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 fifth 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 5

What has surprised you the most during the judging process so far?
I’ve been surprised how not more chefs have embraced vegetables on their menus. I was hoping to see more innovation in this respect. On a positive note, I’ve been pleasantly impressed by the overall value for money, especially considering the quality of the dining experiences on offer in South Africa.
 

What emerging trends, themes, or innovations have you noticed?
A common theme among restaurants is the celebration of local ingredients, with many menus proudly naming their suppliers. Chefs are weaving rich storytelling into their dishes, blending tradition with modern techniques to create dining experiences that feel personal and authentic. In terms of trends, many patterned tuiles and slangetjies, and an array of creative “dusts” are making frequent appearances as garnishes.
 

What ingredient has appeared most frequently across the restaurants you’ve visited?
Interestingly, there’s been quite a lot of goat’s cheese and banana showcased on menus – as individual ingredients (not together!).
 

What’s been your general impression of service across the restaurants you’ve visited?
I’m impressed by the passion with which many of the service teams have approached their work. I had anticipated a slightly higher and more polished level of wine service. While there have been good moments, there’s room for improvement across the board.
 

What are you most looking forward to as we move into the second half of the judging process?
I’m eagerly looking forward to the various expressions of summer menus across different regions of South Africa, as each area brings its own unique culinary identity.  

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.  

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 sixth 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 6
  

What has surprised you the most during the judging process so far?
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the standard of food being served. The level has been set high, and every restaurant is staying true to their concept of dining. 

What emerging trends, themes, or innovations have you noticed?
I love that the tasting menus are shorter with less theatrics at the table. I think most restaurants are adopting clean and honest cooking with a focus on flavour. There’s also a lot of Asian-influenced dishes on most menus. 
 

What ingredient has appeared most frequently across the restaurants you’ve visited?
I’ve seen indigenous grains, like popped sorghum, incorporated in various dishes.
 

What’s been your general impression of service across the restaurants you’ve visited?
Top-notch. I’ve come across dedicated staff and all have been warm and courteous. The majority of restaurants have been full and busy, which makes for happy staff. 
 

What are you most looking forward to as we move into the second half of the judging process?
More delicious food. I can’t wait to discover what’s in store for the festive season.  

 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.