The verdict is out and the people have spoken – this year’s best restaurants have been announced in the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries awards!
After a strenuous process of public voting, followed by vetting from Eat Out food critics, the best local diners, restaurants and eateries for everyday dining in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have been named. Voting was determined by reviews on the Eat Out app and website between 1 October 2018 and 31 July 2019. Final results then depended on a 50/50 composite between the public and critics’ scores.
Want to go out for a delicious pizza or scrumptious burger in or around Cape Town? Head to these top local joints:
Tjing-Tjing Torii: Best Asian-inspired Eatery
Taste Japanese street food with a chic twist at Tjing Tjing Torii. Choosing from serving plates that’ll suit anything between brunch to dinner, prepare to embark on an adventure of interesting flavour combinations.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to try the Japanese cheesecake with caramel miso – it’s a hit on Eat Out’s public reviews!
Where to find it: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday; 10am to late
The Shop: Eat Out Durbanville Hills Best Bistro
Focused on creating hearty food in an ethical and responsible way, The Shop brings to life to classic French cooking techniques with only the best local ingredients. The menu isn’t fussy, but rather features much-loved classic dishes, served expertly.
Where to find it: The Shop, Three Anchor Bay Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm to 10pm. Fridays also include a lunch service from 12pm to 2.30pm
De Vrije Burger: Eat Out Hellmann’s Best Burger Eatery
Head out to Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands to find the best burgers in the province at De Vrije Burger. Headed up by Bertus Basson, a highly acclaimed chef and restaurateur, De Vrije Burger takes takeaways to the next level. The small restaurant is quirky and vibrant, as is its burger-focused menu. Best part is, with every burger you buy, you get a free ice cream!
Where to find it: 61 Plein St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 9pm
Pajamas & Jam Eatery: Best Coffee Shop
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a long, lazy brunch, Pajamas & Jam Eatery is the place to go. Known for its freshly baked breads, pastries and baked goods and ever-changing breakfast and lunch menus, this spot will definitely tempt you to take some treats home to enjoy later.
Where to find it: 32 Van Zyl Street, Strand
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm. Saturday, 7am to 1pm.
Karoo Art Hotel: Best Country-style Eatery
In the heart of the Klein Karoo you’ll find the Karoo Art Hotel restaurant, famed for serving eclectic, authentic and, most importantly, honest good old-fashioned food. It’s unpretentious, but takes care to inject a little taste of the Karoo in all its dishes. Many dishes are paired with wine, so make a weekend of it and stay over in the hotel!
Where to find it: 30 Van Riebeeck Street, Barrydale
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday. Breakfast from 6 am to 10.30am, lunch from 12pm to 3 pm, dinner from 6.30pm to 9pm
The Indian Chapter with Prim Reddy: Best Indian-inspired Eatery
A much-loved neighbourhood hangout, The Indian Chapter will transport you to North India with its delectable dishes and delicate spices. Owner Prim Reddy is often seen at the restaurant talking guests through the menu, explaining the flavours and techniques of each dish – it’s a real treat! If Prim is not at the ready, simply ask your server as the menu is extensive and can be quite overwhelming.
Where to find it: 9 Marine Circle, Bloubergstrand
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12.30am to 10pm
Scarpetta: Best Italian-inspired Eatery
Scarpetta is a family-owned Italian diner, and feels like home the moment you walk in. Generally, chef Ricky Turilli greets you at the door, running from the kitchen where he oversees all the dishes going out. The restaurant is filled with talking and laughter and shared plates of delicious eats. The pasta is also homemade, of course!
Where to find it: 85 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 6pm to 10.30pm
The Fat Butcher: Eat Out Tramontina Best Steakhouse
Craving a good steak? The Fat Butcher is the answer to all your grilled meat-related desires. Their vegetarian options are extremely limited as the menu is largely focused on steak. But that steak will likely be one of – if not the best – you’ll ever enjoy!
Where to find it: 1 Van Riebeeck Street, Stellenbosch
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm
ChiCha Wine and Tapas Bar: Best Tapas Eatery
Small plates packing big flavours is what you’ll find at ChiCha Wine and Tapas Bar. With meals made to share, this is a great place to bring your family and friends to indulge in tasty tapas. The menu will appeal to both vegetarians and carnivores and offers an extensive wine list. Go to ChiCha for a delicious fiesta!
Where to find it: 77 Regent Road, Sea Point
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 11pm
Looking for more places to visit?
In addition to the restaurants walking away with top honours, there are also a few places listed for being highly commended:
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Bao Down: Highly Commended Asian-inspired Eatery
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Groot Phesantekraal Restaurant: Eat Out Durbanville Hills Highly Commended Bistro
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Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers & Ribs: Eat Out Hellmann’s Highly Commended Burger Eatery
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Boston Coffee: Highly commended Coffee Shop
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Rare Grill: Eat Out Tramontina Highly Commended Steakhouse
If you’re looking for the best eateries in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal, see the full list here.