Meet Our Executive Chef, Callan Austin - The Visionary Behind Our Menu.

Chef Callan draws inspiration from every corner of life, diving deep into creativity to craft his unique concepts. For him, food is more than just sustenance—it's an art form, a medium to express bold ideas and tell stories that range from the politically charged to the playfully nostalgic.

Meet Jason, our head waiter and wine assistant. Jason has been with us from conception and has been working his way up the Dusk ladder. He has shown a lot of interest in the wine side of the experience and we are watching him with a keen eve to see how far he can go.

We are thrilled to welcome George Young as DUSK’s new Head Sommelier. A WSET Level 3 and Cape Wine Academy graduate, George was recently named Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2024 by the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA).

His deep knowledge, meticulous approach, and passion for storytelling through wine make him a perfect fit for DUSK. Beyond his expertise, George is dedicated to mentorship and elevating the wine experience for both guests and the team.

With him at the helm, our wine program is set for an exciting evolution—enhancing pairings, broadening selections, and deepening guest engagement. We can’t wait to share his vision with you. Stay tuned for more.

Darren Badenhorst is the co-founder of DUSK and a seasoned figure in South Africa’s culinary scene. With a portfolio that includes several established restaurants, his first being the acclaimed Le coin Français in Franschhoek, Darren brings a wealth of industry experience. He offers support and guidance and played a fundimental role in the restaurant’s initial conceptual development.

Meet James | Head Sculler by day, master barista by night. Our relationship with James stretches much further back than just Dusk. In fact, Callan and Darren have been working with James for over a decade! As cool as a cucumber, James has recently been moving out of the scullery and into the front-of-house team and has aspirations to become a barman. We support you James and look forward to watching you grow.

Meet our Junior Sous Chef, Garin or better known as "G" around the kitchen.
Having worked closely together in a previous kitchen, Chef Callan quickly saw heaps of potential in Gaz and knew that one day he'd be a strong second in the kitchen. Hardworking, dependable, and always leading the way, Gaz is the go-to for all of Dusk's rising chefs.

Meet Hlekani, one of our dedicated Chef de Parties at DUSK. Originally part of Nocturne, his passion for fine dining earned him a place in our kitchen, where he has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

His growth, positive attitude, and commitment make him an invaluable part of our team. Hlekani’s journey is a testament to hard work and stepping beyond comfort zones—we’re excited to see him continue to shine at DUSK!

Meet Chanel, a talented CTIA student and a rising star in DUSK’s pastry section. With creativity, passion, and a drive for innovation, she brings fresh ideas to every dessert she crafts.

Her dedication to learning and mastering both classic and modern techniques makes her an invaluable part of our team. We can’t wait to see her continue to grow and leave her mark on DUSK!

Meet Siya, one of our dedicated waiters at DUSK. Since joining just before the festive season, he has quickly become an asset to our team with his passion for fine dining and exceptional service.

His warm personality and commitment to creating memorable experiences have earned glowing feedback from our guests. Be sure to say hello next time you visit—Siya’s charm and dedication will make your evening even more special!

Meet Olwethu, a talented CTIA student assisting in the snack and mains sections at DUSK. Her dedication to her craft, paired with a sharp sense of humor, brings both skill and energy to the kitchen.

Eager to learn and refine her skills, Olwethu’s presence is both inspiring and invaluable. We can’t wait to see her continue to grow and shine in her culinary journe

Say hello to Ongi, one of our hardworking ICA students on the snack section at DUSK. Though she may be quiet, Ongi’s focus and determination speak volumes.

Her calm and composed approach ensures that every task is completed with precision and care. Ongi’s reliability and dedication make her a valuable part of the team, and her work consistently reflects her commitment to excellence.

We’re proud to have Ongi on board and can’t wait to see her continue to grow and thrive in her culinary journey!

Meet Finn, a talented ICA student working in DUSK’s pastry section. Though quiet, his sharp wit and humor bring warmth to the team, making every service a little brighter.

His passion for pastry, dedication to learning, and willingness to lend a hand make him an invaluable part of the kitchen. We’re excited to see Finn continue to grow—his contributions are as delightful as the desserts he helps create!

Meet René, our exceptional pastry student who has become a true leader at DUSK. Stepping up to guide her peers, she brings fresh ideas and innovation to the pastry section.

Recently, she mastered the art of bon bons, showcasing her dedication and talent. Her growth has been nothing short of inspiring, and while her time with us is nearing its end, we know she’s destined for greatness.

We’re incredibly grateful for René’s contributions and can’t wait to see her continue to shine in the culinary world!

Meet Slade, our exceptionally skilled grill master at DUSK. With experience in some of Cape Town's finest establishments, Slade brings a wealth of expertise to our kitchen.

Renowned for his precision and passion, he ensures that each dish is grilled to perfection, enhancing your dining experience with his culinary artistry.

We're thrilled to have Slade as part of the DUSK family, where his dedication and skill continue to delight our guests.

Meet Amos, a cherished member of our team who has recently transitioned from the scullery to the front-of-house. With his kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Amos has become an integral part of the DUSK experience. His journey exemplifies the growth and development we value in our team members. We are proud to have Amos contributing to our guests' memorable dining experiences.

Meet Sam, our dedicated floor manager and junior sommelier. Sam's attention to detail and blossoming passion for wine is a testemant to our passion for nuturing young talent and  providing individuals with the platform and tools to create a successful career!

Say hello to Zandi, the warm and welcoming lady behind our hostess desk. Her gentle demeanor is a comforting invitation for every guest, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience.