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In a landmark night for South African cuisine at the 2025 Best Chef Awards in Milan, Johannes Richter of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate was awarded Two Knives, while Cape Town’s Peter Tempelhoff made history as the first South African ever to receive Three Knives, the ceremony’s highest honour.

The wins mark a defining moment for South Africa’s culinary landscape, one that showcases not only Cape Town’s established excellence, but also the dynamic and evolving talent emerging from Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

Together, they signal a new era in which the country’s gourmet tourism extends from coast to coast.

The LivingRoom, nestled in Durban’s leafy suburb of Cowies Hill, has earned a reputation as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier dining destinations. Under Richter’s leadership, the restaurant celebrates the province’s rich culinary diversity offering a fine-dining experience that pairs seasonal dishes with premium wines and exceptional service.

Born in Germany and raised in Durban, Chef Johannes Richter trained in some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants before returning home with his wife and business partner, Johanna, whom he met while working in Berlin. Together they joined the family business in 2017, transforming it into an internationally acclaimed destination restaurant.

“The aim has always been to come back home and start a venture that instils pride and to show that Durban can offer one of the country’s best restaurants simply by doing what we do best: being ourselves,” says Richter.

Meanwhile, Peter Tempelhoff, co-owner of FYN Restaurant in Cape Town, received Three Knives, underscoring that South African chefs are no longer merely contenders on the international stage, but leaders shaping the future of fine dining.

Tempelhoff and Richter were joined by a strong contingent of 15 South African chefs honoured at the awards - a clear reflection of the country’s growing depth, creativity, and regional diversity.

Industry observers note that the trend is no coincidence: South African chefs are increasingly returning from top international kitchens with global techniques, then grounding their menus in local ingredients and identity. Judges at this year’s Best Chef Awards praised South Africa’s entries for consistency, creativity, and their authentic use of indigenous produce, all qualities that define the nation’s evolving food story.

Richter’s Two Knives and Tempelhoff’s historic Three Knives are expected to have a ripple effect, from attracting international bookings and media attention to strengthening the position of Durban as an emerging culinary destination.

As the global culinary map continues to evolve, the 2025 Best Chef Awards affirm what many have long believed: South Africa’s chefs are producing cuisine that stands among the world’s best.

The Best Chef Awards is a global platform dedicated to celebrating the people behind the food. Founded to recognise creativity, innovation, and talent in gastronomy, the awards bring together chefs from every corner of the world, highlighting their vision and contribution to the culinary arts.

The Best Chef Awards’ tiered Knife recognition system offers a more comprehensive, inclusive view of culinary excellence. This year saw the number of voters almost double compared to last year, reaching a total of 972, including 572 chefs from 64 countries and 400 industry professionals. Abandoning traditional rankings in 2024, the system honours chefs based on impact and skill across three categories, recognising culinary professionals across six continents:

• Three Knives (The Best): Celebrating the highest tier of culinary mastery, 126 chefs achieved 80% or more of the maximum points.
• Two Knives (World-Class): Acknowledging 236 chefs who reached 40% or more, representing world-class expertise.
• One Knife (Excellent): Recognising 421 chefs who attained 20% or more, underscoring their notable contributions to the field.

The 15 South African Chefs awarded Knives in 2025:

Three Knives:

Peter Tempelhoff (FYN, Cape Town)

Two Knives:

Johannes Richter (The LivingRoom)
James Gaag (La Colombe, Cape Town)
Peter Duncan (La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek)

One Knife:

Callan Austin (DUSK, Stellenbosch)
John Norris Rogers (Pier, Cape Town)
Liam Tomlin (Chefs Warehouse, Cape Town)
Matt van den Berg (Mertia, Stellenbosch)
Moses Besele Moloi (Gigi, Johannesburg)
Rikku O'Donnchu (Riku's Counter, Cape Town)
Roxie Mudie (The Waterside, Cape Town)
Ryan Cole (Salsify at The Roundhouse, Cape Town)
Vixa Kalenga (TANG, Cape Town)
Vusi Ndlovu (EDGE, Cape Town)
Wandile Mabaso (Les Creatifs, Johannesburg)

For the complete list of The Best Chef Awards 2025 winners and honourees, please visit
thebestchefawards.com