AMURA BY ÁNGEL LEÓN AT MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN, FEATURED IN TIME’S ANNUAL LIST OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES
12 MARCH 2026 – TIME reveals its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places. The list highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay.
TIME compiles this list through nominations. So, it gathers recommendations from its global network of correspondents and contributors. It also accepts applications. The focus remains on places that offer new and exciting experiences.
Amura by Ángel León is an immersive marine dining experience at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. Also, it is now recognised as one of the most exciting new places to visit in 2026.
A STORY WRITTEN BY THE SEA – AMURA BY ÁNGEL LEÓN
Amura opened in December 2025. It marks the first restaurant outside Spain by internationally acclaimed chef Ángel León. He is widely known as the “Chef of the Sea.”
His Andalusian restaurants—Aponiente (three Michelin Stars) and Alevante (two Michelin Stars)—have earned global recognition. They are known for pioneering marine cuisine.
Amura draws inspiration from the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It reflects the rich biodiversity of the Cape coastline. The restaurant creates a deeply immersive dining experience shaped by the rhythms of the sea.
It blends Mediterranean techniques with South African ingredients. The menu celebrates overlooked marine species, seasonal coastal produce, and indigenous flavours. It tells a story of two seafaring cultures—Andalusia and the Cape—connected by ancient tides and shared culinary heritage.
“At Amura we try to tell a different story about the sea. It is rooted in nature, time, and respect for the ocean. To see this vision recognised by TIME among the world’s greatest places is both humbling and deeply exciting for our entire team,” says Carlos León, Business Manager of Amura and brother of Chef Ángel León.
A NEW CULINARY CHAPTER AT MOUNT NELSON
Amura is set within the historic Mount Nelson, one of Cape Town’s most iconic luxury hotels. It forms part of the hotel’s evolving culinary offering. Moreover, It introduces a new global dining destination in the heart of the Cape.
“It is an incredible honour for both Amura and Mount Nelson to be recognised by TIME in this year’s list of the World’s Greatest Places,” says Patrick Fisher, General Manager of Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town.
“From the beginning, Amura was envisioned as a restaurant that brings together Chef Ángel León’s pioneering marine cuisine with the remarkable ingredients and coastal heritage of the Cape. Seeing this vision acknowledged on a global stage is a proud moment for us all.”
AS WRITTEN BY TIME
Ángel León transforms seafood in unexpected ways. He turns mussels into blood sausage. Also, he reimagines tuna as a type of fish jamón. He even forages cereals from the ocean floor.
These innovations redefine seafood-driven cuisine. They establish him as one of the most influential names in contemporary gastronomy. The Andalusian chef created a three-Michelin-star temple to the sea in Puerto de Santa María. Now, he brings his vision to the South Atlantic for his first project outside Spain.
Amura is located inside Cape Town’s historic Mount Nelson Hotel. Its design reflects South Africa’s kelp forests. It presents a new creative challenge for León, also known as El Chef del Mar.
Here, he uses a new continent as his canvas. He serves local kingklip fresh with Spanish pilpil enriched with plankton. Also, he pairs abalone, deeply tied to South Africa’s coast, with an emulsion of Gordal olives. He prepares shrimp toast inspired by Durban’s curry-influenced maritime heritage, which resonates with local diners.
León also draws from personal history. He honours his family’s maritime roots with Cádiz-style squid-ink croquettes served with aioli.
AMURA BY ÁNGEL LEÓN continues to redefine global dining. Moreover, it blends innovation, heritage, and ocean-inspired storytelling. It secures its place among the world’s most extraordinary culinary destinations.
