Amura by Angel León in Cape Town has made it onto Forbes’ list of the 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The annual list, overseen by the Prix Versailles Selection Committee, features 16 exceptional restaurants from around the world, spanning everything from beachfront destinations and luxury fashion-house dining venues to mountain retreats, rooftop cocktail lounges and historic landmarks.
Amura, the marine-dining restaurant at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, was founded in December 2025 by Michelin-starred Chef Ángel León. León, who is often referred to as the ‘chef of the sea’, brought his acclaimed seafood-focused cuisine from Cádiz to the African continent, with the Amura being his first restaurant outside of Spain.
Drawing inspiration from the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Forbes highlighted Amura for its offer of an immersive experience shaped by Cape Town’s deep connection to the sea.
Designed by renowned interior architect Tristan du Plessis, the restaurant reflects the textures, colours and natural beauty of the local coastline. Rich green tones, warm timber finishes, bronze accents and subtle references to underwater kelp forests combine to create an elegant yet inviting setting.
The publication also made mention of León’s tasting menu, which takes guests on a journey through diverse marine ecosystems, blending Mediterranean influences with flavours inspired by Cape Town’s coastal heritage.
Adding to the experience is an open kitchen that places the artistry of the chefs on full display, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the dining room.
With all this in mind, it comes as no surprise that this fine-dining spot made it onto Forbes’ list, which often selects its restaurants based on a number of criteria.
The Prix Versailles focuses its list on the connection between design and hospitality, from striking architecture and carefully curated interiors to sweeping views and inviting spaces. Rather than focusing solely on visual appeal, the Prix Versailles recognises spaces that successfully blend functionality, atmosphere and a strong sense of place.
The selection process evaluates far more than architecture alone. Judges consider factors such as innovation, creativity, cultural heritage, environmental performance, social impact and what the organisation describes as ‘intelligent sustainability.‘
‘Whether part of a protected building or an emporium, towering over an urban landscape or melding with the surrounding scenery, the décor at these sixteen establishments is imbued with an array of styles and colours that put each one in perfect harmony with its environment and its menu. Here, the art of hospitality goes hand in hand with the art of cultivating unforgettable experiences.’
– Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of Prix Versailles.
This year’s list featured restaurants from across the globe, with Amura and the Escā Playa in Egypt being the only Africa-based restaurants featured on the list. China led the list, with four spots featured.
Here’s the full list of the World’s 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants:
Akira Back — Hong Kong, China
Amura by Ángel León — Cape Town, South Africa
Carbone — London, United Kingdom
Escā Playa — Ras El Hekma, Egypt
Finlandia Bistro — Helsinki, Finland
Hana no Kumo — Hong Kong, China
Le Fou — Vienna, Austria
Lucia — Los Angeles, United States
Marlow — Monaco, Monaco
Monsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic — Beijing, China
Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn — Beverly Hills, United States
Monti — Gstaad, Switzerland
Mottai — Coral Gables, United States
Nobu One Za’abeel — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Peridot — Hong Kong, China
Rosso — Hinganigada, India
While the Amura, being considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, is already a huge deal for South Africa, the recognition does not end there. Later this year, three of the 16 shortlisted restaurants will be awarded prestigious World Titles for either their interior or exterior design, further cementing their status as some of the world’s most remarkable dining destinations.
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Picture: Amuracapetown/Instagram
