The 2025 V&A Waterfront Neighbourhood Awards, held on 1 October at The Avenue events space, honoured the food, hospitality and retail stars that define Cape Town’s most-visited neighbourhood. With more than 150 entries, the awards highlighted the creativity, community focus and craftsmanship behind the Waterfront’s most admired eateries, cafés and specialty food stores.
Wedgewood: Confectionery with Heart
South Africa’s family-owned Wedgewood brand dominated in retail categories, earning Best Visual Merchandising and Best New or Revamped Store for its Gifting & Hamper Emporium in the Union Castle Building. Known for handmade honey nougat, biscuits and their signature nougat ice cream, Wedgewood impressed judges through its blend of elegant design, thoughtful sourcing and imaginative gifting experiences.
Seven Colours Eatery: Championing Heritage
Battery Park’s Seven Colours Eatery received the Global Ambassador Award for celebrating South Africa’s culinary heritage. Founder Nolukhanyo Dube-Cele draws from family traditions to create her “rainbow plates”—vibrant dishes inspired by Sunday meals shared across generations. The eatery was praised for elevating local flavours and promoting a sense of national pride.
Den Anker: A Legacy of Community
A Waterfront icon for over 30 years, Den Anker earned both the CEO Award and Most Engaged Tenant Award. Beyond serving Belgian-inspired cuisine, the restaurant has made a substantial social impact, leading feeding schemes that have delivered more than 250,000 meals and supporting neighbouring tenants through difficult periods. The awards recognise Den Anker’s deep-rooted commitment to community upliftment.
COOKED: Excellence in Craft and Care
COOKED, located inside the bustling Watershed market, won the Food Service Excellence Award. Their Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired menu—featuring hand-rolled bagels, Lebanese flatbreads, signature hummus and a historic 1893 cheesecake recipe—earned praise for both flavour and hospitality.
Owner Lindy Levy highlighted the team’s dedication and long-standing relationships, describing the joy of “an empty plate and the smile of someone whose belly and spirit are full” as the core of COOKED’s purpose.
The Knysna Oyster Company: Ocean-Fresh Expertise
Taking home the Retail Excellence Award, The Knysna Oyster Company was recognised for its refined farm-to-fork seafood experience. Offering oysters, sushi, wagyu burgers and a well-stocked bar, the venue has become a favourite for diners seeking sustainable, premium seafood in a relaxed Waterfront setting.
Marcel’s Frozen Yoghurt: Celebrating 30 Years
Marcel’s Frozen Yoghurt marked a major milestone with a 30-year Tenancy Award. Established in 1989, the brand is known for its probiotic-rich, gluten-free frozen yoghurt made from real dairy and natural flavourings. Retail Operations Manager Lauren Momberg described the honour as validation of their mission to create “moments of delight through quality, creativity and connection.”
People’s Choice and Community Spirit
From more than 4,000 public votes, Spur secured the People’s Choice Award for Best Eatery, highlighting the brand’s enduring popularity with families and local diners.
V&A Waterfront CEO David Green emphasised that this year’s winners reflect the precinct’s dynamic and diverse food landscape, noting that their achievements reinforce the Waterfront’s status as a global destination for standout dining and memorable experiences.
