Cape Town’s position as one of the world’s leading food destinations has been reinforced after Amura, a fine-dining restaurant inside the historic Mount Nelson Hotel, was named by Forbes among the world’s most beautiful restaurants.

The recognition places the venue on an international list that highlights 16 standout restaurant designs across the globe.

The listing underscores how Cape Town continues to attract global attention for its mix of fine dining, luxury hospitality, and design-led experiences.

From ocean-inspired interiors to chef-driven tasting menus, the city has become a regular stop for international travelers seeking high-end dining experiences.

Amura’s inclusion on the Forbes list also puts it alongside restaurants in major global cities, including the United States and Monaco.

For Cape Town, it adds to a growing reputation built on coastal ingredients, seasonal cooking, and a strong hospitality sector.

Inside the Mount Nelson Hotel, Amura blends Mediterranean influences with South African coastal produce.

The restaurant has quickly become one of Cape Town’s most discussed dining rooms, drawing attention for both its concept and its setting.

Design inspired by the ocean

Forbes highlighted Amura’s interiors for their clear connection to Cape Town’s marine environment.

The space was designed by South African interior architect Tristan du Plessis, who drew inspiration from the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the region’s kelp forests.

The design uses deep green tones, timber finishes, and bronze accents to create a calm, layered atmosphere.

An open kitchen sits at the center of the room, adding movement and visibility to the dining experience without overwhelming the space.

Mount Nelson Brand Director Jonathan Lubala said the intention was to move beyond conventional seafood restaurant design.

He said the team wanted a space that reflected the depth and character of the ocean rather than predictable coastal imagery.

“We really wanted to explore the tonality of the ocean,” Lubala said in an interview on The Money Show.

Chef Ángel León’s African debut

Amura is led by Spanish chef Ángel León, widely known as the “Chef of the Sea.”

The Cape Town opening marks his first restaurant project in Africa, extending a culinary career built on seafood innovation and marine research.

The concept connects León’s home region of Cádiz in southern Spain with Cape Town’s coastal geography, creating a dialogue between two ocean-driven cultures.

The restaurant’s name, Amura, refers to the bow of a ship, a reference to forward movement and exploration.

The menu focuses on sustainably sourced seafood and local produce, with dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare with cured egg yolk, smoked Cape salmon with buttermilk sauce, and plankton risotto with squid.

A dining experience built around food and place

According to Lubala, the restaurant was designed as a complete sensory experience, but the kitchen remains its central focus.

He said the aim was to ensure that design and cuisine support each other rather than compete for attention.

“We wanted to create something immersive, but the food had to lead the experience,” he said.

Despite its location inside the luxury Mount Nelson Hotel, Amura is open to both hotel guests and the general public.

The winter tasting menu starts at $45.36 per person, and the restaurant has seen growing interest from both local diners and international visitors drawn to Cape Town’s evolving culinary scene.