Johannesburg eateries shine at 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards

It’s no secret that Johannesburg boasts some of the finest dining destinations in the country, and the 2026 Luxe Awards once again highlighted the city’s culinary excellence. Held on 23 February at Mira Restaurant in Sandton, the prestigious ceremony celebrated excellence across South Africa’s hospitality industry - from top chefs to leading restaurants.

The Master of the Ceremony was media personality Shashi Naidoo, alongside cookbook author Mogau Seshoene, popularly known as The Lazy Makoti. Industry leaders, chefs, restaurateurs, and media personalities gathered to honour excellence in a sector that continues to shape the country’s lifestyle. 

One of the big awards of the night was Restaurant Group of the Year, which went to Olives & Plates. With locations including Hyde Park and other parts of the city, the group has built a loyal following through refined dining experiences and diverse menus. The restaurant celebrated the win on social media, crediting their success to unwavering consistency. 

Contemporary Restaurant of the Year was awarded to Embarc, a stylish, modern eatery celebrated for visually striking dishes and innovative flavours. The restaurant has steadily built a reputation since its early years, previously earning the Luxe New Restaurant of the Year award in 2021.

In the street-food category, Food Truck of the Year went to Brisket & Biscuit, a Texas-style barbecue concept with a distinctly South African twist. The eatery is known for smoked meats, flavour-packed wings, and indulgent biscuits.  

The Hotel Restaurant of the Year title was claimed by The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg, which attributed its win to bold flavours and boundary-pushing creativity. The venue also secured a Luxe Two-Star Award, sharing the honour with Cyra. 

Additional Johannesburg winners included Marble, which earned a Lux One-Star Award alongside Les Créatifs Restaurant. The African Restaurant of the Year title went to Qunu, while Club Como took home the People’s Choice Award. The Pioneer Award was presented to Marble, recognising its lasting impact on the local dining landscape.

Together, these accolades prove that Johannesburg is a culinary powerhouse and a hub of hospitality. From fine dining to food trucks, the city continues to deliver world-class experiences that attract locals and visitors alike. 

 See the complete list of winners here. 

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