This festive season, Cape Town’s culinary scene gets a thrilling new addition: Amura by Ángel León at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel.
For the first time outside Spain, Michelin-starred Chef Ángel León brings his visionary approach to the ocean and its flavours to South Africa (SA), where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at the foot of Table Mountain.
A humble fisherman at heart, León has transformed global gastronomy through his dedication to understanding and preserving marine ecosystems. Now, together with his brother Carlos, he has created a restaurant that honours their father’s maritime legacy while exploring the rich waters off SA’s coastline. Executive Chef Guillermo Salazar, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and veteran of León’s Aponiente group, leads the kitchen, bringing technical mastery and creativity to every dish.
The menu is a dialogue between Andalusia and the Cape, celebrating the region’s fresh, coastal ingredients. Highlights include Yellowtail Tartare with Escabeche Dressing, reimagined with Cape citrus and herbs, Pickled West Coast Mussels with Seaweed-Dusted Chips, and Catch of the Day with Pickled Cape Kelp, honouring the Atlantic’s bounty. For an unforgettable festive pairing, Saldanha Bay oysters meet Silverthorn “River Dragon” Bubbly.
The drinks are equally imaginative. From the Kelp Martini, made with local gin and kelp-infused brine, to the Bamboesbay Sauvignon Blanc, aged on the ocean floor for a vivid taste of the sea, each sip reflects the ocean’s character.
The space is cinematic and immersive, designed by SA Architect Tristan du Plessis. Timber, leather, rattan, and curved forms evoke the romance of grand ocean liners, while a double-height wine library and soft lighting create the feeling of being underwater among kelp forests. The open kitchen pulses with flame, steam, and brine, letting diners witness the magic of the sea come to life on the plate.
Amura is not just about extraordinary flavours; it’s about purpose. From overlooked marine species to botanicals from Mount Nelson’s gardens, every detail honours the oceans and Cape Town’s heritage. Patrick Fisher, General Manager of Mount Nelson, says; “With Amura, we celebrate our oceans, our heritage, and the beauty of the Cape through Chef Ángel León’s visionary lens.”
–ChannelAfrica–
