MANLEY COMMUNICATIONS CLIENTS RECOGNISED AT THE  2026 LUXE RESTAURANT AWARDS

South Africa, Johannesburg; The 2026 LUXE Restaurant Awards, held at the new landmark restaurant MIRA Sandton, Johannesburg on Monday, 23 February, brought together many of the country’s most respected chefs and restaurateurs for an evening that marked a high point on the national dining calendar. Manley Communications Atelier, a reputation management consultancy established by Ian and Lise Manley in 2000, represents some of the finest names in South Africa’s hospitality industry, and a number of its clients were recognised among this year’s winners.

Executive Chef Carla Shulze 

The evening saw Carla Schulze named Chef of the Year, one of the most significant honours of the night. Schulze, who leads the kitchen at fine dining SALON in Cape Town, has steadily built a reputation for cooking that is confident and deeply considered. Her recognition speaks not only to a standout year for the restaurant, but to her growing influence within the country’s fine dining landscape. SALON was also awarded a LUXE Three Star Award, placing it among a handful of restaurants recognised for consistency and excellence.

Co-Owner and Executive Chef Callan Austin

Chef Callan Austin of DUSK in Stellenbosch received the Culinary Innovation Award, acknowledging his thoughtful and forward looking approach in the kitchen. DUSK also secured a LUXE Three Star Award, underlining the restaurant’s continued relevance and appeal. For Austin and his team, the dual recognition marks a moment of consolidation for a restaurant that has quietly become one of the Cape Winelands’ most compelling evening destinations.

General Manager Jared Edwards

Johannesburg featured prominently in the results with OCASO named Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year. The award recognises the restaurant’s growing role in the city’s dining culture and its ability to draw a loyal local following and signals a strong year for the restaurant and confirms its position as one of Johannesburg’s notable places to dine.

Head Chef Ebie Du Toit

The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg, part of the Luke Dale Roberts restaurant portfolio, was awarded Hotel Restaurant of the Year. The recognition comes as the restaurant celebrates its first year at multi-award winning The Peech Hotel in Melrose, a notable achievement in a competitive city dining scene. In just twelve months the Johannesburg outpost has established its own character while maintaining the spirit of its Cape Town counterpart, becoming a regular fixture for both hotel guests and local diners.

From Left to Right: Executive Chef Jason Kosmas and Head Chef Nathan Clarke 

Across the broader Luke Dale Roberts portfolio, several restaurants received star recognition. The Pot Luck Club Cape Town and The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg under the leadership of Executive Group Chef Jason Kosmas, were both awarded LUXE Two Star Awards, reflecting their continued popularity and consistency. SALON earned a LUXE Three Star Award, while The Test Kitchen Fledgelings received a LUXE One Star Award, highlighting the group’s ongoing contribution to the country’s dining landscape and its role in mentoring new talent within the industry.

Co-Owner and Executive Chef Ivor Jones

Further honours went to chefs represented by Manley Communications across the Cape. Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia, where chef/patron Ivor Jones leads the kitchen, was awarded a handsome LUXE Three Star Award, and this year marks the restaurant’s tenth anniversary, a significant milestone for one of the Constantia Valley’s most enduring dining destinations. Over the past decade it has remained a draw for both local diners and international visitors, with its hillside setting and assured cooking continuing to define its appeal.

From Left to Right: Belly of the Beast; Co-Owner Neil Swart; Galjoen