2017 was one for the books. From killer new tapas spots and theatrical fine dining to on-trend one-dish restaurants and swanky rooftop bars, the Mzansi restaurant scene certainly did not disappoint. For your viewing pleasure, here are 20 of the most viewed restaurants on eatout.co.za for 2017.

1. Rockets (Bryanston, Johannesburg)

This popular spot took the title of Best Tapas Eatery in Gauteng at the 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries in October. The vast menu keeps diners happy with pizzas, pasta, steak, pork belly and Woodview Wagyu sirloin, but in the end it’s the tapas that pulls the crowds.

A tapas dish at Rockets. Photo supplied.

2. The Silo Rooftop (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)

This rooftop bar was one of the hottest summer locations in the Mother City. Set atop the majestic Zeitz MOCAA museum, it offers sweeping views of the city, mountain and harbour. Pop in to check out the art first, but you’ll need a reservation to access the 11th-floor bar.

Sunset views at The Silo Rooftop. Photo by Rupesh Kassen.

3. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town)

The unstoppable Luke Dale-Roberts has just taken the number-one spot in our Top 10 for the sixth year running. The 10-course gourmand menu might feature pork scratchings with milk stout foam; sweetbreads with asparagus, morels and porcini Hollandaise; and a toasted turmeric marshmallow, still hot from the flames.

4. Plan B Dessertery (Durban North)

Bubble waffles, tacos and churros are undoubtedly a very internet-friendly combination, but this dessert parlour on Mackeurtan Avenue certainly isn’t losing any steam. With branches popping up all over KZN, the original branch is still the favourite, with its neighbouring Four15 burrito bar.

Give yourself a break from all the shopping. You deserve it. ________ : @jamie_pentecost

A post shared by Plan B Dessertery (@planbdessertery) on Dec 24, 2017 at 3:34am PST

5. The Granary Café (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)

This sixth-floor spot in the historic Silo Hotel offers a comfortable yet contemporary menu with gorgeous interiors and cityscape views. Head here for breakfast of classic options like eggs Benedict; lunch of grillhouse favourites like steak frites; or a post-museum visit Royal Tea. There are also champagne and carving trolleys that add even more elegance to the experience. Reservations are required.

6. Thali (Gardens, Cape Town)

Opened by chef Liam Tomlin of Chefs Warehouse fame with chef John van Zyl heading up the kitchen, Thali presents diners with an Eastern voyage through a set tapas menu with curries, tandoori meats, aromatic seafood and delicate desserts. To boot, Thali was a Top 10 nominee in 2017.

Some jewel-coloured tones at Thali. Photo supplied.

7. The Village Idiot (City Bowl, Cape Town)

This bar and restaurant is still one of the inner city’s most popular hangouts. Look out for its happy-hour specials or enjoy scrumptious braai food while playing a game of pool.

8. Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia, Cape Town)

Liam Tomlin’s award-winning tapas restaurant has extended its reach to the southern suburbs with Ivor Jones at the helm. Look forward to dishes like smoked trout with burrata, beetroot and saffron; tender tuna with ginger-and-citrus dressing and lime-cured cream cheese; or a triumphant carrot risotto with crispy sage and roasted walnuts. For dessert, the floral lavender crème is heavenly. A new entry to our Top 10.

Lavender-honey crème from Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia. Photo by Claire Gunn Photography.

9. Krispy Kreme Gateway (Umhlanga, KZN)

The USA doughnut brand has brought its glazed treats to the East Coast shores at this Umhlanga branch. Conveniently located in Gateway Shopping Centre, it makes for a great post-shopping treat.

A dish from The Chefs Table in Umhlanga. Photo supplied.

10. The Chefs Table (Umhlanga, KZN)

Eat Out Rising Star for 2017, chef Kayla-Ann Osborn serves up ever-changing seasonal dishes in a gorgeous setting in Umhlanga Village. Expect dishes like local oysters with apple and chilli oil, salmon tortellini with lemon cream, and plump wood-fired prawns with garlic butter foam.

