Ángel León to open marine-inspired restaurant Amura in Cape Town
Celebrated Spanish chef Ángel León will open his first establishment outside of Spain in this December, bringing his distinctive marine-focused cuisine to Cape Town, South Africa. The new restaurant, named Amura, will be located within Mount Nelson (a Belmond Hotel), and will mark León’s debut on the African continent. Known as the “Chef of the Sea”, his latest venture aims to explore the culinary connections between the Andalusian and South African coasts, using sustainable ingredients and techniques inspired by the ocean.
The culinary expert, who has earned three Michelin stars for Aponiente and two for Alevante in his native Cádiz, is known for his innovative use of marine ingredients such as phytoplankton and sea rice. He has received international recognition for his efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and was named a Food Hero by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2023. Amura will offer a dining experience shaped by the biodiversity of the Cape coastline and León’s longstanding commitment to marine conservation. The restaurant will combine Spanish culinary traditions with local South African ingredients, including by-catch fish, kelp and halophyte plants often overlooked in mainstream cuisine.
The design for the space, led by South African interior architect Tristan du Plessis, is inspired by the kelp forests of Cape Town. It will feature a theatrical open kitchen and interiors that evoke the atmosphere of the ocean floor, with deep greens, timber and bronze elements. Léon describes the integrated culinary offering as “an homage to this shared seafaring legacy. To the salted fish and coastal fermentations, speaking the same ancestral language”. It will include an à la carte menu and a tasting menu, not only showcasing lesser-known marine species but also traditional preservation techniques. The restaurant will also feature a curated wine list, highlighting both Cape terroirs and Andalusian sherries.
Amura is described as a personal tribute to León’s father, who first introduced him to the sea. The name itself, meaning the bow of a boat, symbolises forward movement and discovery. “Rooted in heritage and guided by a respect for nature, Mount Nelson and Amura come together in a shared vision: to honour the ocean, celebrate heritage and hospitality with soul,” said León.
Food Desk
Amura opens in December 2025 at The Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 South Africa. For further information or to book a table, visit the restaurant’s website here.
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