In South Africa’s evolving restaurant landscape, exceptional cuisine increasingly shares the spotlight with another critical element: thoughtful design. The Eat Out VISI Style Award recognises restaurants where intriguing interior design creates environments that house more than great food – they amplify the entire dining experience, turning meals into memorable journeys. 

The award celebrates establishments whose exceptional design completely aligns to the overall restaurant concept and food being served. The winner exemplifies how intelligent design choices can elevate ambience, create memorable moments, and complement the chef’s vision on the plate. Rather than viewing beautiful interiors as supportive elements, it celebrates spaces that actively shape how we experience food and connection. 

COY Restaurant was the recipient of the 2025 Eat Out VISI Style Award.

VISI’s partnership reflects a perfect alignment of values and expertise. As a publication dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge design across all disciplines, VISI brings authoritative insight into how interior spaces can enhance hospitality experiences. “Everything we cover in VISI – from our print magazine to our digital channels – is through the lens of design. And that includes food and eating out, where our focus is on a restaurant’s interior design,” explains VISI Editor-in-Chief Steve Smith. “Throughout the year, we feature restaurants across the country that have caught our eye as examples of design that is innovative, progressive, and an enhancement of a restaurant’s menu and approach to food.” 

The significance of restaurant design extends beyond mere aesthetics – it’s about creating complete sensory experiences. Hanfred Rauch, Head of Story at Co.Lab, Media24 Advertising and Content Marketing, captures this perfectly: “When we go out, we crave experiences we can’t get at home. Whether an eatery resembles a Thai beach shack or an opulent space to rival the Waldorf Astoria, a restaurant should offer an escape – like a story that draws you into the world of the culinary experience on offer.” Before diners taste a single dish, the environment has already begun shaping their expectations and emotions. “The best-designed restaurants ensure that by the time you take your first sip or bite you’re already sold.” 

“Enjoying food at a restaurant isn’t just about what your taste buds are telling you,” says Steve. “Input from your eyes, ears, and even your back, is key. How is the food presented on your plate? How loud/soft is the ambient sound? How comfy is the chair you’re sitting in? And what does the establishment itself look like? Does it complement the cuisine and the vibe the chef and owner are going for?”  

Steve emphasises that successful restaurant design considers often-overlooked practical elements. “The hidden element of restaurant design is how its designers have tackled flow,” he notes, referring to how spaces facilitate communication between kitchen teams and enable efficient service delivery. Meanwhile, Hanfred highlights the importance of details like sound absorption that creates “a cushioned atmosphere” where “conversations run easier.” 

What excites both experts about South Africa’s design future is the emergence of authentically local voices. Steve celebrates “an incredibly talented and diverse generation of young designers” who are gaining international recognition, while Hanfred observes restaurants moving beyond predictable aesthetics towards genuine African narratives. “More and more emphasis is being put on driving an authentic African narrative – not just decorating our plates and restaurants with a sprig of spekboom,” he explains. 

This movement towards authenticity embodies exactly what Eat Out seeks to promote – restaurants that celebrate what makes South African dining distinctive. Through this recognition, the award demonstrates that exceptional restaurant design serves a greater purpose – creating spaces that foster genuine connection and shared experiences. 

Stay tuned to Eat Out in the build-up to the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, set to take place at the Baxter Theatre Centre on 23 March 2026.