Wondering where to go for burgers, great coffee and excellent steak? We’ve got the answer! The province’s top casual restaurants for 2017 have been announced at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries.

The winners in other provinces were announced at a separate ceremony in Gauteng. Check out the winners in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, here.)

The top names in each category were determined by a two-step process. Star ratings given by the public on eatout.co.za from 1 October 2016 to 30 August 2017 were tallied. The restaurants that received a large volume of high scores from fans were then visited by Eat Out’s professional critics, who gave their own ratings. Final results were based on a 50-50 composite score from the public and the critics.

This is the third year running that Eat Out, together with Mercedes-Benz, has invited the public to help choose South Africa’s favourite everyday restaurants.

“While the winners in previous years were determined solely based on public reviews, this year restaurant owners and food enthusiasts asked for the experts on our panel of critics to play a bigger role,” said Anelde Greeff, editor-in-chief of Eat Out.

“It’s always exciting to see the results of these awards, as they give us a clear picture of where people like to dine in their own neighbourhoods. We congratulate the winners on being voted the best by those who matter most – their loyal fans,” said Selvin Govender, Marketing Director – Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The winners

The 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries in the Western Cape are:

Best Asian Eatery: Shio (De Waterkant)

The interior at Shio. Photo supplied.

“It’s the perfect restaurant for pre- drinks or clubbing dinner – with upbeat atmosphere and a trendy crowd. Food was sublime. It’s tapas-style but the portions are good enough for two people to share. Service was good. Go early and have a drink at the pooltop bar and then enjoy dinner downstairs.” – Ann Mari H, Eat Out reader

Best Bistro: The Stack (Gardens)

The downstairs bar at The Stack. Photo supplied.

“What a gem! Service was on point: fast, efficient and friendly. The atmosphere was just so amazing! Tranquil and elegant. I was immediately sold by the quality of the cocktails and the food. Not only did they deliver, they exceeded expectations with great taste and decent quantities.” – Imtiyaaz Hart, Eat Out reader

Savanna Best Burger Eatery – Royale Eatery (Cape Town CBD)

Burgers at Royale Eatery. Photo supplied.

“Royale has a cosy, hippy-chic atmosphere with friendly and lively service. The burger varieties are unmatched in Cape Town – there is something great for everyone here! They are huge, held together with sosatie sticks, with sides of sweet potato fries and cream cheese. The milkshakes are delicious and enormous, and come in every flavour from peanut butter and Jack Daniel’s to avocado.” – Tessa Cooper, Eat Out reader

Best Coffee Shop – Meraki (Stellenbosch)

A dish at Meraki. Photo supplied.

“One of the prettiest cafés in town with a menu and service to match. We love sitting outside on the sidewalk at their beautiful marble tables on a sunny day, or curled in a window corner on a cold and rainy day. Don’t miss this gem when visiting Stellenbosch!” – Nicola Kok, Eat Out reader

Best Indian Eatery – The Indian Chapter with Prim Reddy (Bloubergstrand)

The cuisine at Prim Reddy’s The Indian Chapter. Photo supplied.

“It took me all the way back to the 11pm dinners I had in the bustling Mumbai streets. Generous portions, excellent roots and naan breads together with authentic flavours set The Indian Chapter high above the rest. The service and atmosphere are delightfully comfortable. Go hungry!” – Adriana Roos, Eat Out reader

Best Mexican Eatery – Fuego (Sea Point)

A taco bowl at Fuego. Photo supplied.

“What a wonderful spot for a great cosy dinner. The interior (stunning) lends itself beautifully to a fun and casual dinner, and creates a wonderful ambience. The lady that served us was great and really friendly and was just to happy to keep bringing us extra ice on this super-hot Cape Town evening. We had the guacamole and home-made nachos, which was absolutely amazing and the way all guacamole should be made: spicy and fresh with loads of lime juice. Delicious!” – Jacey Graham, Eat Out reader

Tramontina Best Steakhouse – Primal Eatery (Cape Town CBD)

The butcher’s cut-of-the-day at Primal. Photo supplied.

“We had dinner at the Primal Eatery about three weeks after they opened. Food was really strong and well prepared. We had the fillet, which was prepared to perfection, as well as the pork belly with peaches and fennel. We especially enjoyed the sides.” – Sasha Breuß, Eat Out reader

Best Tapas Eatery – Chefs Warehouse & Canteen (Cape Town CBD)

A recent dish from Chefs Warehouse. Photo supplied.

“Possibly the best spot in Bree Street when it comes to food, set in an unpretentious deli-style space with a well-curated drinks menu that includes quality wines and craft beers. The selection of eight dishes left just enough room for a dessert and coffee to end off the evening. Incredible flavours, fresh ingredients, generous portions. A must-go for all foodies.” – Adriana Roos

Highly commended

In addition to the winners, the following runners-up were also awarded highly commended certificates:

Highly commended Asian eatery – Three Wise Monkeys (Sea Point)

“This very popular spot on the Sea Point/Regent street strip certainly lived up to the positive reviews. It’s a short simple menu, but often those are the best since it shows the place really focuses on its speciality. And here  it’s ramen, which was absolutely ‘slurpalicious’. Our server recommended the duck ramen – and it really delivered.” – Jane Smith, Eat Out reader

Eat Out Savanna highly commended burger eatery – Hudsons The Burger Joint (Claremont)

“Great burgers and attentive staff coupled with a vibey restaurant. The food and drinks are fantastic and excellently priced. It’s always busy, even though it is a more upmarket burger franchise, which is a testament to the friendly, helpful service and amazing food. They also have the best margaritas.” – Andrea Plos, Eat Out reader

Highly commended coffee shop – Betty Blue Bistro (Hermanus)

“A refreshing eatery where you are spoilt with choice of fresh ingredients in exciting combinations. I love the fresh pressed juices, red shakshuka breakfast, and sweet filled pancakes. Service is efficient and delivered with a smile. It feels like eating at home, but better!” – Maree Wilken, Eat Out reader

Highly commended country-style eatery – De Grendel Restaurant (Panorama)

“An amazing drive towards this splendour… It is a lush green drive. Horses are gracefully grazing as we approach the restaurant. It is a warm and welcoming sight. The reception is also warm and inviting. It is evident that the staff is well trained. This was my second time and the experience was as beautiful as the last.” – Fontash Muramo, Eat Out reader

Eat Out Tramontina highly commended steakhouse – Rare Grill (Harfield Village)

“I’m almost reluctant to write a review so as not to share a well-kept secret. The owner deserves to get the support for this gem. He has set himself a high standard and by not pushing the boundaries on price, and he has a winning formula: keep it simple but good. Steak is the speciality. Fun and good wine offering. The service is friendly and efficient. The place is small, so booking is essential.” – Adam Cowell, Eat Out reader

Highly commended tapas eatery – The Mess (Green Point)

“A fantastic new restaurant in the heart of Greenpoint! They have amazing sharing plates, great weekly specials, and the pork belly is divine. 100% recommended!” – Lloyd Newark, Eat Out reader

Write a review and feed a child

In addition to helping highlight winners, each review posted on the Eat Out site results in a meal for a hungry child, pledged by Eat Out through Rise Against Hunger SA (formerly known as Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa). Since the start of this partnership in November 2014, over 7 400 meals have been pledged.

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