South Africa’s most revered restaurant awards are around the corner. Save the date for 19 November when we spill the beans on the new 2023 winners at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. In addition to the Eat Out stars, we have 14 Special Awards to be handed out, highlighting the chefs and restaurants who are shaking things up in the local food scene. Eat Out will award three new Special Awards this year: the Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award, the Eat Out Cacao Barry Dessert Award and the Eat Out Patron Mixology Award. Plus, after four years, the prestigious Eat Out BIRKENSTOCK Chefs’ Chef Award makes a comeback, honouring someone who is seen as a source of inspiration and leadership within the restaurant community as is voted for by their peers.

Here is the full list of Special Awards for 2023!

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 Sustainability Award
This restaurant has a fierce approach to sustainable practices in all aspects and points the way forward for a farm-to-fork approach, making fine-dining quality food that is both environmentally and financially sustainable.

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 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 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 Woolworths Financial Services Service Excellence Award
This restaurant shows exceptional attention to detail. Staff have 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 Valpré Rising Star Award
The winner of this award is young 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 Highland Park 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 Lexus Style Award
This establishment has an exceptional design that completely aligns to the overall restaurant concept and food being served.

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 ambience, immersive experience, and the distinctive charm that sets the restaurant apart.

Eat Out Retail Capital Best New Restaurant Award
This restaurant pushes the boundaries of taste with an innovative menu and interior design that complements the overall dining experience.

Eat Out Cacao Barry Dessert Award
This person demonstrates exceptional creativity in pastry and dessert creations. They showcase innovative techniques, flavour combinations and presentation, and push the boundaries of traditional 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 Patron 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 BIRKENSTOCK Chefs’ Chef Award
The Eat Out Chefs’ Chef Award is bestowed upon a chef by their peers. It symbolises the utmost respect and recognition within the industry, celebrating the chef’s talent, dedication and integrity. This prestigious accolade not only acknowledges their culinary achievements but also underscores their role as a source of inspiration and leadership within the restaurant community.

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