South Africa Makes Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 List!

This week, Lonely Planet published its Best in Travel 2023 list. Several incredible destinations received accolades this year but the inclusion we are most excited about is South Africa! The Best in Travel list is Lonely Planet’s selection of destinations which they feel will be “buzzing in the year ahead”. While we already know how wonderful of a destination South Africa is, it is always exciting to see this incredible country recognised internationally!

For 2023, to help people discover more of the world and embark on unforgettable adventures, Lonely Planet has split the list of 30 destinations into five categories: eat, journey, connect, learn and unwind. Read on to find out how South Africa ranked!

The “Eat” list: Must-visit destinations for 2023

South Africa is placed in the “Eat” category, alongside five other mouthwatering destinations including Lima in Peru, Umbria in Italy, Fukuoka in Japan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Montevideo in Uruguay. Interestingly, South Africa is the only country on the list that is mentioned in its entirety (as opposed to selecting a single city). Locals and visitors who love South Africa will know this is due to the fact that no matter where you go in South Africa, you’re bound to stumble across something tasty!

Lonely Planet lauded South Africa as a wine destination, thanks to its internationally accoladed vineyards, many of which are not only wine-centric but offer incredible culinary experiences too! Beyond the vineyards, the publication also praised the country’s new generation of chefs who are propelling the South African culinary scene into the future. All of the above makes South Africa a must-visit destination for foodies in 2023!

South African food is a unique, social adventure

From traditional dishes like bobotie, chakalaka and pap, potjiekos and melktert, to South Africa’s signature snacks including biltong, vetkoek, droewors and “walkie talkies” (deep fried chicken head and feet), you’re guaranteed to come across something unique in South Africa.

In the “Rainbow Nation”, eating is a social activity. Whether you are sipping beer and swapping stories around a braai (also known as a shisa nyama), picnicking while on a beautiful hike, gathering around the table for Sunday lunch or catching up with friends over a meal at a renowned local restaurant, you’ll likely be enjoying great food and company!

A mix of flavours and influence

South Africa is often described as a “melting pot” of cultures. Looking back on the country’s history and the mix of different nations which have left their mark on South Africa over the centuries, it's no surprise that there has been an impact on our culture and cuisine. Examples are the French Huguenots in the Cape Winelands, the diaspora of African nations across the country, the Indian community in Durban and the Cape Malay community in and around Cape Town. The influences are felt in homes and restaurants around the country.

From laid-back local fare to fine dining

Over the past few years, South Africa has steadily grown as a culinary destination. Our favourite aspect of South Africa’s foodie scene is that you can enjoy the full spectrum; from cheap and cheerful local finds and warm and welcoming eateries to fine dining in award-winning restaurants.

South Africa is no “one-trick pony.” Walk around popular central destinations in cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban and you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants with cuisines from around the world to suit a range of tastes! Think Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, Indian, French cuisine and much more!

Two of the country’s most famous restaurants are the award-winning La Colombe in Cape Town’s southern suburbs and Wolfgat in Paternoster on the West Coast.

The best places for food lovers to visit in South Africa

A foodie-based trip will likely take you all over South Africa. Here are a few of the places we feel are the best for food lovers to visit:

• Cape Town
  Cape Town boasts a number of incredible experiences for foodies! Visit Bo Kaap and discover Cape Malay cuisine which you can try at local restaurants and during local cooking classes! For fine dining experiences, visit award-winning restaurants including the Test Kitchen, the Pot Luck Club and Belly of the Beast.




• The Cape Winelands & the Spice Route
  Of course, the beautiful Cape Winelands are included on this list! Visit the incredible variety of vineyards and wine estates in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, enjoying great wine and food as you go. For a great stop that offers a variety of excellent foodie options, visit the Spice Route in Paarl.




• The West Coast
  Travel up the West Coast for an unparalleled seafood experience! With the waves of the Atlantic Ocean lapping on the shore, you can look forward to fresh, tasty seafood at destinations along the West Coast. Die Standloper restaurant is one of the most popular spots in the region.




• The Karoo
  For a journey that is as unique as it is beautiful, travel through the stark and striking landscapes of the Karoo and Klein Karoo. While here, enjoy the famous Karoo lamb - you won’t taste anything like it elsewhere!




• The KZN Midlands
  For a truly Instagram-worthy road trip, venture along the Midlands Meander in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This beautiful part of South Africa boasts rolling green hills, sparkling blue dams and quaint towns and villages which lead up to the majestic Drakensburg Mountains. Throughout the Midlands, you can find welcoming local eateries as well as high-brow, fine-dining destinations.




• Durban
  Finally, if you find yourself in Durban, be sure to try an authentic Durban curry! The Indian cuisine scene in Durban is strong with variety and flavour and features dishes from the north and south of India. During a visit, be sure to try the uniquely-named Bunny Chow, which, interestingly, does not contain any bunnies!

More reasons to visit South Africa

In addition to the incredible cuisine, there are a number of reasons to visit South Africa. The landscapes are varied and offer exciting outdoor activities. Bustling cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg offer world-class shopping and eating while also boasting the allure of laid-back coastal and countryside getaways nearby. The wildlife, including the famous Big 5, in places such as the Kruger National Park is simply incredible and cements South Africa’s position as a top safari destination! Add all this to the affordability and welcoming locals, and a trip to South Africa will stay in your heart long after you return home!

Is exploring South Africa to experience the cuisine (and more!) on your bucket list for 2023 yet? It should be! Whether you are a first-time visitor, a long-standing South Africa fan or a local who wants to discover more of their home country, 2023 is the year to do it! Find your next adventure in South Africa.