In less than a year, Amura by Ángel León at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town has swiftly become the go-to destination for Capetonians in the know and global gourmands alike. Welcoming guests into a softly lit subaquatic dining space reminiscent of a resplendent kelp forest, The Nellie’s newest restaurant presents its latest offering: a collaboration between Chef Ángel León and Chef Alain Roux, two of the culinary world’s most respected names, bringing together the vision and craft behind six MICHELIN Stars.

Spearheaded by Mount Nelson’s General Manager Patrick Fisher, the partnership is the most ambitious in a series of recent takeovers, establishing Amura as one to watch on an international scale. Chef Alain will take the reins from 13th August 2026 for the first three nights of the culinary residency before he is joined by Chef Ángel on the final evening for a Four Hands Dinner, bringing together traditional French cuisine with new-wave Spanish flavour.

FRENCH TRADITION MEETS SPANISH FLAIR: THE WORLD’S BEST CHEFS IN ONE KITCHEN

Chef Ángel and Chef Alain are industry-defining figures whose reputations precede them. Both chefs share a profound respect for seasonality and local produce, which unites their respective culinary approaches.

Known globally as “The Chef of the Sea”, Chef Ángel has redefined contemporary gastronomy through his pioneering exploration of marine ingredients. From introducing plankton into fine dining to championing underutilised seafood species and advocating for marine biodiversity, his dishes are a symphony of tide and terroir and challenge diners to experience the ocean in entirely new ways. Having earned three MICHELIN Stars at his flagship restaurant Aponiente and two MICHELIN Stars at Alevante, both in Cádiz, Spain, Chef Ángel has brought his signature style of cooking to Amura, his first restaurant outside of Spain, where he continues to transform marine ingredients into extraordinary gastronomic experiences.

Few families have shaped the course of British gastronomy as profoundly as the Roux dynasty. It was Albert and Michel Roux who, arriving in Britain in the 1960s, fundamentally changed the country’s relationship with fine dining, introducing classical French technique and rigorous culinary standards to a nation hungry for both. Chef Alain Roux is the custodian of that legacy. As Chef Patron of The Waterside Inn — the celebrated riverside restaurant founded by his father, Michel Roux — Alain Roux has presided over one of modern dining’s most remarkable achievements: three MICHELIN stars, held continuously since 1985, for 41 consecutive years — an unrivalled feat outside of France. He has previously collaborated with culinary royalty such as Chef Heston Blumenthal OBE and Chef Clare Smyth MBE at his own restaurant.

There are few places in the world more fitting to host this meeting of culinary minds than Cape Town, a city shaped by the convergence of two great oceans. As Amura continues to celebrate the relationship between land and sea, the residency reflects a natural dialogue between South Africa’s rich coastal landscape, Chef Ángel’s marine philosophy and Chef Alain’s enduring respect for seasonality, provenance and craftsmanship.

ON THE MENU: FOUR NIGHTS OF MARITIME FEASTING

Spread across four evenings from 13th – 16th of August, each experience will commence with welcome drinks courtesy of Moët & Chandon. Chef Alain will take over the kitchen for the first three nights and is set to delight diners with his signature French style of cooking, crafted from local South African ingredients. For the occasion, Chef Alain will present an exquisite six course tasting menu, including his signature Truffle Croque Monsieur, a beautifully seared scallop paired with sweetcorn, lime and an aromatic vadouvan sauce. Dessert concludes the journey with a warm raspberry soufflé, a classic that has graced the menu at The Waterside Inn for more than half a century.

On the final evening, guests will have the opportunity to experience an exceptional collaboration between Chef Alain and Chef Ángel. The evening will bring six MICHELIN stars together for a first-of-its-kind Four Hands Dinner on the continent. The Four Hands menu celebrates the culinary identity of each Chef. Chef Alain Roux will present his signature pan fried lobster medallion with ginger flavoured vegetable julienne and white port sauce, rooted in classic French tradition. It will be followed by one of Chef Ángel León’s iconic creations, his deeply savoury plankton risotto, a dish that perfectly expresses his pioneering interpretation of the sea.

“Cooking alongside Alain is a real privilege. We come from different culinary traditions, but we share the same respect for great produce, craftsmanship and hospitality. Bringing those worlds together at Amura, in Cape Town, makes this collaboration truly special,” says Chef Ángel León.

Joining Chef Alain in the kitchen throughout the residency is acclaimed South African chef Wandile Mabaso. Widely recognised as one of the country’s leading culinary talents, Mabaso has earned a reputation for his refined approach to contemporary cuisine, blending global techniques with distinctly African influences.

“I am delighted to be returning to South Africa to cook at the iconic Mount Nelson. It is a privilege to partner with Chef Ángel León, whose pioneering approach to the cuisine of the sea has earned him worldwide admiration. I am also looking forward to joining Chef Wandile Mabaso in the kitchen. His passion for South African cuisine has made him one of the country’s most respected chefs.

My sincerest thanks to Patrick Fisher for his vision in bringing together such an outstanding culinary collaboration, and to the kitchen and front of house teams at the Mount Nelson for their warm welcome and support. I am also pleased to be joined by my Culinary Instructor, Chef Michael Nizzero. This promises to be a very special few days, bringing together different culinary traditions exceptional local produce and a shared passion for hospitality. I very much look forward to meeting the guests and creating a memorable experience for everyone,” says Chef Alain Roux.

“It’s not often that you get to experience the world’s culinary greats in one night, and one kitchen,” says Patrick Fisher. “Through partnerships of this calibre, we’re establishing Amura as a world-class fine-dining location, a true celebration of Mount Nelson’s approach to modern luxury hospitality and our commitment to creating memorable moments for our guests. We can’t wait for you to join us.”

Ahead of the much-anticipated residency, Amura will be sending two of its local chefs to train at Aponiente in Spain for two weeks, extending the spirit of collaboration into a meaningful exchange of knowledge and culture. It is this commitment to both global excellence and local talent that continues to shape Amura’s place as one of Cape Town’s most exciting new culinary destinations.

More than a residency, the collaboration signals the next chapter in Amura’s evolution. As Chef Ángel León’s first international restaurant, it stands as a platform for global culinary exchange in one of the world’s most inspiring coastal cities.

This collaboration has been made possible by the generosity of our travel partner KLM, who sponsored the flights. “At KLM, every journey creates a catalyst opportunity for the exchange and connecting of cultures, traditions, ideas and experiences,” says Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM. “This collaboration is a perfect reflection of that, creating a one-of-a-kind setting for guests in Cape Town to experience the coming together of exceptional European culinary talent in one destination, one kitchen and one unforgettable residency.”

EVENT DETAILS

•      13^th – 15^th August 2026 | Alain Roux Residency – R3,500.00 per person, including wine pairing.

•      16^th August 2026 | Alain Roux x Ángel León 4 Hands – R4,500.00 per person, including wine pairing.

•      One seating per evening. Arrival: 19:00 | Sit-down: 19:30

•      Capacity: 40 guests per evening

Reservations are now open and can be booked via DinePlan.