Revolutionizing the Plate: Kayla-Ann Osborn’s Journey from Chef to Culinary Pioneer

Award-winning South African chef Kayla-Ann Osborn, known for her innovative approach and dedication to excellence, has consistently bent the rules of what has traditionally been seen as a chef’s career throughout her career. Currently residing on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, she expertly balances her role as a successful restaurateur with the responsibilities of motherhood. From her humble beginnings on the South Coast, she has come full circle back to her hometown, where she is the owner and head chef of three restaurants, including a fine dining establishment, a bakery, and an Italian restaurant, all while striving to achieve even more.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born in Nelspruit and raised on a banana farm on the South Coast, Kayla-Ann’s passion for food was evident from an early age. Her culinary journey began with her grandmother, who taught her to cook traditional dishes, including a beloved spaghetti Bolognese recipe that continues to inspire her today. After completing high school in 2010, she enrolled at the 1000 Hills Chef School in 2011, where her rigorous training under Chef Dixi laid the foundation for her culinary career.

Career Milestones

Kayla-Ann’s professional journey is marked by impressive achievements that have shaped her culinary skills and approach to business and food:

• 2012-2013: She started her career as a junior chef at The Selborne Hotel, where she quickly became the most senior member of the kitchen team, managing all aspects of food production for the hotel.

• 2013-2016:Transitioning to fine dining, she took on the role of head chef at Traffords restaurant in Pietermaritzburg, gaining recognition for her creativity and skill.

• 2016-2018: Kayla-Ann was offered the opportunity to set up and lead The Chef’s Table, an ambitious project that would become a flagship restaurant in Umhlanga. Her hard work paid off when she was voted Rising Star by Eat Out in 2017, and the restaurant was named the 15th best in South Africa in 2018, making her one of the youngest nominees and the only KZN restaurant to make it to the Top 20.

• 2019-2020: She had the opportunity to work with renowned chef Clare Smyth in London, further refining her skills and gaining valuable insights into high-end culinary practices.

• 2020-2022: During this period, Kayla-Ann was invited to serve as head chef for Delaire Graff in Cape Town, contributing to menu development and culinary innovation. This experience significantly changed her perspective on fine dining in South Africa and further enhanced her expertise. As head chef at Delaire Graff, she was invited to judge both MasterChef in 2021 and My Kitchen Rules in 2022.

• 2022: Kayla-Ann became a mother (her most valued title) and navigated the challenges of being a single mother while continuing to expand her culinary repertoire.

• 2022:She began consulting and was invited to open new ventures, including 9th Avenue Waterside and Brown Sugar, showcasing her versatility and commitment to quality dining experiences.

• 2023-2024: Kayla-Ann was approached to open restaurants in a new development in Pennington, South Coast. After visiting the development, she opened her first fine dining restaurant called Kayla-Ann’s in 2023, just two weeks before the birth of her second child. In 2024, she opened her second restaurant: The Italian Club, which focuses on Italian cuisine.

Current Endeavors and a Glimpse into the Future

A respected figure and force to be reckoned with in the culinary world, Kayla-Ann is not only focused on her restaurants but is also passionate about nurturing the next generation of chefs. In 2024, she began working on an idea to create an accessible culinary school aimed at providing aspiring chefs with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the industry in a safe and affordable environment. This venture, which launched this year, reflects her commitment to education and her desire to pass on her love for cooking to others. The school is now ready to accept applicants for its first year in 2026. Her third restaurant, in partnership with her mother, is an eatery and bakery called The Pennington Pantry that opened in 2025, inspired by her love for baking and bread.

Family remains a central part of Kayla-Ann’s life. She balances her demanding career with being a devoted mother, often involving her children in her culinary journey. Her ability to juggle these responsibilities speaks volumes about her dedication and passion.

Philosophy and Impact

Kayla-Ann’s culinary philosophy centers around using the finest local produce and creating dishes that are both innovative and grounded in tradition. She believes in the importance of engaging with customers, fostering a connection that enhances their dining experience, and giving back to the community, as she is involved in various initiatives within her home base. Her team-driven approach and commitment to hospitality excellence set her apart in a competitive industry.

Her journey from a young girl with a passion for cooking to a celebrated chef and entrepreneur is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and love for the culinary arts. As she looks to the future, Kayla-Ann Osborn continues to break boundaries, inspiring others with her story and contributions to South African cuisine.