For this brand new set of awards, we kept the judges out of it and gave you the power. The 2015 Best Everyday Eateries are the restaurants with the highest average ratings on eatout.co.za from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015 – that’s a full year of reviews and star ratings. We also celebrated the eateries that were crowd favourites but didn’t quite receive enough reviews to win with ‘highly commended’ certificates. In categories where insufficient votes were received no awards were announced. Here are the winners in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. (Stay tuned for the winners in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, which will be announced on Thursday 22 October, at a separate awards ceremony in Cape Town.)

• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Mpumalanga

GAUTENG

Best African Eatery

La Terrasse Rooftop Cafe & Deli (winner)

“They transport you back into another culture and time with heady spices, mint, pomegranate, olives, chermoula tomato sauce, platters of hummus and, of course, the traditional tagines. Truly a place of magic!” – Lizel Stemmet

The deck at La Terrasse Rooftop Cafe & Deli. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Best Asian Eatery

The Great Eastern Food Bar (highly commended)

Best Bistro

Boston Bistro (winner)

“What a wonderful experience. It gives you the impression that you’re visiting a roadside farm stall somewhere in the countryside, with tables outside on the small stoep and those inside with a lovely, warm feel. Karin and staff treat you like family. The spread allows you to help yourself to delicious, traditionally hearty ‘boerekos’ in charming surroundings. I would go back anytime… ” – Carolyn Milsom

Outside at the Boston Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Licorish Bistro (highly commended)

Best Burger Eatery

Beefcakes Illovo (highly commended)

Burger and cocktails at Beefcakes. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Best Coffee Shop

Afro-boer (highly commended)

Best Indian Eatery

Geet Indian Restaurant (highly commended)

The interior at Geet Indian Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Best Italian Eatery

Cafe del Sol in Randburg (winner)

“They really do have something so special, it’s almost impossible to put into words. You get an incredible, unique and worthwhile experience of awesome food, service and total happiness!” – Brian Carter

The interior at Cafe del Sol. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ritrovo Ristorante (highly commended)

Best Steakhouse

The Local Grill in Parktown North (winner)

“A superb operation: delicious food and impeccable service. The care taken in sourcing and creation of every dish is to be admired, and my lunch of tender, succulent lamb, great fries and béarnaise, accompanied by cold beer and chilled wine, was a welcome respite on a warm day in Johannesburg.” – Lew Rood

A steak from The Local Grill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Wombles Steakhouse Restaurant (highly commended)

KWAZULU-NATAL

Best Asian Eatery

Nam Jai Sushi & Thai Restaurant (winner)

“A treat of note. After having a few drinks and cocktails, we sat down for supper. We had a super time with great food, lots of laughter, great service and very friendly staff. The chocolate spring rolls were to die for. Thank you for a fabulous evening.” – Erika Bennett

Best Bistro

Boiler Room Café (winner)

“A great experience from the moment you see the gorgeous space. Open and airy, perfect for soaking up a gorgeous Durbs morning. Quick and friendly service, awesome coffee, and a playful and ever-changing menu. It’s on our Saturday morning rotation, and never disappoints! If Graham is featuring anything Mexican when you’re there, don’t miss it – he must have tequila running through his veins!” – Liz Hawthorne

A view from outside the Boiler Room Café. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Best Country-Style Eatery

Oaklands Country Manor (winner)

“Locally sourced produce, perfectly prepared, and the flavours… Oh my. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere stunning and the food is absolutely delicious. It has become like a second home for us. Try the fresh asparagus with Hollandaise and a poached egg for breakfast, with a side of bacon or local sausage. The Dargle Valley pork is simply amazing, and the hamburgers, well, they’re the best.” – Tessa Graham

Best Indian Eatery

Jeera at Suncoast Towers Hotel (highly commended)

MPUMALANGA

Best Coffee Shop

The Food Fundi (highly commended)

*Remember, every single review you write will influence the results for next year’s Best Everyday Eateries, so keep telling us about your favourite food experiences!

People enjoying lunch at The Food Fundi. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.