Cape Town may have narrowly missed out on a place in the world’s top 10 food cities, but the latest global rankings suggest South Africa’s culinary and creative industries are having a moment.
In Time Out’s 2026 World’s Best Cities for Food ranking, released on Monday, June 8, Cape Town placed 11th globally, just outside the top 10 in a list topped by Lima, Bangkok, Mexico City, London, and Barcelona.
The annual ranking is based on a global survey of residents and assessments by Time Out’s network of food experts, which measure quality, affordability, innovation, diversity, and local dining culture.
While the Mother City slipped from fourth place in 2025, largely due to affordability considerations, it still earned the third-highest score in the world for food quality, with 93% of locals rating its dining scene positively.
Among the restaurants singled out by Time Out were Amura by Ángel León, recognised for its shoreline-inspired menus, and The Test Kitchen Fledglings, praised for its innovative approach to fine dining.
The latest accolade adds to a growing list of international recognition for South Africa’s food scene.
Earlier this year, Zuney Burger’s Wagyu Burger was named the second-best burger in the world in Time Out’s global rankings, finishing behind Tokyo’s Smash Things. At the same time, Johannesburg's favourite Mafia Bite secured eighth place.
South Africa’s pizza offering has also been making waves internationally, with Johannesburg’s Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria and Cape Town’s Pizza Connection recently earning places among the world’s best.
But according to Aisha Mohamed, Managing Director of Time Out South Africa, the rankings represent far more than standout restaurants.
“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.”
Mohamed said the growing international recognition highlights the creativity and entrepreneurship driving the country’s food and cultural sectors.
“The success of our food, culture, and creative sectors lies in their diversity, and we believe South Africa’s story is strongest when multiple voices, perspectives, and cities are represented on the global stage.”
As food increasingly intersects with travel, art, and lifestyle, the latest rankings reinforce South Africa’s reputation as a destination where culture and cuisine go hand in hand – and where Cape Town continues to set the table for the world.
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