Wondering where the locals go for their favourite steaks, burgers, tapas and more in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga? No need, as the people’s favourite eateries, vetted by Eat Out’s critics for these provinces were announced at a celebration in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 24 October. (Check out the winners in the Western Cape, here.)

The winners of the 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries were revealed, after a year-long period of voting and a gruelling adjudicating process. The top names in each category were determined by star ratings given by the public on eatout.co.za, in conjunction with scoring from professional Eat Out 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 chosen 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. “Our critics visited each of the eligible restaurants that received enough high scores from fans to review them and give their own scores. Final results were then based on a 50-50 composite rating from the public and the critics.”

The 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries winners and highly commended restaurants announced at the Johannesburg event are:

Gauteng

Winners

Best African Eatery: La Terrasse Rooftop Cafe & Deli, Menlo Park

“I love to bring friends here and surprise them with a place that is so different to all the regular eating places in the malls. We had the Moroccan magic juice and the Mukabalatt starter platter and added chicken kebabs, cheese briouats, kefta briouats to make the platter more of a meal.” – Tana van Heerden, Eat Out reader

A breakfast tangia at La Terrasse. Photo supplied.

Best Bistro: Carbon Bistro, Nieuw Muckleneuk

“We just keep going back for more, be it a quick burger, steak, a delicious gin from the massive collection, or a sorbet beetroot starter dish that should not work but defies logic and just does! Having eaten magnificent steaks at some of SA’s best restaurants, I keep rating Carbon’s as possibly the best… A huge accolade for Carbon, and well deserved for such a fledgling establishment.” – Gary Hope, Eat Out reader

Inside Carbon Bistro. Photo supplied.

Eat Out Savanna Best Burger Eatery: Craft, Parkhurst

“The food all looks fabulous, but personally I love the burgers – the Craft Burger or Lamb Burger are both amazing. I just love the Salted Caramel milkshake, but you have to share – it is just that good and that decadent.” – Anandie Klaasen, Eat Out reader

A burger at Craft. Photo supplied.

Best Italian Eatery: Coalition, Rosebank

“As an Italian from Naples who grew up with a wood-fired pizza oven at home, I was extremely skeptical when I heard of this restaurant. That said, as soon as I smelled the wood burning from the authentic pizza oven and the freshly made tomato sauce my skepticism quickly started to melt away. The pizzas at Coalition blew my expectations out of the water! The dough is exquisite, the ingredients fresh and the cooking done to perfection.” – Silvia Tanga, Eat Out reader

One of Coalition’s glorious pizzas. Photo supplied.

Eat Out Tramontina Best Steakhouse: The Local Grill, Parktown North

“The minute you step in you want to luxuriate in the old-world charm replete with starched napkins and well dressed wait staff. You should order one thing only –  steak. They know what they’re doing here. This place is worth the splurge.” – Joash Narainsamy, Eat Out reader

A steak at The Local Grill. Photo supplied.

Best Tapas Eatery: Rockets, Bryanston

“The most beautiful Rockets venue yet! I’ve been a fan since the old Rivonia branch days and the new venue just takes Rockets to the next level…again. I have yet to see a more beautiful venue.” – Caity Parmenter, Eat Out reader

A tapas dish at Rockets. Photo supplied.

Highly commended

Highly Commended Asian Eatery: Momo Soko, Illovo

“Where do I even begin? Momo Soko has crept deep into my heart and is currently one of my favourite restaurants in Jozi. For mains we had the Salmon Maui Poke and the Salmon Kauai Poke, which were both flavour explosions. Not only are the flavours divine, but the presentation is absolutely beautiful.” – Clarissa Morton, Eat Out reader

A colourful dish at Momo Soko. Photo supplied.

Highly Commended Savanna Best Burger Eatery: Dukes Burgers, Greenside

“I’ve read a lot of good reviews about Dukes and I’m happy to say they were accurate. It’s one of the smaller establishments in Greenside, so make sure you book before going. And yes, the burgers are huge!” – Vickesh Pitamber, Eat Out reader

The Big Cheese at Dukes. Photo supplied.

Highly Commended Coffee Shop: Afro-boer, Die Wilgers

We had a very rough and hot morning leading up to a decision to have brunch (closer to lunch) at Afroboer. From the minute we walked through the lush green garden, our moods lifted. Even the soft green grass looked inviting…
– Alta Strydom, Eat Out reader

The interior at Afro-boer. Photo supplied.

