The ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ Is in a Tiny 20 Person Beachside Cottage In South Africa
Wolfgat was just named the “Restaurant of the Year.”
In the small fishing village of PaternosterΒ on the Western Cape of South Africa, just a two-hour drive fromΒ Cape Town’s City Centre, isΒ a small, 20-seat restaurant calledΒ Wolfgat, which was just named “Restaurant of the Year” at the inauguralΒ World RestaurantΒ Awards.Β
Wolfgat is owned byΒ Kobus van der Merwe andΒ is housed inside of a 130-year old oceanside cottage, where they serve a sustainable and seasonal seven-course menu, all made from locally sourced and foraged ingredients.Β
The website explains:Β
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and its dramatic seasonal transformation, Kobus van der Merweβs signature Strandveld food menu comprises a series of tasting dishes presented in seven courses. Sustainable seafood, local lamb and venison, and seasonal veldkos is featured, enhanced by wild herbs, seaweeds from the local rock pools, and pickings from the garden.Β
AΒ seven course tasting menuΒ at Wolfgat costsΒ 850 rand, or about $60.
And since it’s a dining spot a bit out of the way and with a population ofΒ 1,971, the restaurant also won the award for “Off-Map Destination.”
According to the judges, Wolfgat’s menu isΒ “perfectly balanced between creativity and accessibility,” which is quite an accomplishment, because the restaurant is run by a tiny team of six localsΒ who don’t have formal culinary training, and owner van der Merwe is a culinary school dropout.
If you’re planning a trip to South Africa in the near future and want to pay a visit to the best restaurant in the world, keep in mind that Wolfgat books a maximum of three months in advance,Β but is currently booked through May.
Here are the other winners of the World Restaurant Awards:
Original Thinking: Le Clarence, France
No Reservations Required: MocotΓ³, Brazil
House Special: Lido 84 (Cacio e Pepe), Italy
Forward Drinking: Mugaritz, Spain
Event of the Year: Refugee Food Festival, Various locations
Ethical Thinking: Refettorio (Food for Soul), Various locations
Collaboration of the Year: Paradiso X Gort na Nairn Farm, Ireland
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