At a Glance
- Africa’s luxury dining scene grows as top restaurants elevate local ingredients with modern techniques.
- Rising tourism and skilled chefs drive refined culinary experiences across major African cities.
- Fifteen standout restaurants showcase bold flavors, cultural depth and polished service for elite diners.
Africa’s fine-dining landscape is gaining international attention as chefs and investors across the continent redefine what luxury cuisine looks like.
From Cape Town’s famed waterfront to Dakar’s Atlantic edge, a new class of restaurants is elevating local flavors with global technique, attracting wealthy travelers, business executives and culinary enthusiasts.
The rise is driven by stronger tourism, returning investor confidence and a new generation of internationally trained chefs shaping modern African cuisine.
Local produce, seasonal sourcing and creative plating now sit at the center of many menus. Restaurants are also embracing immersive design, whether through rooftop views, tranquil gardens or oceanfront decks, to appeal to high-end diners seeking memorable experiences.
Shore Africa profiles 15 standout restaurants shaping the continent’s new luxury dining culture.
1. The Test Kitchen by Luke Dale-Roberts — Cape Town, South Africa
The Test Kitchen set a new benchmark for African fine dining with its boundary-pushing tasting menus and experimental approach. Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ dishes blend global technique with South African ingredients, earning international acclaim. Its intimate setting and refined service make it a preferred choice for global travelers seeking a world-class culinary experience in Cape Town.
2. La Colombe — Cape Town, South Africa
La Colombe is one of Africa’s most decorated restaurants, known for precise French-inspired cooking and elegant storytelling on every plate. With views over the Constantia wine valley, the restaurant attracts high-end travelers, food critics and wine enthusiasts looking for an impeccable tasting menu that showcases South Africa’s rich produce.
3. The Grill by Wolfgang Puck — Cape Town, South Africa
Located at the V&A Waterfront, The Grill brings celebrity-chef polish to Cape Town’s dining scene. The menu highlights Karoo lamb, wagyu from regional farms and fresh coastal seafood, all executed with Wolfgang Puck’s signature refinement. It has become a hotspot for diplomats, executives and global visitors seeking upscale but unpretentious luxury.
4. Salsify at The Roundhouse — Cape Town, South Africa
Salsify blends contemporary cuisine with a historic setting inside the iconic Roundhouse. The menus emphasize seasonal ingredients, artistic plating and subtle British-South African influences. With sweeping ocean views and a serene atmosphere, it appeals to discerning diners seeking sophistication without excess.
5. Marble Restaurant — Johannesburg, South Africa
Marble is built around the philosophy of live-fire cooking, offering premium meats, seafood and vegetables grilled over open flames. Its sleek interiors, panoramic city views and lively bar scene make it a staple for Johannesburg’s business elite and cosmopolitan travelers looking for upscale dining in a social atmosphere.
6. Cilantro Signature Restaurant — Lagos, Nigeria
Signature is one of Lagos’ most luxurious dining rooms, known for panoramic skyline views and a high-end menu that blends continental favorites with delicately executed Nigerian staples. The restaurant is a gathering point for executives, celebrities and affluent locals seeking elevated dining in Victoria Island’s upscale district.
7. Bamboo Lounge — Ikeja, Nigeria
Bamboo Lounge stands out as one of Ikeja’s most refined dining spots, offering an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere that attracts Lagos’ business travelers, executives and well-heeled residents. Its menu spans expertly prepared grilled meats, seafood, continental dishes and elevated Nigerian favorites, complemented by a curated selection of cocktails and wines.
8. La Maison 1888 — Dakar, Senegal
La Maison 1888 blends Senegal’s distinctive coastal flavors with refined French technique. Its menu highlights fresh seafood, yassa marinades and millet-based dishes, all presented with understated elegance. Its chic, modern dining room attracts diplomats, affluent residents and travelers exploring Dakar’s rising luxury scene.
9. Le Jardin — Marrakech, Morocco
Le Jardin is a tranquil retreat hidden within Marrakech’s lively medina, offering an elegant escape shaped by lush greenery, mosaic pathways and open-air dining spaces. The restaurant blends Moroccan classics with global influences, producing dishes built on fresh herbs, local spices and seasonal produce.
10. La Grande Table Marocaine — Marrakech, Morocco
Often described as Morocco’s most luxurious restaurant, La Grande Table Marocaine delivers a royal dining experience with polished Moroccan dishes and impeccable service. Its ornate interiors, refined flavors and exclusivity attract dignitaries, royalty and seasoned travelers seeking high-culture cuisine.
11. Al Mounia — Casablanca, Morocco
Al Mounia is an emblem of traditional Moroccan luxury, blending ornate architecture with a menu rooted in the country’s culinary identity. With classic dishes such as couscous, lamb tagine and pigeon pastilla, it remains a favored dining spot for diplomats, business elites and visitors seeking historic elegance.
12. Azura Restaurant — Cairo, Egypt
Overlooking the Nile, Azura marries modern Mediterranean cooking with Egyptian coastal traditions. Its seafood, grilled meats and delicate rice dishes are known for balanced flavors and meticulous presentation. With its serene riverside setting, the restaurant appeals to affluent Egyptians and international travelers seeking stylish, thoughtful dining.
13. Pier88 — Cairo, Egypt
Pier88 is Cairo’s upscale social dining landmark, attracting celebrities, business leaders and sophisticated travelers. Its modern European menu, waterfront setting and refined ambiance make it one of Egypt’s most recognizable luxury restaurants.
14. The Republic Bar & Grill in Accra
The Republic’s upscale dining wing has become a standout for Accra’s elite crowd. The kitchen blends Ghanaian staples with refined global techniques, producing polished plates in a modern, atmospheric space. The Republic Bar & Grill in Accra, Ghana, a popular and lively spot known for its cocktails, local cuisine, and great atmosphere.
15. CJ’s Kilimani — Nairobi, Kenya
CJ’s Kilimani has carved out a place among Nairobi’s most stylish dining venues, offering a polished experience that appeals to the city’s rising professional and affluent class. Known for its modern interiors, warm lighting and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the restaurant blends comfort with upscale touches that attract business diners, families and travelers seeking refined but approachable dining.
