South African chefs are really making a name for themselves and top hotels are snapping them up. Many of the country’s top restaurants are located at these South African luxury hotels where the service is impeccable and the food is to die for.

Reuben’s at the One & Only, Cape Town

Famed South African chef, Reuben Riffel has a restaurant at the exquisite One & Only resort and spa located at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The menu consists of simple dishes that are generously portioned and beautifully plated. This brassiere-feel diner serves local dishes that are full of soul.

The Greenhouse at the Cellars-Hohenort, Cape Town

In 2011, the Greenhouse at the Cellar’s-Hohenort hotel & spa was named the top restaurant at the Eat-Out DSTV Food Network Restaurant Awards. Here, grand chef Peter Tempelhoff offers tasting menus that deconstruct and reinvent classic, local dishes. With limited seating, this restaurant ensures an intimate affair

Level Four at 54 on Bath, Johannesburg

The recently reopened 54 on Bath Hotel  houses three celebrity chefs; Nothando Mkhize, Phillip de Villiers and Karryn Coetzee. The chefs here created dishes that are impeccably balanced, sophisticated and unique.

Saxon restaurant at Saxon Boutique Hotel, Johannesburg

Multi-award winning chef David Higgs was recently announced as the executive chef at the Saxon Boutique Hotel. Here the menus are created using the freshest and best ingredients available and feature a gourmet affair with Italian and local influences. David Higgs believes that food preparation is an art and his dishes are a testament to this.

MondoVino at SunSquare Montecasino, Johannesburg

Benny Masekwameng is the executive chef for the MondoVino restaurant at Sunsquare Montecasino. This celebrity judge appeared on Masterchef SouthAfrica and has become a favourite of the nation. He began his journey in his mom’s kitchen while she taught him to cook and his food is scrumptious and hearty featuring Italian, local and exotic influences.

Paired with rich local wines, South African cuisine is at the heart of all who live here. Delicious soulful dishes are shared between friends and families and laughter reverberates throughout every meal. If you venture to this magnificent country make sure you don’t miss out on a meal by one of these splendid local chefs.

Janine Mare is a regular contributor for a number of travel-related blogs and websites. She currently dedicates all her time to the South African Tourism Company where she works developing hotel write-ups and travel articles.