When South Africa’s finest chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers gather at the Baxter Theatre Centre on 23 March, one restaurant will claim the ultimate accolade: the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year award. 

This award recognises the top-scoring restaurant on Eat Out’s star rating system and honours establishments that deliver remarkable overall dining experiences from the moment guests step through the door until they leave. Consistency at maintaining high-level dining experiences over time is key – this isn’t about one outstanding meal, but about maintaining those standards consistently. 

Partnership in excellence
“For Woolworths, celebrating excellence in food is part of who we are,” explains Marisa Monroe, Woolworths Foods Chief Product Development Officer. “Sponsoring this award allows us to recognise the restaurants and teams who share our commitment to craft, innovation and quality. It’s a way of honouring the people who elevate South Africa’s food culture and inspire all of us to keep pushing boundaries.” 

“We see ourselves as partners in growing the local food landscape,” Marisa explains. “From championing local producers to setting high standards in our own product development, Woolworths works to strengthen the entire ecosystem. Supporting the restaurant industry is an extension of that, through nurturing talent, encouraging innovation and ensuring that South African cuisine continues to thrive on every level.” 

The partnership has proven transformative. “The Woolworths partnership with Eat Out shines a spotlight on the remarkable creativity and skill within this industry,” Marisa notes. “Together, we’ve created platforms that recognise talent, reward innovation and celebrate the people shaping South Africa’s food story. It has helped raise the bar annually and amplify the passion, professionalism and artistry behind world-class dining.” 

 

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A wining view
Ryan Cole, chef and co-owner of Salsify at The Roundhouse, which was named Restaurant of the Year in 2025, reflects on last year’s win: “It was an incredible honour. At Salsify, we push boundaries, embrace creativity, and craft experiences that reflect the essence of South African ingredients and stories. This achievement is a testament to the relentless passion, innovation, and dedication of our team – our aim is simple: to be better than we were yesterday.” 

The impact on his team was profound: “The award reaffirmed that our commitment to consistency, curiosity and craft is resonating with guests. It gave the team a renewed sense of purpose – not to rest on our laurels, but to keep evolving, keep questioning, and keep pushing ourselves creatively. It reminded us why we do what we do.” 

For aspiring chefs, Ryan offers grounding advice: “It’s a hard industry but also an incredibly rewarding one. Do it for the right reasons – the passion, the love of cooking – not to chase awards. This career demands a lot, and if you’re not driven by genuine purpose, it won’t be enjoyable. Stay curious, stay humble, and commit to learning every day.” 

Moving forward
Marisa hopes the award’s influence extends across the industry: “I hope this award inspires local restaurants to keep exploring, innovating and refining their craft. South Africa’s culinary scene is already extraordinary, and recognition like this encourages teams to dream bigger, experiment boldly and continue delivering exceptional experiences for diners. Ultimately, we want this award to fuel pride and progress across the industry.” 

Stay tuned to Eat Out’s platforms (website, Instagram and Facebook) to see which restaurant is crowned Restaurant of the Year on 23 March at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town.