What does great service mean? A warm welcome, personal attention, an accommodating attitude and in-depth food and wine knowledge are all important. But great service also requires a little something extra; that little bit of magic. Sponsored by Nespresso, this year’s Service Award will recognise a restaurant with truly stellar service. A place where the basics come naturally to skilled staff who are able to enhance the experience of the diners.

The team at The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français. Photo by Jan Ras

Last year, The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français won the Service Award for the second year running. The reason? Attentive, knowledgeable staff who take on more than just the role of waiter. They are gifted storytellers who tell their patrons the interesting and sometimes humorous stories behind the dishes. Said judge Abigail Donnelly, “The Tasting Room epitomises the best in service: it’s personal, local, professional and knowledgeable, with a touch of realness. All in all, simply outstanding!”

One of The Tasting Room’s past dishes, featuring perlemoen, waterblommetjie and sour fig. Photo by Jan Ras.

The winner of the 2016 Eat Out Nespresso Service Award will be announced on 20 November, at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. Tickets are on sale now.

About the sponsor

The Nespresso story began with a simple but revolutionary idea: enable anyone to create the perfect cup of coffee – just like a skilled barista. From this beginning 29 years ago, the Nespresso brand concept has revolutionised the way millions of people enjoy their coffee and has helped shape the global coffee culture. Today, Nespresso continues to be the engine driving quality, innovation and consumer demand in the most dynamic and fastest growing segment of the global coffee market. The brand has evolved from the pioneer and trendsetter into the reference in the portioned coffee category through a singular focus on delivering the ultimate coffee experience to our consumers, cup after cup. The strength of the brand, the quality of Nespresso coffees, and their unique service offering provide us with exciting growth opportunities to further engage coffee lovers who demand authentic quality and moments of pleasure. With The Positive Cup, Nespresso has the ambition to offer the highest quality and most sustainable portioned coffee worldwide.