Wolfgat: Officially the Best Restaurant in the World

Wow, have you heard the news? Wolfgat has been named the best restaurant in the whole world! Can you believe it? I couldn’t when I first found out. It’s such a huge honor for them, and well-deserved too. Let me tell you all about it.

So, what makes Wolfgat so special? Well, it’s situated in a small coastal town in South Africa called Paternoster. The restaurant is known for its unique dining experience that combines local ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

What sets Wolfgat apart from other restaurants is their focus on nature and sustainability. They forage for ingredients in the nearby area, using only what they need and making sure to take care of the environment. This means their menu changes regularly, depending on what’s available at the time.

When you dine at Wolfgat, you can expect a meal that is both delicious and unexpected. They create dishes that showcase the flavors and textures of the region, bringing together ingredients that you might never think to combine. It’s all about surprising your taste buds and taking you on a culinary adventure.

But it’s not just the food that makes Wolfgat special. The restaurant itself is located in a 130-year-old fisherman’s cottage, which adds to the charm and character of the place. The decor is simple and rustic, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It feels like stepping into a different world, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

So, if you’re ever in South Africa, I highly recommend checking out Wolfgat. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. And who knows, maybe you’ll agree with the judges and think it’s the best restaurant in the world too!

Sam Linsell

Welcome to this hidden gem on the West Coast, where you’ll find the winning combination of award-winning seafood and the freshest seasonal ingredients. It’s a place that’s been recognized as the Best Restaurant in the World at The World Restaurant Awards in Paris in February 2019. Situated in a charming fisherman’s cottage that’s been beautifully renovated, this cozy restaurant is a true treasure. With just 20 seats, it offers an intimate and unforgettable dining experience.

What sets this place apart is the incredible dedication and skill of its chef, Kobus van der Merwe. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see his passion and talent in action. He’s not just a chef, but also a renowned forager, and many of the ingredients used in his creations come directly from the surrounding area of Paternoster. This commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients is what makes the dining experience here truly exceptional.

Hey there! The restaurant I want to tell you about is called Wolfgat. It got its name from the Wolfgat cave, a really fascinating spot that holds clues about an ancient society and maybe even secret underground tunnels! My friend Kobus says that this place is so amazing because there’s a long history of early civilization along this coastline that really inspired him.

“At Wolfgat, we create our menus in a very natural way,” he tells me. “We draw inspiration from the stunning West Coast environment, which undergoes incredible seasonal changes and is home to a one-of-a-kind Fynbos plant kingdom. Our dishes are influenced by the weather and the time of year, guided by what we discover during our daily explorations along the coastline.” It’s an unbeatable approach!

Finding ingredients close to home

Kobus has created a one-of-a-kind culinary style known as hyperlocal Strandveld cuisine. He takes ingredients that many people have never tried before, like native succulents and herbs, and presents them in their purest form. The kitchen at his restaurant is intentionally non-industrial, allowing the unique flavors of the ingredients to shine.

Kobus’s respect for the ingredients and where they come from, combined with his creativity and expertise, is evident in the summer 2018/19 menu. He and his team have decided to revisit some of the recipes from their cookbook, Strandveld Food, which was written five years ago. However, they are giving these recipes a fresh twist and presenting them in a new and exciting way.

Just a heads up: Kobus has another well-liked restaurant in Paternoster called Oep ve Koep.
Just so you’re aware: You can only make reservations online, so be sure to book ahead. It’s a must.

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