As passionate foodies, who love nothing more than to dine out and about, you can guarantee that the Eat Out editorial team has their very own bucket list of restaurants to head to this year.

If you are looking for some restaurant inspo, the Eat Out team spills the tea on where they plan to visit this year.

Tessa Purdon, Head of Content

Dusk, Stellenbosch

As the winner of the Eat Out Retail Capital Best New Restaurant Award of 2022, Dusk aims to challenge the boundaries of fine dining with a strong focus on sustainable local produce showcased throughout its menu.

After tasting chef Callan Austin’s braised abalone with aerated pork velouté at the recent S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy dinner in Cape Town, Tessa was blown away. “I’m looking forward to visiting Dusk to experience his full menu.”

 

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Nevermind, Cape St Francis

Located near the iconic Seal Point Lighthouse in Cape St Francis and also the winner of the Eat Out Stella Artois Best Destination Restaurant Award, Nevermind is worth the journey.

“The stunning coastal location and style of food is right up my alley!,” says Tessa.

 

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Acid Food & Wine Bar, Parktown North

The newly opened restaurant in Joburg, as the first female-led food and wine bar, has taken the City of Gold by storm. With a small menu offering, the restaurant focuses on providing guests with an experience of new flavours and wine.

“I’d love to support this female-owned spot and it looks like a really fun and vibey place to hang out!”

 

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Bianca Jones, Content Producer

La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek

As the sister restaurant of the award-winning La Colombe in Constantia, La Petite Colombe is a fine dining restaurant nestled in the winelands of Franschhoek.

After having a small taste of what the restaurant has to offer, Bianca says, “Definitely keen to go back and enjoy the whole spread”.

 

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The Melting Pot, Grabouw

As a gastronomical restaurant that merges global flavours, The Melting Pot in Grabouw not only offers exquisite food but adorable company.

“The Melting Pot has the cutest little dog, Oscar, and I really loved the setting. Paired with the food, it is an ideal spot to head to!”

 

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The Table De Meye, Stellenbosch

The one-star winner of the prestigious Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, The Table De Meye is a must-visit for Bianca. “I would love to go there and eat under the trees; just looks so serene!”

 

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Lauren Goldman, Commercial Editor

TANG, V&A Waterfront

After heralding much success in Joburg, the Asian-inspired luxurious restaurant TANG has opened a branch in Cape Town. “I’ve been to the one in Joburg and really enjoyed it, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they’re offering in Cape Town. Also, have you seen that salted caramel fondant? It is divine!”

 

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Marble, Cape Town

Marble, a live-fire restaurant, will be opening its doors in the Mother City. “I can’t wait to check out Marble when it opens in Cape Town because I have heard good things about the one in Jozi!,” says Lauren.

 

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Le coin Français, Franschhoek

Embodying the small town of Franschhoek in food, wine and setting, Le coin Français is on Lauren’s bucket list due to her first-hand experience of chef Darren Badenhorst’s food. “I’ve been wanting to visit Le coin Français ever since!”

 

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Lauren Josephs, Managing Editor

Blondie, Kloof Street

The Kloof street-based restaurant is always abuzz with locals. As somewhat of a local watering hole for Capetonians, Lauren would love to visit this spot.

“I have no idea why I have not made it to this spot yet, but I plan to!”

FYN, Cape Town

Award-winning restaurant FYN has racked up numerous accolades over the past year, including two stars at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2022. Known for its fine dining offering, this restaurant offers a unique take on Japanese-African cuisine as a fusion of the two flavours.

 

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Emazulwini, Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront

Led and founded by Eat Out Naked Malt Rising Star awardee, chef Mmabatho Molefe, Emazulwini is a Zulu-inspired restaurant that shines a spotlight on Nguni cuisine and South African ingredients.

 

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Lerato Tlai, Content Producer

The Werf Restaurant, Boschendal Wine Estate

Located on the idyllic Boschendal Wine Estate in Franschhoek, The Werf Restaurant focuses on using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create a ‘soil-to-fork’ dining experience. Its stellar offering resulted in this restaurant being awarded one star at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards of 2022.

The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate, Pinetown

As the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards’ 2022 Restaurant of the Year, The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate is number one on Lerato’s list of restaurants to visit. The restaurant offers a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with an ever-changing menu due to its focus on seasonal local produce.

 

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The Restaurant at The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay

Well known for its seafood offering, The Restaurant at The Plettenberg has pristine views of the ocean. Focusing on sustainability, all seafood is sourced with this in mind.

Ishani Chetty, Social Media Manager

Ëlgr, Kloof Street

Ëlgr offers a multi-cultural dining experience that has caught the eye of Ishani. “I often scroll through their Instagram feed and drool over the dishes. I will be visiting this spot to experience chef Jesper Nilsson’s dishes.”

 

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Ariel Modern Italian, Sea Point

The modern Italian restaurant located in Sea Point forms part of the NoName Hospitality Group and aims to merge both New York and Napoli in a local Italian eatery. “I love Italian food and the luxurious yet casual interiors,” says Ishani.

 

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Theo’s Taverna, Hermanus

The new kid on the block in the small seaside town of Hermanus, Theo’s Taverna is a traditional Greek restaurant. “As a fan of Greek cuisine, I would love to hit the road and head to Hermanus to savour the delicious flavours of this restaurant.”

 

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