Highly commended Indian Eatery: Geet Indian Restaurant , Nieuw Muckleneuk

“We had early dinner on Monday evening. Such a wonderful welcome from the owner, such friendly stuff, so helpful when one does not know much about Indian food. We had lamb shank that was so tender, badami ostrich, dhal, prawn biryani with mushrooms, white butter chicken, the naan to die for – soft and flavorful. Thank you Wellington, who helped us!” – Sandra Mbano, Eat Out reader

Vindaloo chops at Geet. Photo supplied.

Highly Commended Italian Eatery: Forti Grill and Bar, Menlyn Maine

“The best restaurant to hit the food scene in Pretoria. It has a beautiful interior, exceptional art and bespoke furniture. Pasta is freshly made to order, resulting in the best-tasting dishes. Superior quality meat is prepared to perfection with sides to die for. Overall a wonderful gastronomic experience!” – Gemma Beukes, Eat Out reader

Forti’s Lumaconi pasta. Photo supplied.

Highly Commended Tapas Eatery: Urbanologi, Ferreirasdorp

“Think sublime, mouthwatering, delicious, decadent, fresh, tantalizing, to die for, wonderful – go back for more – food, this is what Urbanologi offers. The open-plan kitchen buzzes and creates a wonderful energy on the dining room floor for patrons. Do not miss out on this one – it is more than worth it.” – Jodi-Ann Pearton, Eat Out critic

A selection of sharing plates at Urbanologi. Photo supplied.

KwaZulu-Natal

Winners

Eat Out Savanna Best Burger Eatery: Republik, Durban North

“By far the juiciest and tastiest burger I have ever tasted. My stomach was full and my heart complete. For dessert we had the deep-fried Bar-One. It was definitely made with love.” – Christy Hammond, Eat Out reader

Drooling is guaranteed at Republik. Photo supplied.

Highly commended

Highly commended Bistro: 9th Avenue Bistro, Morningside

“Seasonal flavours and locally sourced ingredients harmonise to create beautiful plates of food. This is cosy bistro dining complete with white tablecloths and a European feel. The desserts are something to look forward to and definitely something to leave space for.” – Nikita Buxton, Eat Out critic

A souffle at 9th Avenue. Photo supplied.

Highly Commended Eat Out Savanna Burger Eatery: S43 Home to That Brewing Co, Morningside

“Such a vibey awesome Durban spot to get a good cold beer and great food. They have good vegetarian options and their vegan burger is beyond! I love their fried olives and the sweetcorn and chilli cakes are so tasty and perfect every time.” – Varsha Naidu Moodley, Eat Out reader

Sliders at S43. Photo supplied.

Mpumlanaga

Winner
Best Bistro: The Blue Print Restaurant, White River

“This hidden gem in the heart of the Lowveld is pleasing locals and visitors with its surprising modern cuisine and some comforting classics. Chef-patron Pieter Malan is a youthful chef filled with confidence that should stand him in good stead for a long career in the restaurant business. He is very hands-on at this little bistro.” – Hennie Fisher, Eat Out critic

A pork belly dish at The Blue Print. Photo supplied.

Best reader review award

For the first time this year, we recognised a reader reviewer chosen from our user base across the whole country, with a goal to encourage more fair, balanced reviewing in an industry blighted by trollery. Read more about the award here, and the true cost of reviews here.)

Winner: Joash Narainsamy

Our editors praised his balanced reviews, which tactfully mentioned pitfalls while applauding successes. Fair, balanced writing helps users to make better dining decisions. Joash reviewed in excess of 40 restaurants on the Eat Out site during the eligible period. Read a few examples of Joash’s reviews here: Momo Soko, Brian Lara Rum Eatery, and Mamasan.

“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 eligibility period for reader reviews for the Best Everyday Eateries was 1 October 2016 to 30 August 2017, followed by the completion of critic reviews in September 2017 for the qualifying restaurants. For each review posted on eatout.co.za, Eat Out pledges a meal for a hungry child through Rise Against Hunger, formerly known as Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa. Since the start of this partnership in November 2014, over 7 400 meals have been pledged.