As we head into the last stretch of the 2024/2025 Eat Out judging season, we’re lifting the curtain on this exciting eight-month-long journey to give you an exclusive glimpse into the experiences and discoveries that have guided our judges in identifying the country’s best restaurants. This is the second in a series of eight articles revealing insights gained from Eat Out’s meticulous and robust judging process. 

To protect their anonymity, our judges will be referred to by number – allowing their experiences, not their identities, to take centre stage.  

Judge 2

Number of restaurants visited to date: 53

What has surprised you the most during the judging process so far?
The continuous growth and development of the South African food industry and enjoying the diversity of the offering – [this is what makes] South Africa a culinary destination.  

What emerging trends, themes, or innovations have you noticed?
Small plates to share and Asian influences are present more than ever; consciousness of sustainability; usage of underutilised produce; emphasis on the wine experience, with more curated wines making their way onto menus; innovations and creativity in cocktails.  

What ingredient has appeared most frequently across the restaurants you’ve visited?
Chilli threads, Wagyu, tuna and kapokbos.

What’s been your general impression of service across the restaurants you’ve visited?
Front of house getting more involved, which reflects in the restaurant experience, really showcasing how far South Africa has come over the last ten years. 

What are you most looking forward to as we move into the second half of the judging process?
Continuing this food journey and exploration and discovering even more gems.

The Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards will culminate in a celebration of excellence on 31 March 2025. Read about Eat Out’s rigorous judging process here. 

To read Judge 1’s insights, click here. 

Stay tuned for the next instalment of judges’ insights and sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the latest Eat Out news straight to your inbox!