11. Bosjes Kombuis (Breede River, Western Cape)

This stunning venue has made the cover and homepage of every décor title in the land with its iconic curved chapel. The restaurant is beautifully designed with more casual and robust food conceptualised by Pete Goffe-Wood.

The beautiful chapel rather steals the show, but it’s worth visiting the farm to explore its other offerings. Photo supplied.

12. La Colombe (Constantia, Cape Town)

Chefs Scot Kirton and James Gaag and the team are pulling out all the stops to wow diners with theatrical touches at this Top 10 restaurant, but flavour remains top of the list of priorities. Expect some fantastical dishes like the king crab with yuzu gel and lime-green asparagus mousse, the infamous tinned tuna, and a surprise Enchanted Forest course for those who love a bit of drama.

13. Momo Soko (Illovo, Johannesburg)

Aadil Mayat and Tim and Lawrence Lai’s modern take on Asian street food is an absolute hit in Jozi. Tuck into bao, tapas bowls and plates and skewers (soko).

The signature soko (skewers) at Momo Soko. Photo by Miss Lucky Pony.

14. Momo Baohaus (Greenside, Johannesburg)

Head to this hip Asian-inspired eatery with your biggest group of mates so that you can taste all the tapas, buns, bowls and sushi rolls. Then go back for your favourites.

15. Burger & Lobster (City Bowl, Cape Town)

This vibey spot serves up great burgers and tasty cocktails. Tragically, West Coast Rock lobster is now on the SASSI red list, but the owners are engaging with suppliers to find a sustainable supply, and they’re now doing a tasty prawn roll that certainly hits the spot.

The burger at Burger & Lobster. Photo supplied.

16. SHIO (De Waterkant, Cape Town)

Generously portioned Asian tapas plates continue to please at this moody eatery adjoining a boutique hotel. Be sure to try one of the deliciously punchy cocktails on offer.

17. 1904 Bistro Américain (Kloof, Durban)

The massive American-themed menu and stylish decor is what keeps people clicking on this spot. Expect everything from bagels and chowder to gourmet dogs. Highlights are Cajun fish with spiced rice; the Coney Island dog with lashings of ketchup, red onions, mustard and cheese; and the po’boy prawn sandwich.

The Coney Island hot dog at 1904. Photo by Nikita Buxton.

18. Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Elandsfontein, Pretoria)

It’s no surprise that Chantel Dartnall and her team have taken the number two spot in the 2017 Top 10. Dining at Mosaic is a special treat that features a sensory journey filled with exquisite plating and dynamic flavours. Be transported with creative dishes like the Tidal Pool with goose-liver spheres and Sea Mist with tender scallops and East Coast lobster. Restaurant Mosaic was also the winner of the 2017 Eat Out Service Excellence Award and sommelier Moses Magwaza was awarded the 2017 Eat Out Wine Service Award.

19. San Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel (Sandton, Johannesburg)

Perfect for sundowners, this Sandton bar offers killer city views. Sip on a cocktail and tuck into easy-eating bar food as you soak up the Jozi air. On cooler evenings, guests can cosy up to one of the roaring fire pits.

Best sundowner spot in Jozi… @tsogosun #sandeck #sandton #sundowners #joburgviews #cocktailsjoburg #jozinightlife

A post shared by Joburg Style (@joburgstyle) on Dec 23, 2017 at 1:45am PST

20. La Boqueria (Parktown North, Johannesburg)

Dining here is a culinary journey that stretches from Japan to Mexico and Italy to Argentina. Start with a scallop or fresh oysters, progress to generously portioned flame-grilled meats or paella, then move on to traditional churros or a whoopee pie ice-cream sandwich with Nutella.

A feast at La Boqueria. Photo supplied.

This list shows what readers are searching for on eatout.co.za, compiled using statistics of the most-viewed restaurant listings from 1 January to 31 December 2017.