Amura by Ángel León at Mount Nelson: The Only African Restaurant to Make 2026’s Global Must-Visit List

Amura by Ángel León at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, has been featured as one of TIME’s exciting new places to visit on the 2026 list – and is the only restaurant in Africa included this year. According to TIME, Chef Ángel León’s imaginative take on seafood, which earned him the moniker El Chef del Mar, sets the culinary destination apart on the continent.

The Best of the Best

TIME’s annual list, highlighting 100 extraordinary destinations for travel, accommodation and dining, is an in-depth editorial project powered by an international network of correspondents and contributors. Considerations are narrowed down from an extensive pool of nominations of sought-after attractions, including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more; and an application process, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences. The process is rigorous and competitive, making Amura’s accomplishment all the more remarkable.

Cape Town’s culinary scene is already world-renowned, with a vast offering of Chef-led locations sourcing inspiration from all over South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape and beyond. Since opening in December 2025, Amura has quickly become a standout addition to an already thriving dining scene. This accolade affirms Cape Town’s firm foothold in gastronomy at large, and the never-ending possibilities of excellence in food, showing that the region is ripe with inspiration for Chefs looking to make their mark or expand their repertoire.

A Story Written by the Sea

Amura is the first restaurant outside of Spain headed by internationally acclaimed chef Ángel León, whose Andalusian restaurants, Aponiente (three Michelin Stars) and Alevante (two Michelin Stars), have earned global recognition for pioneering marine cuisine. Inspired by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the rich biodiversity of the Cape coastline, Amura offers a deeply immersive dining experience shaped by the rhythms of the sea. Blending Mediterranean techniques with South African ingredients, the restaurant celebrates overlooked marine species, seasonal coastal produce and indigenous flavours, telling a story of two seafaring cultures, Andalusia and the Cape, connected by ancient tides and a shared culinary heritage.

“At Amura we try to tell a different story about the sea; one rooted in nature, time and respect for the ocean. To see this vision recognised by TIME among the world’s greatest places is both humbling and deeply exciting for our entire team.” Carlos León – Business Manager of Amura

A New Culinary Chapter at Mount Nelson

Housed in the esteemed Mount Nelson, one of Cape Town’s most celebrated luxury hotels, Amura augments the property’s sophisticated culinary portfolio, presenting an internationally acclaimed dining experience in the heart of the Mother City.

Located at the foot of Table Mountain, the Mount Nelson Hotel – affectionately known as “the Pink Lady” – has been a symbol of South African luxury and refinement since its opening in 1899. With its signature pastel façade, heritage architecture, and serene yet central location, the hotel has welcomed generations of travellers, dignitaries, and international visitors, blending colonial charm with contemporary sophistication.

The addition of Amura demonstrates Mount Nelson’s commitment to excellence, extending to its evolving culinary landscape. Alongside its other dining venues, Amura elevates the property’s culinary reputation, offering innovative, world-class experiences that reflect Cape Town’s growing prominence on the international gastronomic stage. Together, the hotel’s storied history, impeccable service, and cutting-edge cuisine continue to define Mount Nelson as a destination where tradition and modernity converge in effortless luxury.

“It is an incredible honour for both Amura and Mount Nelson to be recognised by TIME in this year’s list of the World’s Greatest Places,” says Patrick Fisher, General Manager of Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. “From the beginning, Amura was envisioned as a restaurant that would bring together Chef Ángel León’s pioneering marine cuisine with the remarkable ingredients and coastal heritage of the Cape. To see this vision acknowledged on a global stage is a proud moment for us all.”

Ángel León’s Culinary Vision continues

With this recognition by TIME as the only African restaurant on the 2026 list, Amura by Ángel León cements the chef’s global reputation for pioneering marine cuisine beyond Spain. The restaurant embodies León’s signature vision, where innovation, sustainability, and respect for the ocean meet the rich biodiversity of the Cape coastline.