CHEF Born in South Africa to Greek parents Aristotle Ragavelas studied in London and completed the two-year City & Guilds Cookery and Hotel course, doing in-house training at the Savoy Hotel later working at the London Marriott on Grosvenor square and the Rembrandt Hotel in South Kensington. He further honed his culinary skills in Greece where, in the winter months, he was the Head Chef at the Elatos Resort & Hotel Spa in the Greek Alps, and the summers executive chef at the Kivotos Club Hotel, a Small Luxury Hotel of the world in Mykonos. He also worked at the Michelin-starred restaurant Spondi in Athens.

Upon moving to S.A. he started working for Ben Filmalter at Olives & Origanum doing stints at his acclaimed Linger Longer Restaurant and later opening @Odds Café in Killarney Mall. He then went into partnership at Anno Domini in Parkhurst for 4 years receiving 5 Star Chef awards for 2004 and 2005 from Wine magazine, and a host of other awards that have recognized his creative talent and marvellous dedication to his craft.

Byzance is the present stop for Aristotle and lifelong partner/wife Ludmilla where they created their dream restaurant after 5 years of planning and building.

Thanks to his Greek upbringing and love of Mediterranean Food & Cultures you will experience, anticipate - if not crave - the dazzling combination of flavours that he has brought to Byzance from Greek, Turkish, Italian, Moroccan cuisines and even using classical French techniques in which he was trained.

For a real taste of Byzance ask for Aristotle’s Chef’s table and be prepared to indulge in the wondrous array of Mezze or Tapas put before you