Cape Town - The best restaurant on the continent might be closer than you think.
The Test Kitchen in Woodstock was voted Best Restaurant in Africa by Restaurant Magazine World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards in London on Monday. The restaurant ranked 48th in the world, the only restaurant from South Africa to make the top 50.
“It’s just great to be here in London and receive this special award,” owner and head chef Luke Dale Roberts said.
“I feel so proud of what we have achieved.”
Back in Cape Town, the Test Kitchen staff are jubilant.
Restaurants from around the world were selected for evaluation. More than 800 restaurant experts voted for restaurants based not only on food, but also service and atmosphere.
Restaurant manager Nicholas Compton hosted a braai at his house to watch a live stream of the ceremony.
“We are just over the moon,” Compton said. “Everyone here is kind of a family.”
The Test Kitchen features a blend of European, Asian and modern South African food. Roberts is known for experimenting with flavours and textures, and trying new things.
For lunch you might have a duck leg with liver stuffing or pork with apples and blue cheese cream for dinner. Desserts are a little more delicate: a rhubarb rose or a lemon meringue egg.
“Luke doesn’t stick to the rules,” sommelier Wayve Kolevsohn said.
Located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, The Test Kitchen has an urban and industrial feel. Dishes are served on concrete plates and patrons can see the chefs working in the kitchen from the moment they walk in.
The restaurant offers an à la carte lunch menu, five-course lunch or dinner, and a “Dinner Gourmand”: a nine-course dinner with added wine or tea pairings for between R800 and R1 250.
Last year, The Test Kitchen placed 61st in the world. It also won DStv’s Restaurant of the Year in 2012 and last year.
Getting a reservation at the best restaurant in Africa is not easy.
The Test Kitchen is booked for dinner until June, and for lunch until the end of May.
Cape Times