Chef-owner Luke Dale-Roberts said: “The award is an incredible vote of confidence for me and my team. I do what I love, with precision and artistry, and being awarded for this validates what I do every day.”
The Test Kitchen provides a showcase experience where Dale-Roberts applies his expert technique, passion for true flavour and international inspiration in the creation of challenging and rewarding dishes.
This is the fourth year in which The Test Kitchen has featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. It made a bold start at the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards in 2013, where it received the Cacao Barry One to Watch Award. Since then, The Test Kitchen has climbed steadily and quickly since its opening at the end of 2010: number 74 in 2012; number 61 in 2013 and number 48 in 2014 followed by a massive jump to number 28 in 2015. In addition, the restaurant was also 2013, 2014 and 2015 Winner of Continental Restaurant Awards: Best Restaurant in Africa at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The Test Kitchen has received numerous awards, both local and international since opening at the end of 2010. It was named in the Elite Traveler Top 100 Restaurants 2015. And locally it has been named Restaurant of the Year from 2012 to 2015 by the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards and received Two Plates in the new South African JHP Gourmet Guide.
The Test Kitchen will close for mid-August for a full décor refurbishment where the entire space will be reconsidered as a whole. Dale-Roberts explained: “It will be smaller, more intimate, and we will only do dinners there. It's time to redefine this creative space, which has always been my focus in terms of creating the most flavourful, exciting and challenging food.”
After its reopening on 4 October, guests can expect a whole new The Test Kitchen experience. “We are constantly innovating and refining the food according to our Test Kitchen philosophy,” Dale-Roberts explained, “and with the re-imagined space the entire experience of dining here will be redefined.”
Sister restaurant The Pot Luck Club, which is situated on the top floor of the Silo building also at The Old Biscuit Mill, is a trendy spot that continues to impress diners with its tapas concept. Taking inspiration from around the globe, dishes are packed with flavour and texture, while the 360-degree views of the city and Manhattan loft feel and open kitchen add to the palpable energy at the venue.
2016 has also seen Dale-Roberts launch Luke Dale-Roberts at The Saxon, which is an exclusive boutique hotel in Joburg. Here diners are fêted with his signature fare.
Shortmarket Club, in the heart of Cape Town, is a partnership venture between Dale-Roberts, his wife Sandalene, chef Wesley Randles and manager Simon Widdison. Opening on 27 June, it’s set to be one of the hippest spots in the Mother City.
The Test Kitchen is located at Shop 105a, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. To book your table call +27 (0)21 447 2337 or book online via www.thetestkitchen.co.za. Opening hours: lunch Tuesday to Saturday: 12.30pm to 2pm and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday: 7pm to 9.30pm.
