10 restaurants in Africa redefining fine dining and culinary excellence

At a Glance

• Africa’s top restaurants drive global interest in luxury dining and culinary tourism.
• Michelin recognition and gourmet fusion elevate fine dining in Cape Town, Accra, and Marrakech.
• African culinary excellence attracts elite food travelers and boosts luxury tourism growth.

Africa is swiftly becoming a prime destination for luxury travel and food tourism, with its top-tier restaurants setting new standards in fine dining, innovation, and cultural preservation.

From world-class tasting menus in South Africa to North African haute cuisine in Morocco, the continent’s culinary excellence is gaining recognition from international gourmands and Michelin observers alike. 

This surge in culinary excellence is fueling growth in high-end tourism and showcasing Africa’s rich, diverse flavors on the international stage. As demand for authentic, elevated food experiences rises among elite travelers.

These ten trailblazing restaurants—spanning North, West, East, and Southern Africa—are not only elevating regional cuisine but also redefining what it means to dine luxuriously on the continent.

South Africa: Fire, Fusion, and Culinary Prestige

FYN – Cape Town 

Michelin-recognized and globally acclaimed, FYN is a striking fusion of Japanese kaiseki and South African terroir.

Chef Peter Tempelhoff crafts avant-garde tasting menus that feature sustainably sourced ingredients—like springbok and African grains—in a sleek, open-kitchen environment.

La Colombe – Cape Town 

Regularly ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, La Colombe delivers French-Asian precision in a theatrical multi-course format.

Nestled in the Silvermist Wine Estate, Chef James Gaag’s culinary vision is rooted in both art and African heritage, positioning La Colombe as a cornerstone of luxury dining in South Africa.

Marble – Johannesburg 

Helmed by celebrity chef David Higgs, Marble celebrates the primal art of live-fire cooking.

With sweeping skyline views and a curated South African wine list, this restaurant brings elevated social dining to Johannesburg’s thriving food scene.

East and West Africa: Cultural Fusion on a Plate 

Asmara – Nairobi, Kenya 

Asmara is redefining East African fine dining with a fusion of Eritrean and continental cuisine.

Known for its elegant setting and robust flavors—from traditional Zigni to signature seafood platters—it is a culinary bridge between tradition and modernity.

The Talisman – Nairobi, Kenya 

Once a colonial-era residence, The Talisman now offers a refined mix of Pan-African and European cuisine.

Chef Marcus Mitchell’s seasonal dishes—like ostrich samosas and sesame-crusted tuna—have earned it status as one of Kenya’s most beloved luxury dining spots.

Roots Restaurant – Lagos, Nigeria 

One of Nigeria’s most innovative dining groups, Roots Foods Ltd operates multiple outlets, including the flagship Labule, known for its afro-centric atmosphere and nostalgic home-style cooking.

Its menu ranges from classic Nigerian dishes to contemporary takes on African flavors, making it a staple of West Africa’s culinary evolution.

Santoku – Accra, Ghana 

Santoku raises the bar for fine dining in West Africa with its refined Japanese-African fusion menu.

A favorite among Accra’s elite, the restaurant features expertly prepared sushi, crafted cocktails, and chic interiors that reflect the city’s cosmopolitan rise.

North Africa’s Haute Cuisine Heritage 

La Grande Table Marocaine – Marrakech, Morocco 

Located inside the ultra-luxurious Royal Mansour, La Grande Table Marocaine is a flagship of Moroccan fine dining.

Chef Karim Ben Baba revitalizes traditional dishes using local spices, rare ingredients, and age-old techniques, offering a gastronomic journey steeped in cultural richness.

Café Des Arts – Essaouira, Morocco 

This Atlantic coast gem brings French-Moroccan cuisine to life with a focus on artisanal sourcing and slow food philosophy.

Bohemian charm and refined plating make Café Des Arts a staple for gourmands exploring Morocco’s scenic seaside.

The Rock Restaurant – Zanzibar, Tanzania 

Famed for its oceanic perch and fresh seafood, this iconic restaurant offers unforgettable sunset views and Swahili flavors.

As African economies diversify and global travelers seek authentic yet luxurious experiences, the continent’s culinary offerings are stepping into the global spotlight.

From sustainable sourcing and heritage storytelling to boundary-pushing innovation, these ten restaurants are not just redefining African fine dining—they are helping to position Africa as a world-class culinary destination.