Johannes Richter Brings Durban’s The LivingRoom to Cape Town
Award-winning chef Johannes Richter launches a summer residency at Bantry Bay's Ellerman House.
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1Strategic Summer Residency
Chef Johannes Richter and his partner Johanna are launching a summer residency at Ellerman House in Bantry Bay. Running from December 2026 through March 2027, the project transforms the hotel’s existing restaurant, Curate, into Curate by The LivingRoom. This initiative marks a significant expansion for the Durban-based culinary team into the Cape.
2Maintaining Durban Operations
Despite the move to the Cape, The LivingRoom at Summerhill in Durban remains fully operational. Johanna Richter will continue managing the Durban location, while head chef Luckson Mare takes command of the kitchen. This ensures the original restaurant maintains its high standards while the founders explore new opportunities in the Western Cape.
3Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability remains the core philosophy for the residency, mirroring the practices established at The LivingRoom. The menu will avoid wild-caught seafood and prioritize locally sourced ingredients from Cape producers. Richter has already begun sourcing botanicals from the Ellerman House gardens to integrate local terroir into his upcoming seasonal menu offerings.
4Team Empowerment Strategy
The residency serves as a platform for professional growth for the Richters' long-term staff. Akhona Dukwana, who has been with the team for eight years, will serve as head chef at the Cape Town location. This project allows the founders to delegate leadership responsibilities to their trusted, rising culinary talent.
5Curate’s Unique Setting
Curate is situated within the Wine Gallery at Ellerman House, an immersive space featuring art and soil-themed installations. The restaurant was designed to reflect the terroir of South African wines. Johannes Richter plans to cook in this spirit, blending his signature hyper-local approach with the unique character of the venue.
6Expert Wine Pairing
The wine program will be led by Joe Beziek, recognized as South Africa’s Best Young Sommelier 2026. He will curate pairings from the hotel’s extensive cellar, which houses approximately 10,000 bottles of South African wine. Johanna Richter will assist in training the front-of-house team and refining the overall service experience for guests.
7Culinary Pedigree and Awards
Johannes Richter is a highly decorated chef, having been named Eat Out Chef of the Year in 2025 and 2026. The LivingRoom holds three Eat Out stars and is recognized as a 50 Best Discovery restaurant. His background includes training in Michelin-starred kitchens in Germany, specifically at Berlin’s three-star Rutz restaurant.
8Operational Details
Curate by The LivingRoom will be open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday for both hotel guests and outside diners. Reservations are mandatory and managed through the DinePlan platform. Due to limited parking at the historic Bantry Bay property, the restaurant encourages guests to utilize ride-sharing services for their arrival.
Original article: Daily Maverick — Johannes Richter Brings Durban’s The LivingRoom to Cape Town