After two years, South Africa’s most prestigious restaurant awards are back with a dynamic new star rating system. Restaurants were assessed on several factors, including the quality of their offering – from the décor, ambience and service to the wine list, ingredients used and quality of the food.

In addition to the Eat Out stars, which will be revealed at the much-anticipated ceremony on 20 November, there are 12 Special Awards that will be handed out. These awards applaud individual restaurants, chefs and food personalities who are pushing the industry forward in a meaningful and innovative way.

They are:

Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year
The top-scoring restaurant on Eat Out’s star rating system. Click here to read more about the system and judging process.

Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year
This person is a leading culinary voice in the SA restaurant and food industry.

Eat Out WCellar 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 Naked Malt 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 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 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 Woolworths Lockdown Innovation Award
The winner of this award showed notable boldness, bravery and inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 VISI Style Award
This establishment has an exceptional design that completely aligns to the overall restaurant concept and food being served.

Eat Out Stella Artois Best Destination Restaurant
When leaving a city, this restaurant is more than worthwhile travelling to.

Eat Out Woolworths Icon Award
This is a restaurant that has stood the test of time; a firm favourite that brings guests back again and again.

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.

Click here to see which restaurants are shortlisted to get an Eat Out star.