A judging process that set the bar
A ceremony fit for the best of the best
In celebration of South Africa’s culinary excellence
SA’s culinary stars shine at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards
The 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards will take centre stage at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town on Monday, 23 March. The ceremony will be a star-studded affair, bringing together the country’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and industry figures for an evening celebrating South Africa’s culinary excellence.
Eat Out’s judging process is comprehensive and transparent. Over eight months, a panel of anonymous, independent judges visits all of the shortlisted restaurants – during peak and off-peak periods – to ensure a fair and all-encompassing assessment.
Eat Out’s star-rating system remains the gold standard in South Africa, with restaurants earning 1, 2 or 3 stars based on their final scores. The criteria cover every aspect of the dining experience, from food quality and technique to service, ambience and value. The coveted 3-star rating is reserved for restaurants scoring over 90 out of 100, while 2-star and 1-star ratings go to those scoring between 80 and 89 and 70 and 79 respectively. Achieving even a single star is no small feat, with only the very best making the cut and setting themselves apart.
THE NOMINEES
The following restaurants have been shortlisted for their outstanding contributions to South African dining:
Belly of the Beast (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Beyond (Constantia, Cape Town)
BLOEM at Paul Clüver Family Wines (Elgin, Grabouw)
Cavalli Restaurant (Somerset West)
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia, Cape Town)
Chefs Warehouse at Maison (Franschhoek)
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic (Hout Bay, Cape Town)
CHORUS (Somerset West)
COY Restaurant (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
Creation Wines Tasting Room (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)
CURATE at Ellerman House (Bantry Bay, Cape Town)
Cyra (Houghton Estate, Johannesburg)
Dusk (Stellenbosch)
Eike (Stellenbosch)
ëlgr (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Embarc (Parkhurst, Johannesburg)
Ember & Oak (Constantia, Cape Town)
Epice (Franschhoek)
FABER at Avondale (Paarl)
Fermier (Pretoria)
FYN (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Galjoen (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Good to Gather (Stellenbosch)
Hōseki (Stellenbosch)
Kapokbos Restaurant (Bonnievale)
La Colombe (Constantia, Cape Town)
La Petite Colombe (Franschhoek)
Le coin Français (Franschhoek)
Leeto (Paternoster)
Les Créatifs (Bryanston, Johannesburg)
Marble Restaurant Johannesburg (Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Melfort (Stellenbosch)
Meraki by Charlie Lakin (Hillcrest, eThekwini)
Merchant Bar & Grill (City Bowl, Cape Town)
MERTIA (Stellenbosch)
Nevermind (Cape St Francis)
Ongetem (Gardens, Cape Town)
Orangerie at Le Lude (Franschhoek)
Ouzeri (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Pier (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
Post & Pepper (Stellenbosch)
Protégé (Franschhoek)
Qunu (Sandhurst, Johannesburg)
Reverie Social Table (Observatory, Cape Town)
Rust en Vrede Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
Saint Restaurant (Sandton, Johannesburg)
Salon (Woodstock, Cape Town)
Salsify at the Roundhouse (Camps Bay, Cape Town)
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 Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira (Stellenbosch)
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate (Pinetown, eThekwini)
The Pot Luck Club Cape Town (Woodstock, Cape Town)
The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg (Melrose, Johannesburg)
The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse (City Bowl, Cape Town)
The Table at De Meye (Stellenbosch)
The Test Kitchen Fledgelings (Woodstock, Cape Town)
The Waterside Restaurant (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)
Tyler’s (eMdloti)
Upper Union (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Vuur Goose Island (Stellenbosch)
Wolfgat (Paternoster)
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. These nominees represent the very best of this evolution, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing the outcome at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.”
The gold standard: Eat Out’s star-rating system
The Eat Out star-rating system remains the benchmark for excellence in South Africa. Restaurants are awarded one, two or three stars based on their final scores, which will be revealed at the awards ceremony:
Given to restaurants scoring between 70 and 79, a mark of distinction that sets them apart in a competitive industry.
Awarded to those scoring between 80 and 89, showcasing exceptional quality and creativity.
Reserved for restaurants scoring over 90 out of 100, representing the pinnacle of culinary achievement.
Achieving even a single star is a remarkable accomplishment, reflecting the dedication and skill required to stand out in South Africa’s dining landscape.
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
Explore the journey from nomination to triumph
How do the awards work? Read the 2026 FAQs
A ceremony fit for the best of the best
Eat Out will once again proudly host the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards at The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town, on 23 March. Last year, the industry responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, with chefs and restaurateurs praising the new venue and format.
Find out why we chose this venue
Before the big night, read the judges’ predictions for SA dining in 2026.
Special Awards: Excellence beyond the plate
The Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards celebrate more than just outstanding dining – they recognise the trailblazers shaping South Africa’s culinary future. The special awards honour sustainability champions, visionary chefs and industry icons who elevate the dining experience through innovation, service and craftsmanship. From mixology masters and wine experts to pastry virtuosos and design pioneers, these awards highlight the individuals and teams bringing creativity, style, and excellence to every aspect of restaurant hospitality.
Be sure to check back on
24 March to view all the star and special award winners
Built with Shorthand