As South Africa’s culinary landscape continues to evolve and flourish, the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards remain at the forefront of recognising talent and innovation. As always, the Special Awards handed out showcase the diversity and creativity within our restaurant industry, honouring sustainability champions, mixology masters, dessert expertise, service excellence and more.  

With fourteen categories sponsored by our esteemed awards partners, these awards celebrate not just extraordinary food, but also the passion, creativity, and dedication that elevate South African dining to world-class standards. From lifetime achievements to rising stars, these accolades paint a picture of excellence across our vibrant food scene.  

Below is the full list of Special Awards categories for 2025 and what makes each one a coveted recognition. 

Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year
This is the top-scoring restaurant on Eat Out’s star rating system. It offers a remarkable overall dining experience – from the moment guests step through the door until the moment they leave. Consistency at maintaining a high-level dining experience over time is key. It’s not just about one outstanding meal, but about maintaining those standards consistently. 

Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year
This person is a leading culinary voice who not only excels in the culinary arts but also makes a positive impact on the broader restaurant industry in South Africa. They demonstrate a high degree of creativity and display a passion for driving the local food scene forward.  

Eat Out S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Chefs’ Chef
Back as an Eat Out sponsor is S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, who will be announcing the Chefs’ Chef, which is bestowed upon a member of the industry by their peers. It symbolises the utmost respect and recognition within the industry, celebrating the individual’s talent, dedication and integrity. This accolade not only acknowledges their culinary achievements but also underscores their role as a source of inspiration and leadership within the local restaurant community. 

Eat Out Woolworths Green Star Award
Previously called the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award, the winner of the Green Star has a fierce approach to sustainable practices in all aspects and points the way forward for an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable future.  

Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Service Excellence Award
This restaurant shows exceptional attention to detail. The front-of-house team has a deep knowledge of the menu and wine list, are thoroughly trained, and work as a cohesive unit. They delight customers with rich storytelling and take pride in explaining each dish.  

Eat Out Woolworths Wine Service Award
This person has an unwavering commitment to the craft and displays exceptional wine knowledge. They’re able to expertly explain why wines suit dishes and how they elevate the food. They have an open and curious mind about the expansive and ever-changing world of wine.  

Eat Out Patrón Mixology Award
This restaurant designs and curates a cocktail menu that reflects creativity, balance, and a sense of place, while offering a diverse range of drinks with unique flavours, textures, and presentations. The restaurant carefully considers customer preferences, current trends, and seasonality in crafting their beverage selection. The team shows a deep understanding of various spirits, liqueurs, bitters, and other cocktail components and the ability to harmonise flavours and create complex yet well-rounded drinks and cocktails. 

Eat Out Callebaut Dessert Award
This restaurant demonstrates exceptional creativity in pastry and dessert creations. They showcase innovative techniques, flavour combinations and presentation, and push the boundaries of traditional desserts to bring fresh ideas to the table. They display mastery of various pastry techniques and consistently aim for precision, consistency, and attention to detail in their pastry creations. They exhibit a deep understanding of ingredients, textures, and flavour profiles. 

Eat Out House of Suntory Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award
This is a person who has made a long-lasting positive contribution to the upliftment of the SA restaurant industry and is an inspiration to younger generations.  

Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award
This award pays tribute to an individual who has not only blazed new trails but has also left an indelible mark on the industry. Beyond innovation, this accolade is a recognition of a person whose passion, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication have collectively made a positive impact, serving as an inspiration for future generations. 

Eat Out Rising Star
The winner of this award is young, up-and-coming and doing amazing things in the restaurant industry – with a future-forward approach. They’re innovative, break barriers, and explore new ways of working with food and serving customers.  

Eat Out Yoco Best New Restaurant
We couldn’t be happier to have Yoco as a new sponsor on board this year. The winner of this award showcases a menu that’s underpinned by flavour and creativity, demonstrating a bold approach to ingredients, techniques, and presentation. Equally important is how the interior design harmonises with the menu, creating an atmosphere and a level of service that enhances the overall experience. Attention to detail, originality, and the ability to leave a lasting impression on diners are essential. 

Eat Out VISI Style Award
This establishment has an exceptional design that completely aligns to the overall restaurant concept and food being served. The winner exemplifies how intelligent design choices can elevate ambience, create memorable moments, and complement the chef’s vision on the plate. 

Eat Out Lexus Best Destination Restaurant
When leaving a city, this restaurant is more than worthwhile travelling to. This prestigious accolade celebrates more than just exceptional dining – it honours the unique location, immersive experience, and the distinctive charm that sets the restaurant apart.  

ALSO READ: 2025’s Eat Out star restaurant nominees

Stay updated on the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards by following @eatoutguide on social media. Join us in counting down to South Africa’s biggest culinary event on 31 March 2025.