News

La Colombe has made a welcome return to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2026, re-entering at No.35 and earning the distinction of The Best Restaurant in Africa. The announcement was made at the awards ceremony in Lima, Peru, on 4 November 2026, bringing international recognition back to one of South Africa's most celebrated dining destinations.

The re-entry places La Colombe among an elite group of restaurants recognised on the global stage, with this year's ranking spanning 28 territories across six continents. Five restaurants returned to the 1-50 list, alongside 11 new entries, reflecting the continued diversity and evolution of the international dining scene.

La Colombe's recognition as Africa's Best Restaurant is a significant achievement for South African gastronomy, reaffirming Cape Town's position as an important destination for world-class dining.

The 2026 ranking was topped by Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, Spain, which was named The World's Best Restaurant, succeeding Lima's Maido, the 2025 winner and now part of the Best of the Best hall of fame. Bangkok's Gaggan took second place, followed by Alchemist in Copenhagen at No.3.

Other regional honours included Quintonil in Mexico City, named The Best Restaurant in Latin America at No.4; Gaggan, recognised as The Best Restaurant in Asia at No.2; Atomix in New York, named The Best Restaurant in North America at No.11; Trèsind Studio in Dubai, awarded The Best Restaurant in the Middle East at No.28; and Saint Peter in Sydney, named The Best Restaurant in Oceania at No.50.
The 50 Best Restaurants ranking is determined by votes from an international Academy of more than 1,100 restaurant industry experts, with a 50/50 gender balance. The process is independently supported by professional services consultancy Deloitte.

For South Africa, La Colombe's return at No.35 and its recognition as The Best Restaurant in Africa provide a welcome moment of international acclaim for the country's restaurant and hospitality industry.

View the full list HERE