Restaurant & Bar Awards 2026

Jun22596 6 | LUXlife Magazine Since the 1990’s, two devoted sisters from the Mediterranean have been nourishing and growing a multi-award-winning brand that has become synonymous with the utmost luxury and care. The duo’s passion for their authentic, premium creations continues to place them head and shoulders above the rest in their region, and we’re proud to celebrate them again as they continue to evolve. Litza enthused: “Over the years, Olives & Plates has evolved from a single café into a multi-faceted hospitality group, but our core values have not changed. They have become more deeply ingrained. Our commitment to excellence, personalised service, and genuine connection remains the backbone of the brand. What has changed is the breadth of our offering and the sophistication with which we execute it.” Andria commented: “Our speciality lies in blending traditional Mediterranean family recipes with global culinary influences. Every dish we create is crafted with wholesome, high quality ingredients and presented with intention, where artistry meets nourishment.” “Excellence is not something we strive toward, it is our foundation. We uphold this through rigorous quality standards, meticulous ingredient selection, and a deeply embedded culture of craftsmanship.” Olives & Plates team is the very beating heart of the brand, especially as they have each found their calling and share the same vision. At Olives & Plates, the leadership team helps every member of staff to feel valued, empowered, and supported. This fuels team members in their endeavours to create exceptional guest experiences. Furthermore, with such a dedicated and compassionate leadership team, the Olives & Plates team can always focus on not only the development of the brand but on their own personal development. Andria added: “Our culture is built on respect, personal growth and purpose. This creates a workplace where staff take pride in their craft, Best Contemporary Dining Experience Brand 2026 – South Africa Awarded Best Catering Company 2025 – Johannesburg with a Client Satisfaction Excellence Award in our Hospitality Awards 2025, we’re pleased to present Olives & Plates with yet another accolade from us at LUXlife. Here we revisit the dining brand’s offerings and history with Co-Founders Litza Frangos and Andria Neophytou as it is crowned in our Restaurant and Bar Awards 2026. feel connected to our mission, and consistently deliver service that feels warm, personal, and intuitive.” Prioritising mental wellbeing and growth for everyone, Olives & Plates has constructed an ecosystem unique within the industry. Although food, design, and superior experiences are central to its identity, Olives & Plates also keeps its purpose-driven attitude at the forefront. Litza elaborated: “Once onboard, we invest deeply in development, mentorship, and growth opportunities. This has positioned Olives & Plates as a destination for talent, allowing us to attract individuals who want to build long term careers in hospitality. We also prioritise internal promotion, ensuring that team members feel motivated and recognised.” Believing that hospitality is profoundly human, the pair make sure to take care of their people every day. This dedication to its people means that Olives & Plates can always stay true to its mission to provide high-end catering and wholesome Mediterranean cuisine that leads it to success. Additionally, as the restaurant and bar industry shifts and evolves at a faster pace than ever, Olives & Plates delivers more than just a meal to make ends meet. The brand is laser-focused on creating memories to last a lifetime, experiences to leave guests in awe, and an atmosphere that meets the rising consumer expectations for authenticity, connection, storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Litza shared: “The biggest challenge has been balancing consistency with innovation. To remain competitive, brands are expected to introduce fresh ideas without compromising their identity. At Olives & Plates, we address this by analysing emerging culinary trends and reimagining them through our Mediterranean lens, ensuring relevance without losing our roots.” For the years ahead, Litza and Andria are set to expand their team, offerings, and passion for sharing their experience in the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine. For the monumental chapters gone, and for those to come, the duo and their team have what it takes to continue on this upward trajectory. The Flavours of Mediterranean Roots AIM-Jan26262

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