World Culinary Awards – the global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in the Culinary industry – has announced the winners of its 2024 programme at a glittering dinner reception staged at Summersalt Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, UAE.

Dubai was named ‘World’s Best Culinary Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Best Culinary Destination’. South Africa was named ‘Africa’s Best Culinary Destination, Italy collected ‘Europe’s Best Culinary Destination’. Peru was voted ‘Latin America’s Best Culinary Destination’, Jamaica won ‘Caribbean’s Best Culinary Destination’, whilst Thailand was crowned ‘Asia’s Best Culinary Destination’.

Perched on the 65th floor of the lebua Hotel Bangkok, MezzaLuna was voted ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ for its unique fusion of premium Japanese ingredients with classic French cooking techniques.

Dubai’s restaurants enjoyed a strong showing. Atlantis the Royal took double honours, winning ‘World’s Best Hotel for Brunch’ and ‘World’s Best Hotel Restaurant’ – Ariana’s Persian Kitchen @ Atlantis the Royal. Ossiano Restaurant @ Atlantis the Palm claimed ‘World’s Best Culinary Experience’.

The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.

Rina van Staden, Director, World Culinary Awards, said: “Our winners are the visionaries whose creativity and craftmanship bring joy to millions of people every day. Their hard work, commitment and unwavering passion for the culinary arts inspire us all. My congratulations to each of them.”

South African restaurants once again proved their culinary prowess by dominating the Awards for Africa.

Epice, an intimate fine dining restaurant located in the picturesque town of Franschhoek headed by Chef Charne Sampson, was recognised as Africa’s Best Restaurant 2024.

For the second year running, Siba: The Restaurant at the five-star Table Bay hotel was named as Africa’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant Award.

Speaking at the event, the delighted chef patron Siba Mtongana said, “Family, we did it. South Africa, we did it. Africa, we did it.

“I am always honoured to accept this award on behalf of my team who puts in much hard work to maintain our high standards. This is what keeps guests coming back for more, and spreading the word both locally and internationally. What makes the World Culinary Awards so special is that our guests were given the chance to vote, so it is thanks to their love and support that we got to bring it home.”

The title of Africa’s Best Asian Cuisine Restaurant 2024 was awarded to TANG at the V&A Waterfront.

SALON, founded by world-renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts, was recognised as Africa’s Best New Restaurant 2024.

The award for Africa’s Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant went to Babel @ Babylonstoren.

The 11TH Floor, situated in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, claimed the title of Africa’s Best Rooftop Restaurant 2024.

Salsify at the Roundhouse was named as Africa’s Best Landmark Restaurant 2024 for the second year in a row.

Head Chef for Salsify, Nina du Toit, attended the awards on behalf of the Salsify team. “It has been six years since Salsify first opened its doors,” she remarked on accepting the award. “Awards like these acknowledge our efforts and reward us for the time we’ve taken to get here and the time we put into every day to make Salsify an exceptional experience for our guests.”

The Silwood School of Cookery was recognised as Africa’s Best Culinary Training Institution 2024, while Cape Town was honoured as Africa’s Best Culinary City Destination 2024

For a full list of winners visit here.