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One of South Africa's most acclaimed restaurants is swapping Durban for Cape Town this summer, as award-winning chef Johannes Richter brings The LivingRoom to Bantry Bay for an exclusive four-month residency.
Running from December 2026 to March 2027, Curate by The LivingRoom will see Richter and his team take over Curate, the intimate fine-dining restaurant at luxury boutique hotel Ellerman House.
For Cape Town foodies, it's a rare opportunity to experience one of the country's most exciting kitchens without booking a flight to Durban.
Located at Summerhill Guest Estate, The LivingRoom has built a formidable reputation for its inventive approach to South African cuisine, particularly its celebration of indigenous ingredients and KwaZulu-Natal's culinary diversity. The restaurant was named Eat Out Restaurant of the Year in 2022, holds three Eat Out stars, while Richter was named Eat Out Chef of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.
Sustainability is central to Richter's cooking philosophy. The LivingRoom sources around 95 percent of its ingredients from suppliers within 100 kilometres, avoids wild-caught seafood and has operated off-grid since 2024. It's an approach that has earned the restaurant multiple sustainability awards.
For the Cape Town residency, Richter will turn his attention to the Cape's small-scale farmers, growers and producers, creating a multi-course dining experience that celebrates the country's diverse culinary traditions.
"We look forward to bringing diners a unique expression of South African dining, built on the ingredients of the Cape, rooted in sustainability and celebrating the country's culinary diversity," says Richter.
He'll be joined in the kitchen by long-time colleague Akhona Dukwana, who takes on the role of head chef, while Richter's wife and business partner Johanna will oversee service and front-of-house training.
Wine lovers are in for a treat, too. Curate's sommelier Joe Beziek, named South Africa's Best Young Sommelier in 2026, will create pairings drawn from Ellerman House's remarkable cellar of some 10 000 bottles of South African wine.
The setting is equally impressive. Curate occupies the hotel's striking Wine Gallery, where contemporary South African art meets an extraordinary collection of local wines.
And if you're wondering what's happening back in Durban, don't worry: The LivingRoom will remain open throughout the residency, with head chef Luckson Mare keeping the original kitchen running.
Need to know: Curate by The LivingRoom
- When: Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, from December 2026 to March 2027.
- Booking: Both hotel guests and outside diners are welcome. Reservations are essential, and can be made via Dineplan.
- Address: Ellerman House, 180 Kloof Road, Bantry Bay
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