From bold flavours to impressive techniques, discover SA’s top-rated restaurants and how to make your first star dining experience unforgettable. South Africa is a playground for food lovers, and this is your guide to eating your way through delectable dishes from the coastline to the vineyards and the lively city streets.

All the Eat Out star-rated restaurants offer a chance to experience the food, culture, and creativity of our country’s most talented chefs and their teams. If you’ve never booked a star restaurant before, we’re here to help!

Discover the 2026 Eat Out star restaurants here

Tips for first-timers

1. Book early, stay flexible: Popular spots fill up fast and restaurants will often announce on social media when new bookings open. Consider midweek lunches, early dinners, or joining waiting lists.
2. Know what you’re ordering: Many star restaurants focus on tasting menus with multiple courses. Others have a mix of both set menus and a la carte. Check the menu ahead of time so you aren’t surprised when you get there.
3. Budget for the full experience: Drinks, wine pairings, booking deposits and service fees quickly add up. Plan ahead.
4. Bring curiosity: Star dining is about experiencing the extraordinary. Be curious and savour it all.
5. Keep the menu: Ask the service team if you can take it home as a keepsake – a tangible reminder of a memorable meal.