South Africa is a country with a rich and diverse culinary scene, offering everything from traditional African dishes to international cuisine.
If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, then you’ll want to check out some of the country’s most expensive restaurants.
These establishments offer world-class service, stunning settings, and innovative menus that will tantalize your taste buds.
But with so many options to choose from, where do you start? This guide will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect restaurant for your special occasion.
We’ll take you on a journey through some of the most exclusive and luxurious dining experiences that South Africa has to offer.
Most Expensive Restaurants in South Africa
1. The Test Kitchen – Cape Town
The Test Kitchen, located in Cape Town, stands out as one of South Africa’s most prestigious and expensive dining establishments.
Founded by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts in 2010, it has consistently received numerous accolades for its innovative and artistic approach to cuisine.
The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its multi-course tasting menus, which blend international techniques with local flavors.
The interior, divided into The Dark Room and The Light Room, provides a distinctive ambiance for each part of the meal.
Due to its limited seating and high demand, reservations are essential and often need to be made well in advance.
2. La Colombe – Cape Town
La Colombe, nestled in the Constantia wine valley of Cape Town, is another gem in South Africa’s fine dining scene.
This restaurant is renowned for its fusion of French and Asian cuisine, presented with impeccable service and in a stunning setting.
Chef Proprietor Scot Kirton ensures that each dish is a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and presentation, contributing to the restaurant’s high-end status.
The tasting menus are carefully crafted to showcase the best seasonal ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring both local and international selections.
The serene ambiance, coupled with the culinary excellence, makes La Colombe a sought-after destination for gourmets.
3. Signature Restaurant – Johannesburg
Signature Restaurant, located in the bustling city of Johannesburg, is renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and an eclectic menu that marries contemporary global cuisine with a touch of South African flair.
The restaurant’s elegant decor and panoramic city views set the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Signature’s commitment to quality is evident in its selection of premium ingredients and the meticulous preparation of each dish.
The menu features a range of gourmet offerings, from succulent steaks to fresh seafood, each plated with artistic finesse.
The wine list is equally impressive, with a curated selection of local and international wines to complement the menu.
4. Waterkloof Restaurant – Cape Town
Waterkloof Restaurant, perched on the slopes of the Schapenberg mountain in Somerset West near Cape Town, offers a dining experience that combines breathtaking views with culinary excellence.
The restaurant is part of the Waterkloof wine estate, known for its biodynamic wines and sustainable farming practices.
The glass-enclosed dining area gives patrons a panoramic view of the vineyard and surrounding landscape.
Chef Gregory Czarnecki’s menu emphasizes purity, simplicity, and seasonal flavors, often incorporating ingredients from the estate’s own gardens.
The modern, French-inspired dishes are complemented by Waterkloof’s award-winning wines, making for a harmonious dining experience.
5. Luke Dale-Roberts X The Saxon – Johannesburg
Luke Dale-Roberts X The Saxon, situated in Johannesburg’s prestigious Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, is a testament to the culinary prowess of chef Luke Dale-Roberts.
This exclusive dining venue offers an intimate and refined experience, with a limited number of seats available per evening.
The restaurant’s menu is a showcase of innovation, with dishes that are both visually stunning and palate-pleasing, crafted from the finest ingredients.
The collaboration between Dale-Roberts and the Saxon hotel ensures a seamless blend of hospitality and gastronomic excellence.
The wine selection is carefully chosen to match the high standards of the cuisine, featuring top-tier South African and international wines.
6. Greenhouse – Cape Town
Greenhouse, located at The Cellars-Hohenort hotel in Cape Town, is celebrated for its innovative approach to cuisine, under the guidance of acclaimed Chef Farrel Hirsch.
The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around exploring South African ingredients and flavors through inventive dishes that tell a story.
The dining experience at Greenhouse is immersive, with each course designed to engage the senses and challenge culinary expectations.
The setting, amidst the beautiful gardens of the hotel, adds to the allure of the restaurant.
The menu is a reflection of the chef’s creativity and the country’s diverse culinary heritage, with each dish artfully presented.
The wine list complements the menu with a selection of the finest South African wines.
7. Marble – Johannesburg
Marble Restaurant in Johannesburg is a celebration of South African live-fire cooking.
The restaurant, located in the trendy Rosebank area, offers a vibrant atmosphere and panoramic views of the city.
Chef David Higgs’s menu is centered around the grill, with a focus on high-quality meats, seafood, and vegetables, all infused with the distinctive flavors that only wood-fired cooking can impart.
The interior design of Marble is as impressive as its culinary offerings, with a luxurious and contemporary aesthetic.
The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and a craft cocktail bar.
8. Mosaic – Pretoria
Mosaic at The Orient, located in the Francolin Conservancy near Pretoria, is an exquisite fine dining destination led by Chef Chantel Dartnall.
Renowned for her botanical cuisine, Dartnall’s dishes are inspired by nature and art, often resembling works of art themselves.
The restaurant’s setting, within the luxurious Orient Boutique Hotel, complements the magical dining experience with its elegant décor and serene ambiance.
Mosaic’s menus are seasonal, reflecting the freshest ingredients available, with a strong emphasis on organic and locally sourced produce.
The wine cellar is one of the most comprehensive in the country, offering a perfect pairing for each dish.
9. Wolfgat – Paternoster
Wolfgat, located in the quaint seaside village of Paternoster on South Africa’s West Coast, offers a unique dining experience that has garnered international acclaim.
Chef Kobus van der Merwe specializes in “strandveld” cuisine, focusing on sustainable seafood and foraged indigenous plants, creating a connection between the landscape and the plate.
The intimate setting in a historic cottage overlooking the ocean provides a backdrop that enhances the dining experience.
Wolfgat’s tasting menu is a reflection of the local environment, with dishes that are both simple and complex, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients.
10. Sevruga – Cape Town
Sevruga, located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, is renowned for its luxurious setting and exquisite seafood offerings.
The restaurant’s prime location offers stunning views of the harbor and Table Mountain, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
The menu at Sevruga is a blend of international and local seafood dishes, prepared with precision and flair.
The restaurant is also known for its sushi, which is considered among the best in the city.
The elegant interior, coupled with the high-quality ingredients and expert preparation, creates a sophisticated dining experience.
Sevruga’s wine list features a carefully selected range of local and international wines to complement the menu.