Back by popular demand, comedian Marc Lottering and seasoned broadcaster Relebogile Mabotja are set to take the stage for the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. This will be the second consecutive year the pair are taking on hosting duties for the event, bringing their combined experience to the stage as the country’s top chefs, restaurateurs and food industry figures gather to celebrate culinary excellence across the nation. 

The awards ceremony will take place on 23 March 2026 at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town. Following their collaboration at the 2025 awards, both presenters are looking forward to their reunion. 

“I love being amongst foodies. Fabulously crazy people. Same WhatsApp group,” Marc says when asked about returning to host. His enthusiasm for the culinary community is evident, and he’s particularly looking forward to recreating the on-stage chemistry that worked so well last year. “Onstage, as the evening went on, Relebogile got raunchy and spicy as hell! I loved it as much as the audience did. Looking forward to a fun night.” 

For Relebogile, “it’s a tough toss between hanging out and laughing with Marc on stage and the amazing food, but I am definitely excited to celebrate the industry. I truly respect all of the hard work that these creative food scientists and culinary artists put into their passion.” 

The working relationship between the hosts is clearly strong. “Marc and I have the most genuine and fun chemistry. I admire his work ethic, his humour and comedic timing, and his awesome energy!” Relebogile says. 

Both hosts remember last year’s ceremony fondly. Marc recalls the audience response: “The energy from that audience is unmatched. It’s not often that you see people get that excited about a menu! It’s contagious! The interesting thing is, I considered myself to be a total restaurant connoisseur for months after the event. I recommended establishments as though I had won eight awards.” 

For Relebogile, it was the unscripted moments that stood out: “There was a moment on stage when Marc and I were laughing like crazy and struggled to pick ourselves up again. Being theatre kids hosting in a theatre was so magical together, with those unscripted moments that happen on the fly – magic!” 

With Marc and Relebogile back at the helm, this year’s ceremony promises the same blend of celebration and entertainment that made the 2025 awards such a success. Stay tuned to Eat Out’s Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts for all the updates on the event.