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The World's 50 Best Restaurants has announced its 51-100 rankings, and two Mother City spots have risen in the rankings. One is surprisingly missing.
FYN has climbed 17 places to No.65 in the world, up from No.82 in 2025, while Salsify at the Roundhouse has made an equally impressive leap, rising from No.88 to No.71.
The annual awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, revealed the extended list of restaurants ranked 51–100 on Wednesday, 21 October, ahead of the main awards ceremony in Lima, Peru, on 4 November.
The two restaurants are also the only South African and African establishments featured in this year's extended ranking, which recognises exceptional dining experiences across six continents.
FYN continues its international success
For FYN, this is the latest in its remarkable journey of international recognition.
Led by chef-patron Peter Tempelhoff, culinary director Ashley Moss and service and beverage director Jennifer Hugé, FYN has been a regular fixture in the World's 50 Best rankings, reaching No.37 in 2022, when it was also named the Best Restaurant in Africa.
READ: Cape Town’s FYN selected for new UNESCO sustainability pilot
And sustainability remains an evident factor in their success. In 2025, FYN became the first restaurant in Africa to achieve the highest three-star rating under the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Standard. The jump to No.65 in 2026 represents a welcome return up the rankings after its No.82 placing last year.
Salsify's rise continues
Across town, at the historic Roundhouse overlooking Camps Bay, Salsify is celebrating another milestone in its rise through the international fine-dining ranks.
The restaurant made its debut on the extended World's 50 Best list in 2025 at No.88. Just one year later, it has climbed 17 positions to No.71. For executive chef and co-owner Ryan Cole, the recognition reflects the team's dedication to showcasing South African produce through inventive, contemporary cooking.
'Being included on the extended 50 Best list is an honour for all of us. Salsify has always been driven by precision, creativity and a deep respect for South African produce. To see that approach resonate internationally is incredibly rewarding,' says Cole.
Head chef Nina du Toit believes the achievement is also a tribute to the people behind the restaurant.
'Our growth has been shaped by dedication, consistency and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This acknowledgement speaks to the passion of our staff and the loyalty of our guests, who inspire us to keep pushing forward.'
Salsify's latest achievement follows a strong showing on the local culinary scene, where it has established itself as one of South Africa's leading fine-dining destinations.
What about La Colombe?
One notable absence from this year's extended ranking is Constantia's acclaimed La Colombe. It was placed at number 55 on the extended list last year. But of course, with the world's top 50 restaurants still to be revealed on 4 November, there's a possibility that La Colombe has climbed into the main ranking.
We'll have to wait and see.
How are the world's best restaurants chosen?
The World's 50 Best Restaurants ranking is compiled from votes cast by more than 1,100 international restaurant industry experts, including chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and culinary specialists.
The Academy is divided into 28 regions, with at least a quarter of its members refreshed annually. This year's extended list features restaurants from 25 territories and 36 cities across six continents, with nine new entries.
For South Africa, the latest announcement is another reminder of Cape Town's growing international reputation as a destination for exceptional food and dining experiences.
The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony takes place in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday, 4 November. The ceremony will be livestreamed from 8pm local time in Peru on the official 50 Best YouTube channel.
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