Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen's Le Bistrot de JAN is set to lower its anchor at the V&A Waterfront's InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town from 5 December 2025.
In an official announcement on Wednesday, Jan Hendrik could not hide his excitement in being able to bring his talents and world-renowned brand back to South African shores.
“Cape Town has an amazing energy that always fills me with the same excitement I had as a young chef just starting out,” says Jan Hendrik. “I remember staring at the lights reflected in the dark harbour, dreaming of seeing the world. So it feels only fitting to bring the youthful spirit of Le Bistrot de JAN home for a full-circle moment, a homecoming filled with flavour, joy, and pride in our South African roots.”
Le Bistrot de JAN in Nice, France has enjoyed great success, so there is definitely an air of excitement ahead of the launch of the establishment in the Mother City.
For those unfamiliar with Le Bistrot de JAN, it has been described as 'a joyful celebration of indulgence, nostalgia, and South African-French flair; a tribute to the beloved bistro culture of France, reimagined through Jan Hendrik’s distinctly refined yet playful lens'.
Executive Chef Giles Edwards will lead the Le Bistrot de JAN Cape Town team. Edwards is known for his work at the award-winning La Tête, which closed its doors in 2021.
“Bringing Le Bistrot de JAN to Cape Town marks an exciting new chapter, and a return to the kitchen for me after four years away,” says Edwards. “I’m very excited to be working alongside one of South Africa’s most accomplished chefs at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town when it opens in December.
"Jan and I share an appreciation for honest cooking steeped in nostalgia and a deep connection to where we come from. Inspired by the comfort of classic bistro cuisine and infused with Jan’s distinctive flair, we are creating a space that balances
elegance with authenticity, where flavour, generosity, and intention guide every detail.”
Edwards will work closely with Jan Hendrik and JAN Group Executive Chef Andrea Pick to create 'an evolving menu that bridges continents while honouring a shared culinary heritage'.
Guests can expect luxurious comfort food in true JAN style and a wine list that will celebrate both local and French winemakers.
Time Out Tip: While walk-ins will be welcomed, we'd suggest making a booking, especially in the first few months of operations.
Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
TIME OUT RECOMMENDS:
😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town
🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town
🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town
🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town
🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town
📍 The best things to do in Cape Town