Chef Johannes Richter, co-owner of The LivingRoom, was born in Germany and raised in Durban. Trained in Michelin-starred kitchens abroad, he returned to South Africa in 2017 to open The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate. Johannes is known for his strong sustainable ethos and dedication to hyper-local ingredients, drawing from French and Japanese techniques to create refined yet distinctly South African dishes.

His passion for food was nurtured by his mother, who took him and his siblings on trips across Africa, exploring local markets and plantations. This instilled a deep respect for indigenous ingredients and diverse food cultures. Initially studying statistics, Johannes shifted to culinary training in Germany’s Black Forest, mastering classical French cuisine.

His menus change every two months, inspired by KwaZulu-Natal’s seasonal produce, his kitchen garden, and trusted local suppliers. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys gardening, spearfishing, foraging, and running. He is currently training for his second Comrades Marathon. With his wife, Johanna, and their two children, he continues to push the boundaries of modern South African cuisine.