Johannesburg restaurants score big at the South Africa Restaurant Awards

Johannesburg has once again proven that it is home to some of South Africa’s best restaurants.

On Monday, industry leaders in the culinary sector gathered at Hotel Sky Sandton for the 2026 South Africa Restaurant Awards (SARA), a glamorous evening dedicated to celebrating culinary excellence across the country.

Restaurateurs, chefs, food lovers, influencers and industry stakeholders from across South Africa came together for a night of recognition and celebration. Ahead of the awards ceremony, guests were treated to a canapé dinner prepared by students from the International Hotel School, who showcased their culinary skills. The evening also featured an open bar and live music, with guests dancing and celebrating throughout the night.

The event honoured some of the country’s standout restaurants, including several from Jozi, and Time Out Johannesburg got the chance to catch up with a few of the winners. 

One of the evening’s biggest winners was Qunu Restaurant at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, which took home Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant in Gauteng.

Speaking to Time Out Johannesburg, Qunu head chef Scott Dressels and the restaurant manager, Raymond Tshabalala, reflected on the journey that led to the recognition.

“It’s been such a hard journey, but a fulfilling one. I think once you lose passion for the industry, these things don’t really mean much, but we’ve been working towards this since our relaunch about 2 years ago. The property had a revamp, and we also wanted to revamp our cuisine,” Scott said.

He explained that the team has worked tirelessly to create a menu that blends African and French influences.

“It is an African-French cuisine, leaning more towards the African side. We use ingredients that are familiar to the African palate,” he said.

He added that diners visiting the restaurant should definitely try one of the scallop dishes. 

Also speaking to Time Out was restaurant manager Raymond Tshabalala, who revealed that the restaurant is preparing to launch a new winter menu in the coming weeks.

Time Out also caught up with Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery, which took home the Best Hospitality award.

Management said the recognition means a great deal to the team.

“What makes us stand out is the personal touch we give to each dish, along with our dedication and belief in the brand and what it stands for,” they said.

The restaurant, which has been operating for 33 years, said it hopes to return even stronger next year.

Another notable winner was chef Moses Moloi, who claimed the title of Best Chef for the third consecutive year.

Moloi, co-founder of Gigi Restaurant, said receiving the award remains a humbling experience.

“It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s a blessing to have received this, and I’m very honoured. This is the third year I’ve won,” he said.

Asked what keeps him at the top of his game, Moloi said discipline remains key.

“Discipline and hard work are the secret. We don’t take shortcuts in what we do.”

He also shared that becoming a chef was not always part of the plan.

“I actually wanted to become a mechanical engineer, that’s what I studied. I fell in love with food and started cooking at a young age. I never thought I would make a career out of it, but through the kitchens I’ve worked in, I’ve had great mentors who helped shape my journey.”

And for anyone visiting his restaurant, Moloi says there’s one must-try item on the menu: the Moses Signature Oxtail.

List of all the Johannesburg restaurant winners: 

Best Hospitality
Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery (Sandton)

Best Hotel Restaurant
Qunu restaurant (The Saxon Hotel)

Best New Restaurant
S!gns (Sandton)

Best Fine Dining
Flames Restaurant (Westcliff, Johannesburg)

Best Bar
Alto234 ( Sandown, Sandton)

Best Culinary Experience
Tempo Luxury Restaurant (Sandton)

Best Chef
Moses Moloi ( Gigi restaurant 

Best Overall guest experience
Olive and Plates

Best Restaurant In Gauteng
Aurum Restaurant (Sandown)

Best restaurant in Gauteng
Qunu restaurant ( The Saxon Hotel) 

Best Restaurant in Sandton
Aurum Restaurant (Sandown)

See the list of all the other winners here.