Cape Town has once again attracted international attention for its culinary scene, with three restaurants featuring in the 2026 World's 50 Best Restaurants rankings. La Colombe secured 35th place in the main Top 50 list, while FYN and Salsify at the Roundhouse appeared in the extended 51–100 ranking, at 65th and 71st place respectively.
The rankings were announced at an awards ceremony in Lima, Peru, on 05 November 2026.
La Colombe's result is particularly notable, as the Constantia restaurant was also named The Best Restaurant in Africa 2026. Its return to the main Top 50 list puts it among the world's leading dining establishments and makes it the highest-ranked restaurant on the African continent.
La Colombe returns to the world's Top 50
Located on Silvermist Wine Estate at Constantia Nek, La Colombe climbed from 55th place in 2025 to 35th in the 2026 rankings. Having previously ranked 49th in 2024, the Constantia restaurant has returned to the main Top 50 list after a year in the extended ranking.
The restaurant is led by executive chef James Gaag and is known for its multi-course tasting menus, combining modern French cooking techniques with South African ingredients and Asian influences. Its location on the slopes above Constantia also makes it a possible stop for travellers exploring Cape Town's southern suburbs and nearby wine estates.
La Colombe is not particularly convenient for a spontaneous meal from the city centre, so visitors should factor in the journey when planning a reservation. The restaurant is approximately 30 minutes by car from central Cape Town, depending on traffic.
FYN and Salsify at the Roundhouse also make the rankings
Both restaurants feature in the separate extended 51–100 ranking, not the main Top 50.
65th – FYN
FYN, located at Speakers' Corner in central Cape Town, climbed 17 places from 82nd in 2025 to 65th in 2026. The restaurant is led by chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss, with a menu that combines South African ingredients and Japanese culinary influences.
Its central location makes it a convenient option for visitors staying in the city centre.
71st – Salsify at the Roundhouse
Salsify at the Roundhouse moved up from 88th place in 2025 to 71st in 2026. The restaurant occupies the historic Roundhouse building above Camps Bay, with views towards the Atlantic coastline.
Its location makes it a possible addition to a visit to Camps Bay, Clifton or the surrounding Atlantic Seaboard.
What travellers should know before visiting
The three restaurants are spread across different parts of the city, so their locations may also influence where to fit a meal into an itinerary.
- La Colombe: Located in Constantia, making it a possible addition to a day exploring the Constantia wine route.
- FYN: Situated in the city centre, within reach of many central Cape Town hotels and attractions.
- Salsify at the Roundhouse: Located above Camps Bay, making it convenient for visitors exploring the Atlantic Seaboard.
All three are fine-dining establishments, rather than casual restaurants. Visitors interested in dining at one of them should check the respective restaurant's website for current menus, prices, opening days and reservation availability. Booking well in advance is advisable, particularly during Cape Town's busy summer season.
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