BOTH of South African Chef Jan’s Restaurants are Selected for 50 Best Discovery List for 2023

South African chef Jan Hendrik is celebrating today after both his restaurants – in France and South Africa – were included in the international 50 Best Discovery List. Jan is of course famous for his Michelin-star restaurant – simply named JAN – in Nice on the French Riviera.

Jan (full name Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen) said on Wednesday: “We are thrilled to announce that Restaurant JAN and Restaurant Klein JAN have been included in the highly sought after 50 Best Discovery list for 2023!”

Klein JAN is Jan’s beautiful restaurant, nestled like a jewel, in the Kalahari.

“50 Best is the world-renowned brand behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants annual ranking and awards,” explains Jan, “and the Discovery list gives diners the chance to explore restaurants that have received votes from experts across the world.”

Jan said: “We are honoured to be a part of this prestigious international culinary community!”

50 Best Discovery described Restaurant Jan as a ‘very special place indeed” with “dark moody walls, flickering candelabras, innovative cooking and just 24 seats”. The prestigious site says: “South African chef Jan Hendrik has a background in food photography, which makes for some stunningly attractive plates, making up four- and seven-course tasting menus. His own heritage makes itself known on these menus, whilst additionally paying tribute to his location on the French Riviera, home of some of the world’s finest produce from both land and sea. The menu is ever-changing, but dishes could include traditional South African Vetkoek (fried bread) topped with caviar, or a sweet treat of classic French macarons incorporating the flavours of traditional Afrikaans Hertzoggie apricot and coconut cookie with a hint of verbena. The pièce de résistance however is undeniably the cheese course, where guests are led across the street to a dedicated cheese room to pick their favourite fromage.”

The tasting menu starts from $145.

If you can’t visit one of Jan’s restaurants, you can watch JAN RSVP! on Showmax here – This week, Jan shares food and conversation with the legendary Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout and chef Mokgadi Itswent.

Beyond Restaurant in Cape Town has also been featured on the list. Beyond Restaurant announced on Wednesday evening: “We are beyond honoured and grateful to be included on the @50bestdiscovery list. What a beautiful way to end the year.”