A judging process that set the bar
A ceremony fit for the best of the best
In celebration of South Africa’s culinary excellence
A night to remember
Celebrating a year of culinary magic at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards
The South African food community gathered for a spectacular celebration of culinary excellence at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town on 23 March. The 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards honoured the restaurants and chefs who continue to define and elevate South African dining.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year, awarded to FYN for its seamless fusion of Japanese techniques with a South African identity.
“The Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards are a celebration of the incredible talent, passion and dedication that make South Africa’s food scene so extraordinary. It’s about more than just the food – it’s about the people, the stories and the community that bring it all to life. This year, we are thrilled to see the number of starred restaurants grow to 66, reflecting the continued evolution and excellence of our culinary landscape. Congratulations to all the winners on their remarkable achievements,” says Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out’s culinary director.
Another standout moment was the recognition of the Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year, awarded to Johannes Richter for the second year in a row. His exceptional talent and leadership continue to inspire the industry. Meanwhile, the Eat Out S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Chefs’ Chef award went to Ryan Cole, a testament to the respect and admiration he has earned from his peers.
ALL THE WINNERS
The following restaurants were awarded for their outstanding contributions to South African dining
One star is awarded to restaurants scoring between 70 and 79 – a mark of distinction that sets them apart.
BLOEM at Paul Clüver Family Wines - Elgin, Grabouw
Cavalli Restaurant - Somerset West
Chefs Warehouse at Maison - Franschhoek
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic - Hout Bay, Cape Town
CHORUS - Somerset West
Creation Wines Tasting Room - Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
CURATE at Ellerman House - Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Cyra - Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Eike - Stellenbosch
ëlgr - City Bowl, Cape Town
Embarc - Parkhurst, Johannesburg
Ember & Oak - Constantia, Cape Town
Galjoen - City Bowl, Cape Town
Kapokbos Restaurant - Bonnievale
Le coin Français - Franschhoek
Leeto - Paternoster
Les Créatifs - Bryanston, Johannesburg
Marble Restaurant Johannesburg - Rosebank, Johannesburg
Melfort - Stellenbosch
Merchant Bar & Grill - City Bowl, Cape Town
Nevermind - Cape St Francis
Ongetem - Gardens, Cape Town
Orangerie at Le Lude - Franschhoek
Qunu - Sandhurst, Johannesburg
Reverie Social Table - Observatory, Cape Town
Saint Restaurant - Sandton, Johannesburg
Seebamboes - City Bowl, Cape Town
Spek & Bone - Stellenbosch
Table Seven - Salt River, Cape Town
Terrarium - V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The Bistro at Brookdale Estate - Paarl
The Chefs’ Table - Umhlanga, eThekwini
The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg - Melrose, Johannesburg
The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse - City Bowl, Cape Town
The Test Kitchen Fledgelings - Woodstock, Cape Town
Tyler’s - eMdloti
Upper Union - City Bowl, Cape Town
Two stars are awarded to those scoring between 80 and 89, showcasing exceptional quality.
Belly of the Beast - City Bowl, Cape Town
Beyond - Constantia, Cape Town
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia - Constantia, Cape Town
COY Restaurant - V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Dusk - Stellenbosch
Epice - Franschhoek
FABER at Avondale - Paarl
Fermier - Tshwane
Good to Gather - Stellenbosch
Hōseki - Stellenbosch
Meraki by Charlie Lakin - Hillcrest, eThekwini
Ouzeri - City Bowl, Cape Town
Post & Pepper - Stellenbosch
Protégé - Franschhoek
Rust en Vrede Restaurant - Stellenbosch
The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira - Stellenbosch
The Pot Luck Club Cape Town - Woodstock, Cape Town
The Table at De Meye - Stellenbosch
The Waterside Restaurant - V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Vuur Goose Island - Stellenbosch
Wolfgat - Paternoster
Three stars are awarded to restaurants scoring between 90 and 100, representing the pinnacle of excellence.
FYN - City Bowl, Cape Town
La Colombe - Constantia, Cape Town
La Petite Colombe - Franschhoek
MERTIA - Stellenbosch
Pier - V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Salon - Woodstock, Cape Town
Salsify at the Roundhouse - Camps Bay, Cape Town
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate - Pinetown, eThekwini
These 14 awards celebrate not just extraordinary food, but the passion, creativity, and dedication that elevate South African dining to world-class standards.
Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year - FYN
Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year - Johannes Richter
Eat Out S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Chefs’ Chef - Ryan Cole
Eat Out Woolworths Rural Green Star Award - The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate
Eat Out Woolworths Urban Green Star Award - Dusk
Eat Out Woolworths Emerging Green Star Award - Terrarium
Eat Out Callebaut Dessert Award - Catherine Adonis at Qunu
Eat Out Patrón Mixology Award - Beyond and FYN
Eat Out Best Destination Restaurant - The Table at De Meye
Eat Out Wine Service Award - Elton Damon at La Petite Colombe
Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Service Excellence Award - MERTIA
Eat Out VISI Style Award - Amura
Eat Out Woolworths Best New Restaurant - Amura
Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award - Margot Janse
Eat Out House of Suntory Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award - Ken Forrester
Eat Out Rising Star Award - Aren Pollack at Embarc
Eat Out Culinary Director Abigail Donnelly says:
“South African dining is entering an exciting new chapter. We’re seeing a celebration of indigenous ingredients, sustainability and a return to simpler, more thoughtful plating that allows the hero ingredient to shine. It’s a time of collaboration, creativity and a renewed emphasis on the joy of food – and a reflection of South Africa’s unique culinary identity.”
A judging process that set the bar
Earning an Eat Out star is no easy feat. Restaurants undergo a meticulous evaluation, judged against a rigorous scorecard that considers everything from taste and technique to service, ambience and perceived value. This process ensures that only the most exceptional establishments rise to the top.
Learn more about the judging methodology
How do the awards work? Read the 2026 FAQs
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