Rudi Liebenberg

Joined the army as a chef. Served banquets at Durban’s Tropicana Hotel. Became executive chef at Sheraton Pretoria Hotel in 2001, and The Michelangelo Hotel Sandton in 2003. Was the principal-chef at Prue Leith Chefs Academy in 2006, and served as executive chef at The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa.

Became executive chef at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in 2009, winning a string of awards, while encouraging sustainability.

Current Executive chef at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s Planet Restaurant

Restaurants he rates in 2019

For a casual meal Black Sheep Restaurant.
For a special occasion To be honest, in my backyard, listening to music and cooking from the fire, drinking some really good red wine. But if I have to, Restaurant Jardine. We stay over the night and make a big deal of it.
For a guilty pleasure Pizza at Nonna Lina.
For a Winelands experience Overture by Bertus Basson.
For authentic cuisine South China Dim Sum Bar.
Best new restaurant Bao Down. The highlight was an aubergine dish with miso and sesame, probably the best thing I tasted in 2018.
Best “oldie but goodie” Aubergine
The best restaurant overall The Foodbarn; Nobu

Restaurants he rated in 2018

For a casual meal South China Dim Sum Bar
For a special occasion Aubergine
For a healthy meal Sexy Food (closed)
For a quick bite Hartlief Deli in Gardens Shopping Centre
For a Winelands experience Restaurant Jardine
For authentic cuisine Sundoo
The best restaurant overall La Colombe