The World Luxury Chamber of Commerce is proud to present an exclusive interview led by Alexander Chetchikov, its president, with Antonio Iozzo, Owner of The 11th Floor—a distinguished establishment that recently earned the prestigious title of Best Luxury Dining Experience in South Africa by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Recognized for its refined blend of Mediterranean flavors, breathtaking Johannesburg skyline views, and curated live music performances, The 11th Floor redefines luxury dining at its finest. 

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on The 11th Floor’s win for Best Luxury Dining Experience in South Africa! What does this award mean to you and your team? 

Antonio Iozzo: This award is an extraordinary honour and a testament to the passion, artistry, and pursuit of excellence that defines The 11th Floor. It acknowledges not just our culinary mastery, but our commitment to curating an immersive luxury experience – where every element, from the plating to the ambiance, the service to the sensory details, is meticulously designed to captivate and inspire. 

This achievement is shared with Chef Kyle Marshall, whose exceptional culinary vision has been instrumental in shaping The 11th Floor’s distinctive identity, and Gay-Lee Jacobs, whose expertise in hospitality ensures that the guest experience is as flawless as the cuisine itself. For our entire team, this award validates the tireless effort we put into ensuring that every visit is an unparalleled journey of indulgence, refinement, and discovery. 

AC: Luxury dining is about more than just exquisite food—it’s an experience. How does The 11th Floor curate a truly immersive and unforgettable dining journey? 

AI: At The 11th Floor, dining is storytelling, and every element is designed to engage the senses in perfect harmony. 

The Johannesburg skyline, shimmering beneath the night sky, forms an unrivalled backdrop to an ambiance of effortless sophistication. Mood lighting, plush textures, and a meticulously curated soundscape set the tone for an evening that feels both intimate and grand. Our live music performances evolve with the rhythm of the night, creating a dynamic energy that ensures no two visits are ever the same. 

Of course, the culinary journey is at the heart of it all. Every dish, conceptualised and executed by Chef Kyle Marshall, is an expression of artistry and technical brilliance – crafted not just to delight the palate, but to leave a lasting impression. Every plate, every pour, and every finely tuned detail contributes to an experience that is both indulgent and unforgettable. 

AC: Mediterranean cuisine is at the heart of your menu. What inspired the focus on this culinary style, and how do you ensure authenticity in every dish? 

AI: Mediterranean cuisine represents timeless indulgence – a celebration of bold yet balanced flavours, premium ingredients, and a culinary heritage that has shaped fine dining for centuries. 

The 11th Floor’s menu is a deeply personal reflection of our passion for authentic Mediterranean gastronomy, elevated through modern refinement. Chef Kyle Marshall and I have meticulously sourced the finest ingredients from across Italy, Spain, and Greece, ensuring every dish remains true to its origins while offering a distinctively luxurious interpretation. 

From San Daniele prosciutto and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano to single-origin olive oils and the finest aged balsamic vinegar, authenticity is non-negotiable. Yet, our approach is not about replication – it is about evolution, honouring tradition while infusing it with contemporary sophistication. 

AC: Exclusive dining often involves personalized experiences. How does your team tailor each guest’s visit to create a sense of uniqueness and luxury? 

AI: True luxury lies in the art of anticipation – the ability to create an experience that feels effortless, personal, and completely unforgettable. 

At The 11th Floor, we study and understand our guests, ensuring that every visit feels uniquely crafted for them. Whether it’s curating a bespoke wine pairing, remembering a guest’s favourite table, or crafting a cocktail tailored to their palate, the experience is always seamless yet deeply personal. 

Luxury is not about excess – it is about precision, intention, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. 

AC: Innovation and exclusivity are crucial in the luxury sector. How does The 11th Floor stay ahead of industry trends? 

AI: Luxury is not about chasing trends – it is about defining them. 

At The 11th Floor, we are constantly evolving, refining, and pushing boundaries. Our approach to innovation is holistic – from the avant-garde mixology programme to our seasonal tasting menus featuring rare, globally sourced ingredients not found elsewhere. 

We also curate exclusive, invitation-only dining experiences, offering limited-edition dishes, private tastings, and collaborations with world-renowned chefs. True exclusivity is not just about rarity – it is about crafting moments that cannot be replicated. 

AC: You have built a strong reputation in the luxury dining industry. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the high-end restaurant sector today? 

AI: Luxury dining thrives on reinvention without compromise—the challenge lies in staying ahead while remaining true to a distinctive identity. Discerning guests expect more than just exquisite cuisine; they seek an experience that is flawless, immersive, and deeply personal. The balance between tradition and innovation is critical – luxury must feel effortless yet exclusive, constantly evolving yet never losing its essence. 

However, this presents an exciting opportunity. Today’s high-net-worth guests are looking for more than just a meal – they want to be transported into a world where every detail is curated for them. The industry must move towards highly personalised and multi-sensory experiences, where bespoke service, rare ingredients, exclusive tasting events, and curated culinary storytelling redefine what it means to dine at the highest level. True luxury lies in the ability to anticipate, surprise, and create moments that cannot be replicated anywhere else. 

AC: Beyond the culinary world, what are the key elements that define true luxury in your industry? 

AI: Luxury is not about extravagance – it is about craftsmanship, intention, and the ability to create an emotion that cannot be replicated. At The 11th Floor, true luxury is defined by: 

• Seamless, intuitive service – anticipating a guest’s needs before they even voice them. 

• An atmosphere of exclusivity – where every detail, from lighting to music, is curated for immersion. 

• Uncompromising precision – where every dish, every pour, and every interaction is crafted with absolute intention. 

• The luxury of time – where an evening unfolds at a rhythm that feels unhurried, immersive, and indulgent. 

AC: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish a brand in the luxury dining or hospitality space? 

AI:  

• Define your vision with absolute clarity. Luxury is not one-size-fits-all – know exactly what makes your experience unique. 

• Excellence is the standard, not the goal. Every detail matters – flawlessness is not optional. 

• Luxury is about emotion. It is not just what guests see or taste – it is how they feel. 

• Do not follow – lead. The greatest luxury brands create, rather than imitate. 

• Invest in people. A luxury experience is only as extraordinary as the team behind it. 

Thank you, Antonio, for sharing your insights on luxury dining and leadership in the industry. The 11th Floor continues to set new standards for excellence, and we look forward to seeing its future innovations.  

To experience award-winning fine dining, visit https://www.the11thfloor.co.za/.