Whether it’s a female-owned establishment or headed up by a female chef, here’s where you should celebrate Women’s Day 2022 today.

Avontuur (Somerset West)

Owners Melanie and Zunia are an absolute force to reckon with. The duet not only share a common love for food and wine, but they certainly have a love for feeding people too. Situated on the picturesque Avontuur Estate, Melanie and Zunia have certainly secured an ultimate triple threat; great wine, delicious food and IG-worthy views!

 

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Beyond (Constantia, Cape Town)

Dynamic duo Julia du Toit (Head Chef) and Michelle Elliot (Head Pastry Chef) are at the forefront of leading the magnificent minds behind the scenes at Beyond. They bring life to the beautiful plates they create and have ensured that the team they lead and guide are inspired to do the same everyday.

 

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Coco Safar, Sea Point, Cape Town

In addition to an extensive food and beverage menu, you’ll find an amazing array of house-made pastries and chocolates crafted under the watch of head pâtissier and chocolatier Carmen Rueda. An establishment perfectly suited to a celebratory dining experience on Women’s Day!

 

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Emazulwini Restaurant, Makers Landing, Cape Town

Chef Mmabatho Molefe’s all-female team is making some serious waves both locally and globally at Emazulwini Restaurant. The restaurant’s unique menu pays special tribute to traditional Nguni and Zulu food with a clever haute cuisine twist. It’s a dining experience you won’t forget, right in the heart of Cape Town’s harbour.

Epice, Franschhoek

The menu features flavour-packed dishes inspired by culinary expeditions to India, headed up by the talented Charné Sampson. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re looking for an intimate, flavourful fine-dining experience in scenic Franschhoek.

 

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Fideli’s, Cape Town

Headed up by chef Judi Fourie, Fideli’s is the perfect anytime-meal spot. The in-house deli features only local produce, which is great for a quick local grocery haul, and the beer garden is the perfect place to escape the inner-city hustle and bustle.

Grumpy & Runt, Gardens, Cape Town

Grumpy & Runt, a hidden gem located in Dunkley Square, is owned and run by talented chef Johke and business partner Carla. If you’ve never tasted one of Grumpy & Runt’s larger-than-life vegan, small-batch doughnuts, you’re missing out! They’ve always got an interesting assortment of uniquely flavoured vegan doughnuts on offer, plus subs, sandwiches, and Oat Mylk soft serve, which is used to make the most amazing loaded sundaes. It’s the perfect sweet spot for women’s month!

 

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Lexi’s Healthy Eatery, Sea Point, Cape Town

Chic, fun and trendy, Lexi’s is a whole-food restaurant with an extensive offering of vegan specialities located in Sea Point. Owned by Lexi Monzeglio, it’s the perfect spot if you’re on the lookout for wholesome food this Women’s Day.

Post & Pepper, Stellenbosch

If you find yourself in central Stellenbosch, be sure to stop by Post & Pepper. It’s located in the historic Oude Postkantoor and chef Jess van Dyk’s unpretentious take on fine dining is not to be missed. The menu features all the classics with interesting twists using both Asian and South African flavours.

 

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Siba the Restaurant, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Siba Montgana is celebrated celebrity chef, cookbook author and now restauranteur. Siba the Restaurant promises a five-star dining experience with exceptional views of both the Waterfront and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town. You can expect dishes with a distinct African flair – it’s a culinary excursion not to be missed!

Tryn and Bistro 1862, Steenberg, Constantia

Besides being wonderfully picturesque, Steenberg Estate is home to Tryn and Bistro 1862, which is headed up by amazing chef Kerry Kilpin. Tryn is a contemporary establishment with a relaxed approach to fine dining and is a popular go-to for breakfasts, light and easy lunches, and flavoursome dinners.

Yen’s Vietnamese, De Waterkant, Cape Town

Chef Yen Nguyen has taken Vietnamese street food to a whole new level with the opening of her restaurant in Cape Town. Yen’s Vietnamese started out as a bustling stand at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, which is still operational. Authentic offerings include steamed buns and noodle-loaded bun thit nuong. Everything is sensational.

 

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Basalt (Melrose North)

Former head chef, Feni Malebye-Lutalo and current head chef Candice Philip have created a longstanding culinary legacy at Basalt. Their sense of creativity and attention to detail to Basalt’s contemporary fine-dining theme is well worth the experience.

 

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Embarc Restaurant (Parkhurst)

With years of culinary experience within the industry, Lisa De Beer had decided to spread her wings and open the doors to Parkhurst’s neighbourhood gem, Embarc. Partnering up with Darren O’Donovan, they’ve ensured that Embarc became the must-visit establishment they dreamed it would be.

 

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PRON (Linden, Johannesburg)

From introducing the people of Hyde Park to a memorable Northern Chinese fine-dining experience like The Red Chamber, Emma Chen now shares her love and appreciation for noodles with the masses in Jozi. With a variety of dishes to try, choosing your favourite one might prove to be quite the challenge.

 

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Olive & Oil (Glenwood, Umhlanga, Hillcrest, PMB)

Founded and nurtured by Jacqui and Nickos Itopoulos, Olive & Oil brings an authentic Mediterranean flavour to the suburbs of KZN. Jacqui has crafted the menu herself in order to ensure that the flavours and inspiration of the Aegean Sea is shared with the people of Durban.

 

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Wish on Florida (Durban)

Known to her team as ‘Chef Gee’ and well known to the industry as Snegugu Kikine, this powerhouse head chef has put Wish on Florida on the map. Creating delicious meals and beautiful plates is not her only reason for being at the forefront at Wish. Chef Gee’s passion for food and feeding people with her talent is what keeps her inspired daily.

 

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