SALON received the title of Restaurant of the Year, along with a prestigious Three Luxe Star rating, while The Pot Luck Club Cape Town and The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg were each awarded Two Luxe Stars. SALON’s win follows its international accolade as Africa’s Best New Restaurant at the 2024 World Culinary Awards. Additionally, Carla Schulze, Executive Chef at SALON, was awarded the Culinary Innovation Award for her visionary approach to fine dining.
Luke Dale Roberts, South Africa’s original trailblazer chef, continues to set new standards in fine dining. Known for redefining the culinary landscape with The Test Kitchen, Roberts has once again raised the bar with SALON. Together with Executive Chef Carla Schulze, who started as a trainee at The Test Kitchen, the duo crafts a globally inspired menu blending bold flavours, English roots, Asian influences, and European techniques.
Chad Fourie, founder and head judge of the Luxe Awards commented, “SALON is a masterful expression of modern fine dining, where Luke Dale Roberts and Executive Chef Carla Schulze create a tasting experience that is both globally inspired and deeply refined. Every element, from the impeccable service to the thoughtful progression of dishes, reflects an extraordinary level of craftsmanship.”
Says Roberts, “SALON’s recognition at the Luxe Awards and the World Culinary Awards is deeply rewarding. I’m incredibly proud of Carla, who has grown into an extraordinary chef since her early days as a trainee at The Test Kitchen. Seeing both Pot Luck Clubs honoured is equally special—it’s a true testament to the talent and passion of our entire team.”
The Luxe Star Grading system ensures a fair evaluation of all aspects of the dining experience — cuisine, service, and ambiance.
- Two Luxe Stars (85.00–89.99 points) celebrate expertly crafted, inspired cuisine. Comparable to a Michelin Two-Star rating, these restaurants offer elevated dining where creativity and precision shine.
- Three Luxe Stars (90.00–100.00 points) represent the pinnacle of culinary excellence. Comparable to Michelin Three-Star status, these restaurants provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences, blending culinary genius with world-class service.
SALON’s Three Luxe Stars affirm its status as a world-class dining destination, where every detail — from the finest ingredients to exceptional service—comes together to create something truly extraordinary.
The Pot Luck Club Cape Town and The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg were each awarded Two Luxe Stars, reflecting their reputation for inventive small plates and bold global flavours in vibrant yet relaxed settings.
