Cape Town Shines in Global Food Rankings
Cape Town Strengthens South Africa’s Global Food Reputation
South Africa‘s vibrant food, culture and creative industries continue to earn international recognition after Cape Town secured a place among the world’s top food destinations in Time Out’s 2026 World’s Best Cities for Food rankings.
The Mother City finished 11th globally in the prestigious list, narrowly missing out on a top-10 position in rankings led by Lima, Bangkok, Mexico City, London and Barcelona. The annual survey, released on 8 June, combines feedback from local residents with assessments from Time Out‘s international network of food experts, evaluating cities on food quality, affordability, innovation, diversity and overall dining culture.
Although Cape Town dropped from fourth place in 2025, largely due to affordability considerations, the city remained one of the world’s standout culinary destinations. It achieved the third-highest score globally for food quality, with 93% of local respondents praising its dining scene.
Among the city’s celebrated culinary experiences were the coastal-inspired menus at Amura by Ángel León and the innovative cuisine served at The Test Kitchen Fledglings, both recognised for showcasing creativity and world-class dining.
South Africa’s Culinary Excellence Continues to Grow
Cape Town‘s latest achievement adds to an impressive list of international accolades for South African cuisine.
Earlier this year, Time Out’s World’s Best Burgers rankings placed Zuney Burger‘s acclaimed Wagyu Burger second in the world, finishing behind only Tokyo’s Smash Things. Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite also secured an impressive eighth-place finish, highlighting the country’s growing influence on the international burger scene.
South Africa‘s pizza industry has also attracted global attention, with Johannesburg’s Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria and Cape Town’s Pizza Connection recently being recognised among the world’s best pizzerias.
Beyond food, Cape Town has consistently featured in Time Out‘s global culture rankings, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s leading destinations for creativity, hospitality and memorable lifestyle experiences.
Celebrating South Africa’s Cultural Diversity
According to Time Out South Africa, the growing international recognition extends beyond individual restaurants and cities, reflecting the country’s rich cultural identity and diverse communities.
“These rankings are about far more than individual restaurants or cities. They reflect the richness of South Africa’s cultural identity, shaped by diverse communities, traditions, influences and stories across the country,”.
said Aisha Mohamed, Managing Director of Time Out South Africa
Mohamed added that while Cape Town‘s recognition is significant, the broader success lies in seeing South African creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural innovation gaining worldwide attention.
She noted that Time Out South Africa aims not only to celebrate internationally recognised destinations but also to uncover the people, places and cultural movements that continue to shape South African life.
Food as a Gateway to South African Stories
As global lifestyle trends increasingly connect food with travel, music, art, sport and wellness, Time Out South Africa is expanding its focus to showcase the stories behind these experiences.
The platform believes local neighbourhoods, cultural institutions and emerging creative communities all contribute to South Africa‘s growing international appeal.
“Food has become one of the most powerful ways that communities tell their stories. Across South Africa, food reflects heritage, migration, innovation and cultural exchange. When local restaurants, creators and cultural institutions receive international recognition, it helps showcase the diversity and complexity of South African culture to the world.”
Mohamed explained
With its hospitality, tourism and creative industries continuing to evolve, South Africa’s greatest strength remains the diversity of its people, communities and experiences. From Cape Town‘s award-winning restaurants to Johannesburg’s thriving culinary scene, the country’s growing global reputation demonstrates that South African culture continues to inspire audiences and travellers around the world.
