Boston Bistro in Pretoria outperformed all others in Gauteng to scoop our Best Bistro award for 2015 at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Everyday Eateries.

Unlike the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards, whose fine-dining restaurant winners are selected after a lengthy judging process by professional judges, the Best Everyday Eateries are determined by reader ratings and reviews over a year period.

Inside the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Read on to find out why Boston Bistro earned the love of our readers.

Eat Out critic Diane de Beer paid them a visit:

Food

It’s the individuality of the menu and the strong neighbourhood ambience that give Boston Bistro such punch. They also boast a fine buffet on specific nights, which adds to the menu diversity.

A brinjal dish at the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The meal can be as off the wall or traditional as you like, from a tapas plate for one (which includes chorizo, pea purée, a fish cake, feta, olives, a fried cannelloni cigar and charred bread) to a 200g gourmet burger with caramelised onion, cheddar, tomato, bacon, basil pesto and deep-fried spinach. Breakfast in a glass with crunchy muesli, nuts, mixed berries, yoghurt and honey can also be replaced with something like the interesting smoked kipper on fragrant couscous, served with two poached eggs, mixed greens and tomato. It’s an expansive affair. Look out for additions to the menu on the blackboard; these include extravagant desserts.

Drinks

They offer a strong wine selection, with standouts like the Slanghoek merlot and cabernet sauvignon supplemented with the current chic of Café Culture. The choice of reds is stronger than the whites though.

Decor adorns the walls at the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

Staff members are on their toes and helpful.

Dessert at the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

It’s a comfortable space with a neighbourhood vibe. The wraparound stoep seems to hold the heat of the day at night, even in winter. Inside it’s all cosiness. They’re very much part of the neighbourhood, with many of the diners regular customers. There’s also a selection of crafts on sale.

And…

Try the buffet, with its selection of freshly prepared veggies and different meats, and ask about their regular specials.

The entrance to the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

What the fans said

“What a wonderful experience; it gives you the impression that you’re visiting a roadside farm stall somewhere in the countryside. Tables available outside on the small stoep and inside have a lovely warm feel. Karin and staff treat you like family. There are amazing crafts and handmade items (jewellery, scarves, paintings, toys and books) for sale, and the buffet food on Monday evenings is out of this world. The spread allows you to help yourself to delicious, traditionally hearty ‘boerekos’ in charming surroundings. I would go back anytime… Highly recommended to everyone who is looking for a relaxed atmosphere with good people and great food!” – Carolyn Milsom

“Great service and wonderful staff that always have a smile. Food is out of this world and I would go back anytime… for breakfast, lunch and dinner!” – Chantelle Jacobsen

The exterior view of the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

“Excellent service and knowledgeable staff. The buffet is delicious and perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Weekly specials are really worth a look, with creative combinations. Do yourself a favour and visit!” – Jovan Bester

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read the editorial policy here.

Have you been to Boston Bistro in Hazelwood? Tell us what you thought in a quick review. (Did you know that Eat Out pledges a meal for a hungry child for every review posted on our site? Keep writing!)