Want to know where the hottest restaurants are in your area? Here are your top picks across the country, based on the past week’s reviews.

 

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A post shared by Tjing Tjing (@tjingtjingbar) on Feb 1, 2019 at 1:51am PST

This September, we’ll be announcing the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries. How does it all work? The 2019 winners will be determined by tallying every reader review written from 1 October 2018 to 31 July 2019. Restaurants that receive a large volume of high scores from Eat Out users will be visited by our professional critics, who will give their own ratings. Final results will then be based on a 50-50 composite score from users and the critics.

Don’t forget to rate and review your favourite to put them in the running. (The easiest way to write a review is on our free app, plus you could win some pretty awesome prizes. Download it now.)

Johannesburg

Gemelli Italian Restaurant (Bryanston)

Best Italian I’ve had in a long time! Pastas are to die for! Recommended! – Matthew Mulhall

Gemelli’s penne Allessandro. Photo by Rupesh Kassen.

So Yum (Hyde Park)

You would not believe what a fab spot this is for a social and delicious experience! The menu is substantial and if you are adventurous, explore a whole lot of options and have a feast! We did this and can honestly say it was awesome and a taste sensation of note! So well done to the owners, chefs and staff for a world-class experience so centrally situated, being at Hyde Park Centre – so easy access and parking! – Alison McCutcheon

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The perfect chilly weather choice – Roasted Duck tossed in Ramen noodles and served in a clear broth ? A classic Asian dish #asiancuisine #asianinfusion #roastedduck #ramennoodles #asianrestaurant #asianfusion #asianstyle #restaurants #restaurantdishes ?: @dinner_for_twosa

A post shared by So Yum Hyde Park (@soyumhydepark) on Apr 11, 2019 at 5:19am PDT

Truffles on Park (Sandton)

Opening on Valentine’s Day this year, my love for Truffles has not wavered. This gorgeous bistro keeps surprising with something special on each visit. Today we are trying their brand new breakfast offering. The salmon scramble is no doubt a winner. Smoked Atlantic salmon, dill cream cheese, semi dried tomatoes and spring onion emulsion. Just one of the incredible breakfast dishes on chef Lance’s menu. Cannot wait to return for more truffle-inspired delicacies! – Darren Meltz

 

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A post shared by Truffles On The Park (@trufflesbistroza) on Jun 6, 2019 at 10:30pm PDT

Durban

Mamma Luciana’s (Windermere)

Amazing homemade pasta, oven baked. Great atmosphere with very friendly staff. The manager is very accommodating during busy hours. – Ian Kirkpatrick

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Don’t fancy cooking? Pop in for Mammas meatball spaghetti ? #YUM

A post shared by Mamma Luciana (@mammaluciana) on Apr 2, 2019 at 5:09am PDT

Spiga (Windermere)

An institution in Durban and definitely worth the visit! This little gem is still as good as ever and serves up, literally, the best Italian food. The pastas are incredibly tasty and the pizzas are thin, juicy and so good! I can highly recommend any of the linguines on offer. The owner is friendly and cares about each patron’s experience. The menu is extensive and is really well priced. I will return again and again. – Candice Michelle

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☀️ Sunshine + Good Times ☀️ We are stoked to announce that we will now be open for lunch from Thursdays to Sundays from 12pm ❤️#spigadurban

A post shared by Spiga (@spigadurban) on Apr 25, 2019 at 3:19am PDT

Cape Town

Mykonos Taverna (Sea Point)

This is the best spot for a delicious, authentic Greek meal with outstanding service and a great atmosphere! The lamb chops are my best and we are regulars going at least once every 10 days. My husband loves the sardines, and together we enjoy the taramasalata and pita bread or mixed mezze starter! This is a Greek feast with a festive vibe any day of the week! – Alison McCutcheon

Tjing Tjing Momiji (City Bowl)

This is truly one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Cape Town. The entire concept is unique with stylish Japanese-inspired décor. The multiple dishes are beautifully presented, innovative and above all delicious! Service was excellent and I’ll definitely recommend the drinks pairing – great value and complements an already amazing experience. – Wallie van der Walt

 

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A post shared by Tjing Tjing (@tjingtjingbar) on Feb 21, 2019 at 10:21pm PST

Cowboys & Cooks (Sunset Beach)

This is a vibey steakhouse in a small shopping centre in Sunset Beach, Cape Town. Although busy on the evening we visited, the service was attentive but not intrusive. All our steaks were cooked exactly as requested. A great addition to the dining scene in this area. – Shireen Forrest

 

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A post shared by Cowboys & Cooks (@cowboysandcooks) on Feb 26, 2019 at 7:15am PST

Beyond Cape Town

101 Meade Street (George)

Surely the best place I have been. The plate of food you get is not only a feast for your eyes, but your tummy as well. Quality and quantity cannot be more on par. The ambience right from when you step in, the welcoming, warm service with a smile up until you walk back out (not that you want to) could not be any better. I usually love sitting on the kitchen side – it is like dinner and a show – you can just see (and taste) the love and passion that goes into their food! Big, big, big thumbs up to 101 Meade and their team! Your food makes my heart (and tummy) smile! Stay fresh, guys! – Lanel van Rooyen

Dine in style at 101 Meade Street. Photo supplied.

The Fat Butcher (Stellenbosch)

Having battled for months to get in, we were delighted to take an out-of-town friend there today and boy, were we not disappointed. Every attention to detail has been made. The chalmar beef is so beautiful and well aged… And cooked to perfection. We tried their speciality steaks… I had the New Yorker, which even comes with a marrow bone. My friend had the rib-eye on the bone and all our sauces were exceptional. They don’t charge corkage, which helps take the sting out of the the meal… Even the steak knives are different and super sharp. Dessert was melktert and warm stick toffee…. Sublime. Rita, the owner, spends time chatting and there is no doubt in my mind we’ll be back. LOVED IT. – Clint Waltman

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Mankind’s greatest culinary obsession: THE STEAK. #FatButcher #steakhouse

A post shared by Fat Butcher (@fatbutcher_sa) on Feb 10, 2019 at 12:22am PST

Harvest Table Bistro (Ceres)

With so many establishments in the area and a captive audience during season, many eateries do become complacent. Then there are gems such as the Harvest Table Bistro. The food is delicious, the young staff keen, the owner attentive and the setting beautiful. – Carina Diedericks-Hugo

Have a favourite eatery in your ‘hood? Put them in the running for the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries and cast your vote before 31 July by giving them a review. Plus, you could stand a chance to win an exclusive Eat Out hamper worth R1250.

The easiest way to write a review is on our free app. Download it now.