James Gaag is the Executive Chef at La Colombe in South Africa and a leading figure in contemporary fine dining. Growing up in a food-oriented family, his passion for cooking began at a young age alongside his mother in the kitchen. He started his professional career in 2009, working across several fine dining establishments in Cape Town before joining La Colombe in 2010 as a student chef. 

Through dedication and skill, Gaag quickly progressed to Sous Chef and then broadened his experience abroad, working with renowned chef Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons in Oxford, England. In 2014, he returned to La Colombe to lead the kitchen as Head Chef when the restaurant relocated to its current home at Silvermist Wine Estate in Constantia. 

Under his leadership as Executive Chef, La Colombe has received multiple prestigious accolades recognising its excellence, innovation, and consistent quality, establishing it as one of South Africa’s most celebrated dining destinations. Gaag is widely admired for his creative approach, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to combine local ingredients with international techniques, making him a key ambassador of South African gastronomy.