Cape Town’s La Colombe has reclaimed its place among the world’s elite restaurants, climbing 20 positions to No. 35 in the 2026 World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings and earning recognition as Africa’s highest-ranked dining destination.
The Constantia restaurant’s achievement marks a significant turnaround after it dropped out of the top 50 last year, finishing 55th on the extended 51–100 list. Its latest ranking was announced at the awards ceremony in Lima, Peru.
The result puts La Colombe firmly back on the international fine-dining map, while two other Cape Town restaurants, FYN and Salsify, also recorded improved positions in the rankings.
La Colombe makes its return to the global top 50
Situated on Silvermist Wine Estate on Constantia Nek, La Colombe is known for its fine-dining experience, combining modern French techniques with South African ingredients and Asian influences.
Executive chef James Gaag leads the kitchen, with the restaurant’s latest international recognition reflecting the contribution of its wider team.
La Colombe previously ranked 49th in 2024 before falling out of the top 50 in 2025.
Gaag said the latest accolade offered an opportunity to recognise the people behind the restaurant’s success.
“An award like this gives you a moment to stop and appreciate just how much goes into making a restaurant what it is,” he said in a statement.
“There are so many people who give a little bit of themselves to La Colombe every day, and it’s their energy, ideas and commitment that make it all possible.”
He said representing Cape Town and South Africa on the international stage made the achievement particularly meaningful.
Chef-proprietor Scot Kirton also praised the restaurant’s team.
“I am incredibly proud of James and the entire team. It takes a great deal of commitment from everyone involved to deliver what we do, day after day, and this recognition is a reflection of their hard work,” he said.
FYN and Salsify also climb in international rankings
La Colombe was not the only Cape Town restaurant to improve its position in the 2026 rankings.
FYN, the city-centre restaurant led by chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss, climbed 17 places to No. 65 on the extended list.
Located at Speakers’ Corner, FYN is recognised for its approach to South African ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques.
Salsify at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay also moved up 17 positions to No. 71. The restaurant is led by chefs Ryan Cole and Nina du Toit.
Cape Town’s culinary talent received further international recognition through the 2026 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, awarded to Doris Lam.
The former food journalist turned chef will undertake paid culinary stages at Salsify at the Roundhouse and The Fat Duck in Bray, England, under chef Heston Blumenthal.
The recognition adds to Cape Town’s growing international reputation as a destination for world-class food and dining experiences.
Which restaurant was named the world’s best?
Spain’s Asador Etxebarri claimed the No. 1 position in the 2026 World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings, moving up from second place the previous year.
Bangkok’s Gaggan finished second, while Copenhagen’s Alchemist took third place.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is compiled through votes from more than 1,100 international hospitality experts across 28 regions.
Voters include chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and other culinary professionals.
La Colombe’s return to the top 50, combined with the improved rankings for FYN and Salsify, represents a significant achievement for Cape Town’s restaurant industry and places three of the city’s dining establishments among the world’s recognised culinary destinations.
Dining and Cooking