Following the success of Eat Out’s new judging system and awards approach, we enter the fourth year with Woolworths as the headline sponsor. With our shared passion for elevating South Africa’s dining culture, the unique partnership celebrates culinary excellence in the local restaurant industry and continues to maintain its rigorous standards of trust and credibility. Excitement is steadily growing ahead of the much-anticipated awards ceremony – scheduled to take place on 23 March 2026 at the Baxter Theatre Centre – where the Eat Out stars will be announced and the achievements of South Africa’s restaurant industry will be celebrated.

With its commitment to transparency and expert-led evaluations, this next cycle of the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards promises to raise the bar once again, honouring restaurants that showcase outstanding creativity, consistency, and quality. Backed by an independent and anonymous panel of leading food professionals, the rigorous judging process ensures that recognition is earned through innovation, skill and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

“Woolworths is proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. As the format continues to evolve in exciting ways, it reflects how dining in South Africa is becoming more modern, dynamic and in-step with the way people live and eat. Our Woolies values echo these sentiments, leading the charge from a retail perspective in meeting the needs of our customers with innovation and unparalleled quality. We are passionate about celebrating the incredible talent shaping our country’s food culture and are delighted to play a part in recognising and honouring the very best in the industry,” says Elizka Ferreira, Woolworths Head of Brand Marketing: Foods.

ALSO READ: What it takes to be an Eat Out star restaurant

Minette Ferreira, CEO of Media24 Media, reflects on the awards’ enduring legacy: “Since its inception in 1998, the restaurant awards have built a powerful platform for top chefs and emerging talents to shine. For diners, they serve as an authoritative guide to the best restaurant experiences across the country. And now, with the full reach of Media24 behind the Eat Out brand, the value for chefs, restaurateurs and diners is more compelling than ever.” 

ALSO READ: What the Eat Out judges notice in the first 60 seconds at a restaurant

Keep an eye on eatout.co.za as we continue to champion the people, places, and stories driving South Africa’s food and dining industry forward!