The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Restaurants Awards took place on 17 November, and the new winners have been announced. The Western Cape shone this year, with nine of the top 10 in Cape Town and surrounds.
Here they are:
- La Colombe, Constantia
La Colombe has climbed back to the top this year with Chef James Gaag at the helm, and it is a guaranteed delight. Forest-themed theatrics set the tone for this culinary wonderland, without ever detracting from the star of the show: the bold and unique dishes that will have you talking about this restaurant for years to come. - The Test Kitchen, Woodstock
The Test Kitchen is chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ magnum opus. It’s been listed as one of the best restaurants in the world, and bookings fill up months in advance, so you’ll need to plan carefully and book ahead to stand a chance to sample the fantastic food here.
- The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West
Chef Gregory Czarnecki’s cuisine is classical with a modern French twist, with favourites such as the Joostenberg Vlakte duck breast, served with hibiscus-infused oven-roasted turnips. The degustation menu offers a chance to sample many dishes and is available with wine-pairing. - Wolfgat, Paternoster
Wolfgat is located in Paternoster, a two-hour drive up the rugged West Coast. The ever-changing seven-course seasonal menu features foraged ingredients, all completely local. Expect hand-picked beach vegetation, fynbos, fresh seafood, and local lamb and venison. - FYN Restaurant, Cape Town City Bowl
FYN is a newcomer to the awards, earning its first spot on the list this year. The new spot is the work of Ashley Moss and Peter Tempelhoff, and dishes are a delicate interplay of Japanese and South African flavours. - La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
La Petite Colombe is La Colombe’s sister restaurant in Franschhoek, under the guidance of head chef John Norris-Rogers. The gourmand menu through 12 courses, while the reduced menu is a highlights reel for those with less time or a tighter budget. - Eike, Stellenbosch
Chef Bertus Basson’s menu at Eike is all about South African flavours. Diners can expect delicate takes on local classics liek bokkoms, mosbolletjies, amasi, and bobotie. - Salsify, Camps Bay
The old Round House overlooking Camps Bay is the venue for Chef Ryan Cole’s Salsify. Diners can enjoy the refined culinary experience a la carte, but the tasting menu is a great way to sample all the flavour. - Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, Pretoria
Restaurant Mosaic is Pretoria’s shining star. Chef Chantel Dartnall explores personal memories and travels for an immersive dining experience. - Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
In the number 10 spot this year is Ivor Jones’s Chefs Warehouse. The restaurant serves carefully crafted tapas-style dishes, and is set on the modern boutique estate of Beau Constantia. The seating is in a giant “glass box”, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking False Bay from its elevated position.
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