We revealed South Africa’s Top 10 restaurants at the prestigious Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards on 30 November in Cape Town. With seven new restaurants making the list, fine diners are sure to map an exciting new gastronomic route through South Africa’s best eateries.

Also launched on the evening was the 2009 gold issue of Eat Out magazine, published by New Media Publishing. The new directory reveals the Prudential Eat Out Awards winners and showcases the 1 000 best places to eat in South Africa.

Prudential Portfolio Managers are the title sponsors of the Eat Out Restaurant Awards. Prudential’s Director of Institutional Business, Bernard Fick, said the company is proud to be associated with the awards that recognise excellence in the restaurant industry in South Africa.  Says Fick, “Prudential salutes the passion for excellence by South Africa’s top chefs, and the focus on top customer service.  The restaurant industry in South Africa is a major creator of employment opportunities, and makes a huge contribution towards attracting foreign tourists to our country.”

The 2008 Prudential Eat Out Top 10 Restaurants in order from one to 10 are:

1. La Colombe
Chef Luke Dale-Roberts
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Cape Town
“Luke Dale-Roberts cooks the finest cuisine using the very best ingredients and has superb technical skills, ambition and individuality – he has the wow factor.”

2. Jardine
Chef George Jardine
Bree Street, Cape Town
“George Jardine’s technique is about balance, texture and flavour. He is precise and delivers true uniqueness to every dish.”

3. Terroir
Chef Michael Broughton
Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
“Every mouthful of Michael Broughtons food is magical, risotto to die for, together with the perfect sublime sauces that compliment his modern food.”

4. Overture
Chef Bertus Basson
Hidden Valley Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
“Every dish that Bertus Basson plates is packed with clean fresh tastes. His philosophy of course is to keep it local, every mouthful that is sublime and his plating is just so beautiful.”

5. Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient
Chef Chantel Dartnall
The Orient Boutique Hotel, Pretoria
“The food that Chantel Dartnall prepares is pure finess, her interpretation of dishes and how she plates them are full of new and exciting flavours.”

6. Rust en Vrede
Chef David Higgs
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
“Every dish of David Higgs is perfectly prepared, his plating is a visual treat and the tastes are magnificent.”

7. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais
Chef Margot Janse
Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek
“Margot Janse offers an unique and imaginative food matched by her superb technique, it is a true culinary experience.”

8. Roots at Forum Homini
Chef Philippe Wagenfuhrer
Forum Homini Boutique Hotel, Krugersdorp
“Philippe Wagenfuhrer’s combination of French and Asian dishes, are innovative but without being to overpowering. His belief in sustainable and seasonal produce is exemplary.”

9. Bizerca
Chef Laurent Deslandes
Anton Anreith Arcade, Cape Town
“Laurent has the absolute understanding of well executed French Bistro style food. His flavours are sensational, his identity is so simple and the most delicate uncomplicated plating.”

10. Hartford House
Chef Jackie Cameron
Summerhill Stud Farm, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
“Jackie Cameron celebrates local and seasonal produce from around the Natal Midlands on her menu. We loved the entire eating experience from the beautiful and elaborate dining room, exceptional wine knowledge and a balance of simple flavours.”