Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen brings a taste of France home with the opening of Le Bistrot de JAN in Cape Town
The Mother City’s culinary landscape is set to welcome a new chapter with the opening of Le Bistrot de JAN at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, opening in December in the city’s beloved Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Building on the success and spirit of Le Bistrot de JAN in Nice, France, this new addition makes its highly anticipated debut in one of the world’s most iconic cities, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the internationally recognisable silhouette of Table Mountain.
Le Bistrot de JAN is more than just a restaurant; it’s a joyful celebration of indulgence, nostalgia, and South African-French flair. A tribute to the beloved bistro culture of France, it’s reimagined through Jan Hendrik’s distinctly refined yet playful lens. As a younger sibling to the other JAN establishments, Le Bistrot de JAN is not just about what’s on the plate; it’s about losing yourself in a moment. Whether it’s a mischievous martini at midday, a long lunch overlooking the harbour, or an evening brought to life by live jazz, it invites you to unwind, connect and savour every moment.
Unlike other JAN establishments, Le Bistrot de JAN operates with an intentionally concise menu and a la carte offerings, providing a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy consistent and delightful meals without the formality of traditional tasting menus.
Cape Town has an amazing energy that always fills me with the same excitement I had as a young chef just starting out,” says Jan Hendrik. “I remember staring at the lights reflected in the dark harbour, dreaming of seeing the world. So it feels only fitting to bring the youthful spirit of Le Bistrot de JAN home for a full-circle moment, a homecoming filled with flavour, joy and pride in our South African roots.”
While the bistro offers a lighter, more relaxed expression than other JAN restaurants, the same world-class standard and attention to detail remain deeply rooted in its DNA. From luxurious comfort food to a wine list that celebrates both local and French gems, the experience is designed to stir the senses and evoke the kind of leisurely dining moments that become lifelong memories.
Acclaimed Executive Chef Giles will lead the Le Bistrot de JAN Cape Town team, celebrated for his work at the award-winning La Tête, among other culinary ventures. Bringing both authenticity and innovation, Chef Giles works closely with Jan Hendrik and JAN Group Executive Chef Andrea Pick to craft an evolving menu that bridges continents while honouring a shared culinary heritage. In this new space, the team are shaping dishes rooted in the timeless charm of classic cuisine from the south of France, reinterpreted with a distinctly South African sensibility and seasoned with imagination. The result is a menu that remains true to the JAN philosophy, a celebration of French culture infused with the vibrant spirit of Cape Town.
Bringing Le Bistrot de JAN to Cape Town marks an exciting new chapter, and a return to the kitchen for me after four years away,” says Edwards. “I’m very excited to be working alongside one of South Africa’s most accomplished chefs at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town when it opens in December. Jan and I share an appreciation for honest cooking steeped in nostalgia and a deep connection to where we come from. Inspired by the comfort of classic bistro cuisine and infused with Jan’s distinctive flair, we are creating a space that balances elegance with authenticity, where flavour, generosity and intention guide every detail.”
The V&A Waterfront is one of the most popular destinations in the city of Cape Town, offering a diverse and vibrant meeting place for locals and visitors alike, making it the perfect home for South Africa’s first Le Bistrot de JAN.
David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, shared: “Jan Hendrik’s global acclaim is a source of immense pride for South Africa, and it is particularly meaningful to welcome him home to Cape Town. His journey from our shores to Michelin-star success in Europe, and now back again, is a full-circle moment that highlights both his international stature and his deep connection to this city. The opening of Le Bistrot de JAN at the V&A Waterfront adds yet another dimension to our culinary offering, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity that continues to make our city a must-visit destination for food lovers globally.”
The InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town will open its doors this December, bringing a world-class rebrand to one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Just as the first Le Bistrot de JAN in Nice is characterised by a bustling European port city, so too will the building echo that vibrancy, this time framed by the Atlantic Ocean.
As part of its commitment to culinary excellence, the InterContinental brand has a long-standing tradition of partnering with world-renowned chefs to create exceptional dining experiences,” Joanne Selby, General Manager of InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, added. “Le Bistrot de JAN brings home the brilliance of one of South Africa’s own. At InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, we are honoured to provide the stage for Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s artistry, a place where locals and travellers alike can savour global excellence rooted in our South African spirit.”
Le Bistrot de JAN Cape Town officially opens its doors on the 5th of December 2025. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservation platforms will be communicated ahead of the launch.
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