanding of the situation.
What is the Michelin Star rating system?
The Michelin Star rating system is part of the famous Michelin Guide, a global benchmark for fine dining. Restaurants earn stars based on key factors: the quality of ingredients, skill in cooking, balance of flavours, value for money, and consistency.
Stars are awarded in three levels:
- One Star – An excellent restaurant in its category
- Two Stars – Delicious food that is worth the detour
- Three Stars – Wonderful food worthy of a unique adventure
Exploration of Michelin-Starred Restaurants in South Africa
South Africa doesn’t have any Michelin-starred restaurants because no Michelin Guide inspectors operate on the continent. In fact, no African country has ever been included in the Michelin Guide’s coverage.
This doesn’t mean South Africa lacks talent or great restaurants. Cape Town, for example, boasts standout restaurants like La Colombe, Test Kitchen Carbon, and Wolfgat, all of which have earned international praise.
Despite their awards and rave reviews, these restaurants haven’t been reviewed by Michelin simply because there are no inspectors in South Africa.
Reasons South Africa Doesn’t Have Michelin Stars
- Geographic Coverage – The Michelin Guide does not cover Africa. It currently focuses on parts of Europe, the US, Japan, and other select countries. This means restaurants here aren’t inspected.
- Market Focus – South Africa’s food scene is growing and gaining global attention. However, it hasn’t yet become a focus for the Michelin Guide. The guide usually prioritises areas with long-standing fine dining cultures and strong tourism interests, which South Africa is still developing.
- Cultural Bias – The Michelin Guide’s standards and preferences may lean toward European culinary traditions. South Africa’s vibrant, unique flavours might not align with these established frameworks.
- Logistical Challenges – Expanding to new regions involves significant costs for Michelin. They would need inspectors with deep knowledge of local food traditions to fairly assess South African cuisine.
- Financial Support from Local Entities – The Michelin Guide often needs funding from local tourism boards and governments to operate in a region. These groups sponsor the guide to promote tourism and highlight their food scene. Without this support, Michelin finds it hard to cover the costs of expanding to new areas.
What South Africa Brings to the Table
Though Michelin stars haven’t landed here, South Africa’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse. The country offers unique flavours shaped by its rich history and cultural influences.
- Diverse Cuisine – From Cape Malay curries to traditional braais (barbecues) and fine dining creations, South Africa’s food scene is rich in variety.
- Award-Winning Restaurants – Restaurants like Wolfgat (which won the World Restaurant Awards in 2019) and The Test Kitchen (consistently ranked among the world’s best) showcase South African talent.
- Wine Pairing Excellence – South Africa’s world-class wine regions, like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, elevate dining experiences. Many restaurants integrate local wines into their menus for perfect pairings.
- Scenic Dining – Whether you’re dining by the ocean in Cape Town or overlooking vineyards in the Winelands, the settings are as stunning as the food.
African Chefs Breaking Michelin Boundaries
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen
Media From: janhendrikvanderwesthuizen
Restaurant: JAN
Location: 12 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 497 193 223
Website: http://www.restaurantjan.com/
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is the first South African Chef to receive a Michelin Star in 2016 through his restaurant in Nice, France, JAN. His restaurant serves refined dishes with a touch of South African heritage. From milk tart to biltong-inspired creations, he’s brought a taste of home to Europe’s culinary elite.
Jean Delport
Media From: delportjean
Restaurant: Interlude
Location: Leonardslee Gardens, Brighton Rd, Horsham RH13 6PP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 330 123 5894
Website: https://restaurant-interlude.co.uk/
Jean Delport, a native of Cape Town, earned a Michelin star in 2019 for his work at Restaurant Interlude in Horsham, UK. He blends South African influences with British produce to craft innovative tasting menus.
Hylton James Espey
Media From: culture.restaurant
Restaurant: Culture
Location: 38B Arwenack St, Falmouth TR11 3JF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 757 217 5457
Website: http://www.culturerestaurant.co.uk/
In 2023, Hylton James Espey earned a Michelin star for his modern, nature-inspired cuisine. He celebrates his South African heritage by focusing on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, and creating dishes that embody the natural beauty and cultural essence of the region.
Nick Honeyman
Media From: worldofmouthapp
Restaurant: Le Petit Léon
Location: Le Bourg, 24290 Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, France
Phone: +33 553 511 804
Website: http://www.restaurantlepetitleon.fr/
Nick Honeyman, originally from South Africa, left at 18 to chase his dream of becoming a top chef. After honing his skills in world-renowned restaurants, he settled in New Zealand and later France.
In 2024, he and his wife earned a Michelin star for their seasonal French restaurant, praised for its masterful use of local ingredients and elegant techniques.