The South African restaurateur who was just named international Woman of the Year
Jennifer Hugé, co-founder and Service & Beverage Director of FYN Restaurant, has been named the 2026 Woman of the Year by Relais & Châteaux and Pommery.
She won the award for what Relais & Châteaux and Pommery described as exemplary mentoring.
The awards are given by France-based hotel group Relais & Châteaux and champagne maker Pommery, with awards given to those who perpetuate the Relais & Châteaux Experience.
Relais & Châteaux and Pommery noted that Hugé has been elevating FYN to the ultimate heights of Cape Town’s culinary establishment.
She is known as the “Mother of Service” in South Africa, and trains many of the city’s best managers and sommeliers.
Due to her knowledge of local vineyards and her mastery of mixology, she compiles lists of exclusive wines, cocktails and mocktails that combine French finesse with South African hospitality.
FYN said that Hugé standing among the industry’s most influential leaders is a source of immense pride.
The restaurant said that her talent, integrity, relentless pursuit of excellence and the deep humanity she brings embody everything that the award represents.
FYN said that her leadership continues to pave the way for a more progressive industry and that the company is honoured to walk alongside her.
“This award is not mine alone – I share it with my entire team,” said Hugé.
“Their trust, commitment, and heart are the reason our dining room feels the way it does. Every service is a collective achievement, and this recognition belongs to all of us.”
Hugé is originally from France, where she studied marketing and finance. Although she was supposed to return to France to study, she said that South Africa “caught her.”
During her nearly twenty years at La Colombe, Hugé’s career progressed from runner to General Manager at La Colombe.
‘I fell in love with this country, and it became home. I built a friendship family, and fell in love with what South Africa has to offer in terms of wine and food,” said Hugé in a previous interview.
“It is also constantly evolving and getting better and better. I felt my French roots and passion could be valuable in South Africa’s vibrant hospitality scene.
One of the best in the world
FYN is not only one of the best restaurants in South Africa, but is regularly named among the world’s best.
The restaurant was envisioned by Peter Tempelhoff, who now serves as the patron chef.
The restaurant was also co-founded by Hugé and culinary director Ashley Moss, who believed in Templehoff’s vision.
FYN was recently ranked alongside La Colombe and Salsify in the Condé Nast Traveller’s World’s Best Restaurant Awards for 2025.
It is also regularly included in the World’s 50 Best restaurants. It was named the best restaurant in 2022 and received the Most Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2023.
The eatery has a bold vision of infusing Japanese styling with sometimes South African ingredients, some of which are ancient.
“Japanese cooking has always appealed to me because of its cleanliness: the clean lines and the simple techniques,” Tempelhoff said.
“And I’ve always warmed towards their culture, the culture of looking after each other, and always striving to be the best you can be.”
The combination of a clean, simple design with local flavour and history is the foundational element of FYN.
“We have amazing regions where people have been foraging for thousands of years and living off the land. If we can bring some of that and put it on the plate, that’s our vision,” added Tempelhoff.
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