La Colombe is known for its fine-dining experience.
Cape Town's La Colombe has made a significant leap in the global restaurant rankings, climbing 20 places to secure the No. 35 spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list.
The restaurant was recognised at the awards ceremony in Lima, Peru, placing it among the world's leading dining destinations and making it Africa's highest-ranked restaurant.
The result marks a strong comeback for the Constantia restaurant, which placed 55th on the extended 51–100 list in 2025.
La Colombe's return to the top 50 puts Cape Town's fine-dining scene firmly in the international spotlight.
La Colombe returns to the global top 50
Located on Silvermist Wine Estate on Constantia Nek, La Colombe is known for its fine-dining experience, with executive chef James Gaag leading a kitchen that combines modern French techniques with South African ingredients and Asian influences.
The restaurant previously ranked 49th in 2024 before dropping out of the top 50 last year.
For Gaag, the latest recognition reflects the work of the people behind the restaurant.
"An award like this gives you a moment to stop and appreciate just how much goes into making a restaurant what it is," he said in a statement.
"There are so many people who give a little bit of themselves to La Colombe every day, and it’s their energy, ideas and commitment that make it all possible."
Gaag said representing Cape Town and South Africa on the international stage made the achievement particularly meaningful.
Chef-proprietor Scot Kirton also acknowledged the team's contribution.
"I am incredibly proud of James and the entire team. It takes a great deal of commitment from everyone involved to deliver what we do, day after day, and this recognition is a reflection of their hard work," he said.
Cape Town restaurants make their mark
La Colombe was not the only Cape Town restaurant to feature in this year's rankings.
FYN, the city-centre restaurant led by chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss, climbed 17 places to No. 65 on the extended list.
Located at Speakers' Corner, FYN is known for its approach to South African ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques.
Salsify at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay also rose 17 places to No. 71. Chefs Ryan Cole and Nina du Toit lead the restaurant.
Cape Town's culinary talent was further recognised through the 2026 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, awarded to Doris Lam.
The former food journalist turned chef will undertake paid culinary stages at Salsify at the Roundhouse and The Fat Duck in Bray, England, under chef Heston Blumenthal.
Which restaurant topped the world's 50 Best list?
Spain's Asador Etxebarri claimed the top spot in the 2026 rankings, moving up from second place last year.
Bangkok's Gaggan took second place, while Copenhagen's Alchemist secured third.
The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is compiled through votes from more than 1,100 international hospitality experts across 28 regions.
Voters include chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and other culinary professionals.
La Colombe's return to the top 50, alongside the strong performances by FYN and Salsify, puts Cape Town's fine-dining scene firmly in the international spotlight.