It’s been a long process, but judging for the 2011 Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards has finally been completed.

“I have tasted remarkable creations cooked with enthusiasm, and the combination of flavours and rigorous techniques has made sure that the element of surprise is always kept alive,” said Eat Out editor and judge, Abigail Donnelly.

“2011 is definitely the year of the egg and the wild sorrel. Many chefs have displayed a strong sense of nature through foraging in forests or veggie gardens, and pure South African storytelling has also been celebrated.”

Restaurants have been meticulously judged on a scorecard, taking into account menu composition, seasonality, food presentation and taste, as well as service and ambience. Only restaurants that have been open for a full year, and who have had the same chef at the helm for that period, are considered. Passion for their businesses, as well as dedication to uplifting the industry as a whole, is also important.

The top ten restaurants will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on the 20th November 2011. Here are this year’s twenty nominees:

Azure Restaurant

Babel

Bosman’s

DW Eleven-13 

The Greenhouse

Hartford House

Jordan Restaurant

La Colombe

Nobu

Overture

Pierneef à La Motte

The Planet Restaurant

The Restaurant at Grande Provence

Restaurant Mosaic at Orient

Roots

The Roundhouse

The Tasting Room 

Terroir

The Test Kitchen

Tokara