Back at work and wanting to ease those post-holiday blues? Look no further. From gourmet guides in your city and SA’s top 10 restaurants to where to find the most OTT milkshakes and great weekly specials, here’s our countdown of the most-viewed stories on eatout.co.za for 2016.

1. The best restaurants in Cape Town

Here’s our list of the best restaurants in the Mother City in every category from bistros to Italian trattorias and tapas bars to steakhouses.

The calamari at Foxcroft in Constantia. Photo supplied.

2. Great restaurant specials for every day of the week

Things a bit tight after the festive season? These restaurants are offering wicked weekly deals that will appease your appetite without walloping your bank account.

Two delicious pizzas from Col’Cacchio. Photo supplied.

3. The best restaurants in Johannesburg

From ground-breaking inner-city revivals and genre-bending gastronomy to family-run favourites and trendy new hotspots, the choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner for Joburg residents and visitors is abundant.

One of the bowl options at Momo Baohaus in Johannesburg. Photo supplied.

4. The best restaurants in Durban

The East Coast city pumps all year round with new bars, fresh seafood and casual café-style fare. Here is our list of the best restaurants in Durban and its close surrounding areas, as rated and reviewed for the 2017 Eat Out magazine.

Eggs, avo and sriracha at Delish Sisters in KZN. Photo supplied.

5. All-you-can-eat buffets: Where to find them in your city

Please everyone in your party at these all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and the winelands.

6. The great gourmet picnic guide

Our list of some of the best picnic spots, along with some of the tastiest picnic baskets around the country.

A picnic spread at Nederburg. Photo supplied.

7. Where to order a knockout high tea

Here’s where to find afternoon tea in the cities near you – whether you’re after the five-star hotel experience, or something a little more informal.

8. Cape Town’s coolest restaurant strip: Bree Street

Your guide to the vibrant road that offers anything from pre-work coffee to burgers, bagels and pizza.

A view of Bree Street at Bacon On Bree. Photo by Claire Gunn.

9. The banting list: where to get LCHF meals in restaurants

A round-up of restaurants and suppliers around the country that are catering to the banting lifestyle.

10. 65 food trucks to follow

We’ve got the list of which food trucks offer the tastiest takeaway fare and where you can find them in Joburg, Pretoria, Durbs, the Mother City, the Winelands, and the Garden Route.

Limoncello Food Truck. Photo supplied.

11. 80+ child-friendly restaurants

We’ve found family restaurants across the country that serve child-friendly meals and offer toys, activities and supervision for your kids.

12. SA’s must-visit food markets

From farmers’ markets to gourmet food stalls, this is your guide to the best markets taking place in cities and towns around South Africa.

The bar at The Play Market. Photo supplied.

13. The Top 10 restaurants in South Africa

South Africa’s shining culinary talents were honoured at the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards on 20 November. Meet the Top 10.

A beautifully plated dish at The Restaurant at Waterkloof. Photo supplied.

14. SA’s craziest milkshakes

The most decadent milkshakes at restaurants around South Africa flavoured with salted caramel popcorn, cheesecake, candyfloss and lemon curd.

15. 5 great gatsbys in Cape Town

Wolfing down a gatsby should be the prerogative of every Capetonian. Here are five great places in Cape Town to get your fix.

The steak gatsby at Mariam’s Kitchen. Photo supplied.

16. Pretoria’s restaurant hotspot

The Village in Hazelwood a Pretoria hotspot for dining in a leafy, relaxed atmosphere.

17. Is this the country’s most Instagrammable coffee?

Since it opened in Melrose Arch last year, The Grind Coffee Company has been causing something of a stir with its signature drink, a macchiato served inside an ice-cream cone cup.

One of The Grind baristas. Photo supplied.

18. What it costs to eat at SA’s best restaurants

Whether you’re saving up for an occasion or you’re simply curious, here’s what it costs to eat at the country’s best restaurants.

Tapas from Chefs Warehouse. Photo

19. South African chef wins Michelin star

South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, chef patron of Restaurant Jan in Nice, has been awarded his first Michelin star.

20. Brownies & DownieS: Cape Town’s training centre for people with intellectual disabilities

A restaurant that offers training and employment for intellectually challenged people in the hospitality industry has become one of Cape Town’s favourite coffee spots.