The 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards: A Feast of Talent and Taste

The 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards are the pinnacle of South African gastronomy, with a multitude of dining venues competing for acknowledgement. This year’s event boasts an all-women roster of chefs, including culinary masters like Jackie Cameron and Carla Schulze. The star-rating system, which rates restaurants based on numerous aspects of performance, will be used to determine the Restaurant of the Year, with the highest scorers receiving three stars. Regardless of the outcome, South Africa’s restaurant landscape is diverse and flourishing, promising a memorable experience for every taste.

2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards: A Feast of Talent and Taste

The Pinnacle of South African Gastronomy

The South African gastronomic spectrum stands on the brink of an influential evening as the 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards beckon. The air is palpable with excitement, with a multitude of dining venues competing for acknowledgement. The accolades aim to cast a light on those spearheading progress in a vibrant and multifaceted food scene, with the victors due to be disclosed at the lavish Grand West.

A remarkable aspect setting apart this year’s event is the all-women roster of chefs, a formidable assortment of skill including Jackie Cameron, Eleanor Coetzee, Ronel de Jager, Megin Meikle, Motheba Makhetha, Charné Sampson, and Carla Schulze. As noted by Melissa Cumming, the head of Eat Out, each of these chefs has reached the pinnacle of achievement in the tough restaurant business. The careful choice of the chefs by main judge Abigail Donnelly guarantees that the attendees will enjoy a unique, five-course gourmet voyage devised by these culinary masters.

Special Celebrations and Diverse Nominations

This year’s accolades will not only pay tribute to the finest dining establishments, but will also include 14 Special Awards that laud the individuals and venues that are redefining the national food scene. Three novel Special Awards have been introduced: the Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award, the Eat Out Cacao Barry Dessert Award, and the Eat Out Patron Mixology Award. Furthermore, the Eat Out BIRKENSTOCK Chefs’ Chef Award will make a comeback after a four-year hiatus to laud an individual esteemed by their comrades as a source of motivation and leadership within the restaurant society.

The nominees’ list is varied with establishments situated in multiple cities from Johannesburg to Durban and Cape Town, each contributing their distinct tastes to the South African gastronomic panorama. The scope of the nominations bears witness to the abundance and variety of the nation’s restaurant landscape, with places like Acid Food & Wine Bar, ARKESTE by Richard Carstens, Belly of the Beast, beyond, and Cavalli Restaurant among those jostling for awards.

The Judging Process and the Star Rating System

The success of the previous year’s star-rating format has cleared the path for more inclusivity in this year’s awards. The star-rating shortlist criteria encompass numerous aspects of restaurant performance: service quality, ambiance, the menu, cooking techniques, presentation, drink options, brand promise, perceived value, and overall consistency. The judging process was comprehensive, with over 90 restaurants visited and rated using the Eat Out’s online tool.

The panel of judges for this year includes industry veterans such as Abigail Donnelly, Karen Dudley, Mokgadi Itsweng, Marisa Munroe, Joseph Dhafana, and Herman Lensing. The range of viewpoints offered by this team ensures an equitable appraisal of the restaurants’ offerings, resulting in a shortlist that genuinely exemplifies the widespread brilliance South Africa’s eateries have on display.

Woolworths Food, having ascended to the role of the title sponsor for the second year in a row, has shown enthusiasm towards the event. Zyda Rylands, CEO of Woolworths Food, comments on the tenacity displayed by chefs and restaurant owners in the wake of recent challenges. She takes pride in being able to support the celebration of culinary excellence in the nation.

The star rating system, according to its criteria, will grant one star to restaurants scoring between 70 and 80, two stars to those scoring between 80 and 90, and three stars to those scoring over 90. The sought-after title of Restaurant of the Year will be conferred upon the establishment with the highest score.

As the event draws nearer, the anticipation grows, with every nominated restaurant holding its breath, wishing to seize the top honours. Regardless of the result, it is evident that South Africa’s gastronomic scene is flourishing, offering a varied spread of culinary delights that guarantee a memorable dining experience for every taste.

1. What are the 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards?

The 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards is an event that acknowledges the finest dining establishments and individuals in South African gastronomy.

2. Who are the chefs participating in this year’s event?

This year’s event boasts an all-women roster of chefs, which includes culinary masters like Jackie Cameron and Carla Schulze.

3. What are the Special Awards included in this year’s event?

This year’s accolades will include 14 Special Awards that laud the individuals and venues that are redefining the national food scene. Three novel Special Awards have been introduced: the Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award, the Eat Out Cacao Barry Dessert Award, and the Eat Out Patron Mixology Award.

4. What is the judging process for this year’s awards?

The star-rating shortlist criteria encompass numerous aspects of restaurant performance, and the judging process was comprehensive, with over 90 restaurants visited and rated using the Eat Out’s online tool. The panel of judges for this year includes industry veterans such as Abigail Donnelly, Karen Dudley, Mokgadi Itsweng, Marisa Munroe, Joseph Dhafana, and Herman Lensing.

5. What is the star rating system used in the awards?

The star rating system will grant one star to restaurants scoring between 70 and 80, two stars to those scoring between 80 and 90, and three stars to those scoring over 90. The Restaurant of the Year will be conferred upon the establishment with the highest score.

6. Who is the title sponsor for the event?

Woolworths Food has ascended to the role of the title sponsor for the second year in a row and has shown enthusiasm towards the event.