Africa’s First UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
Welcome to one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations.
The Overstrand has earned the extraordinary distinction of becoming Africa’s First UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy—an international recognition awarded to regions where food, culture, sustainability, agriculture, innovation and community come together to create an exceptional gastronomic destination.
This is far more than outstanding restaurants.
It celebrates the entire food journey—from the farms and vineyards to the fishing boats, artisan producers, chefs, cafés, bakeries, delicatessens, markets, breweries, distilleries and hospitality businesses that make the Overstrand a world-class culinary destination.
Restaurants SA is proud to showcase the businesses that form part of this remarkable UNESCO region.
Together, they represent the very best of African gastronomy.
Explore. Experience. Taste. Discover why the Overstrand is setting the standard for culinary excellence across Africa.
The Overstrand UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy stretches across one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal regions, where every town contributes its own unique flavours, traditions and culinary experiences.
The UNESCO designation officially applies to “Overstrand Hermanus” as a single Creative City of Gastronomy. Therefore, all towns and villages situated within the Overstrand municipal boundary form part of the designated region.
Towns and villages that qualify
- Hangklip–Kleinmond area
- Rooi-Els
- Pringle Bay
- Betty’s Bay
- Kleinmond
- Greater Hermanus area
- Fisherhaven
- Hawston
- Vermont
- Onrus
- Sandbaai
- Mount Pleasant
- Zwelihle
- Hermanus
- Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- Stanford area
- Stanford
- Greater Gansbaai area
- De Kelders
- Gansbaai
- Masakhane
- Kleinbaai
- Franskraal
- Uilenkraalsmond
- Pearly Beach
- Baardskeerdersbos
- Buffeljags Bay
The region stretches for approximately 230 km of coastline, from Rooi-Els in the west through Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond, Hermanus and Stanford, all the way to Gansbaai and De Kelders in the east, incorporating the internationally renowned Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wine region.
Together, these towns and villages showcase an extraordinary diversity of restaurants, cafés, wine estates, breweries, farm stalls, artisan food producers, fisheries and culinary experiences that have earned the Overstrand international recognition as Africa’s First UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Recognising businesses that proudly showcase the exceptional food culture of Africa’s First UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Businesses featured in the Restaurants SA UNESCO Collection have demonstrated their commitment to excellence by meeting the following criteria:
✅ Located within the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy region (Overstrand).
✅ Consistently serves high-quality food and/or beverages.
✅ Maintains the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
✅ Delivers an outstanding customer experience.
✅ Supports local farmers, fishermen, wineries and food producers wherever possible.
✅ Celebrates and promotes the unique culinary identity of the Overstrand.
✅ Actively works to reduce food waste.
✅ Follows environmentally responsible practices wherever practical.
✅ Provides warm, friendly and professional service.
✅ Maintains clean, welcoming and well-presented premises.
✅ Contributes positively to the local hospitality community.
✅ Operates with honesty, integrity and professionalism.
