This tiny 20-seater village restaurant in South Africa is the best in the world [Photos]

It was a memorable night for chef Kobus van der Merwe at the inaugural World Restaurant Awards which took place in Paris on Monday.

The renowned South African chef, who took up the trade at the age of 30 took home two awards – “Off-Map Destination” and the coveted “Restaurant of the Year.”

“I’m a little bit speechless,” he told CNN.

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“It’s an amazing honor, being in a room full of people that I admire. I had so many fan moments since I arrived! We’re a small team, a total of six, we all do everything with no distinctions.”

“There’s no kitchen hierarchy so it’s all about collaboration and learning from one another. I’m incredibly proud of them. They don’t come from any formal food background, so this achievement is all the more amazing.”

Located in Paternoster, which is one of the oldest fishing villages along the West Coast of South Africa, guests at Wolfgat are served a seven-course series of tast dishes comprising seafood, local lamb and venison.

Seasonal ingredients for the dishes, which include veldkos, wild herbs and seaweeds are harvested from the local rock pools and garden.

It is also interesting to note that the building in which the restaurant operates is 130-years-old.

Take a look at some photos of the beautiful restaurant and their mouthwatering dishes: