African cuisine, celebrated
Founder and Head Chef Vuyokazi Duze was inspired by a dream — to have African restaurants all over the world, showcasing the richness of the continent through food. Café Riza is where that dream becomes a daily reality.
Using a combination of cuisines from across Africa, the menu tells stories. Stories of culture, identity, travel, and the beautiful complexity of everything our continent has to offer. Because food, as Vuyokazi says, tells stories. And Café Riza has a lot of stories to tell.
Vuyokazi Duze — Seasoned, Travelled, Inspired
A formally trained chef and world traveller, Vuyokazi brings together a lifetime of culinary experience and a passionate vision for African food culture. After completing her studies at the Elsa van der Nest Culinary Academy, Vuyokazi worked at a Belgian restaurant in Cape Town, then spent four years cooking aboard a cruise ship — visiting Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
That international experience became her greatest source of inspiration.
Our values
Hospitality
Everyone leaves fuller than they arrived — body and spirit.
Local first
Local produce, local people, local stories on every plate.
Community
We hire from our neighbourhood and reinvest in our township.
Heritage
Recipes preserved, not modernised away. The old ways still taste best.
Awards & press
- 2024
Township Heritage Hotspot — Eastern Cape Tourism
- 2024
Top 10 Cultural Dining Experiences — Gqeberha Food Guide
- 2023
Featured in SA Country Life — 'Township Tables'
