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As we hurtle towards the end of the year and look forward to the summer holiday season, things get festive and we begin to venture out more for meals with family, friends, and colleagues.
This month’s list of must-have restaurant reservations features 12 of the 2023 Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Award winners. These eateries are highly rated for their food, service, value, and ambience, and all come highly recommended by diners – just like you and me.
Cape Town and surrounds
Good to Gather
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
No. 1 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Good to Gather is a tiny farm-to-table restaurant in Stellenbosch, owned by husband-and-wife duo Jess and Luke Grant. Their legendary three-course family-style menu changes weekly and showcases seasonal, flavour-packed ingredients – all sourced locally from small-scale farmers and their own garden. When you look through their reviews, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has captured the hearts of diners. Their guests rave about everything from their food and service to the beautiful setting and value for money.
This is one of my most favourite, special, delicious places in the whole wide world. Luke and Jess always go the extra mile to accommodate us.
Pay them a visit this summer and enjoy a long, lazy lunch under the oak trees in the courtyard before stopping by their charming farm shop, which stocks a variety of local produce for you to take home. They’re open for Friday night suppers, as well as lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. But, you’ll have to plan ahead, as their booking calendar fills up weeks, if not months, in advance!
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Reverie Social Table
(Observatory, Cape Town)
No. 2 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
The Reverie Social Table is run by chef and owner Julia Hattingh. It’s an intimate, 18-seater restaurant that specialises in giving guests a bespoke, five-course dining experience around one long social table. Chef Julia opened her restaurant eight years ago, and it has been a favourite with locals and tourists ever since.
This was our best meal and experience in Cape Town! The food was delicious and plentiful and we absolutely loved the people we met and talked to.
Reverie Social Table ranked number one on the 2023 Reviewers’ Choice Top 100 list, and placed second this year. Chef Julia’s contemporary style is strongly influenced by her mentors, her respect for the food she works with, her travels, and Cape Town with its myriad of cultures and culinary heritage. Reverie is open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturday for dinner.
Rust en Vrede Restaurant
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
No. 3 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
A visit to Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch is always a treat. From the beautiful heritage buildings, immaculate lawns that slope down towards the river below, excellent wines, world-class service, and Chef Fabio Daniel’s food!
We really enjoyed our stay as we do every year! The team and the quality of service were excellent. The quality of the menu, selection and composition were compared to recent years – the best we have eaten. Here Fabio and his team have excelled. It was excellent!
Chef Fabio is a rising star in the fine-dining world. His six-course set menu is a journey of flavours, with dishes that are both serious and playful, and the wine pairings are spot-on – with a focus on local fine wines. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to spoil yourself with a truly special meal, Rust en Vrede is the perfect place to do it.
The Table at De Meye
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
No. 4 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Out of all the restaurants in the Winelands, I think The Table, on De Meye farm in Stellenbosch, must be the one I’ve visited the most. And, I’m not alone in my love for this extraordinary farm-style eatery. The Table is loved by all who visit.
One of our favourite Winelands lunches. The setting is magic, the food is always beyond delicious, the kids can run freely to their hearts’ content and the staff are wonderful and so welcoming. Five-star plus on all fronts!
Owners Leigh Williamson and Brendan Thorncroft serve delicious lunches prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including pastured-raised meat, eggs, and dairy produce. The country fare three-course set menu is abundant and utterly delicious! The courses are served family-style on mismatched crockery that conjures up memories of home and grandma’s cooking.
Stettyn Family Vineyards Tasting Room
(Villiersdorp, Western Cape)
No. 5 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Nestled between the Theewaterskloof and Brandvlei dams in Villiersdorp, Stettyn Family Vineyards is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. Take in the uninterrupted views of the rolling hills from their beautiful tasting room, which spills out into shaded garden seating. Then sit back and enjoy a leisurely wine tasting with (what I’d describe as) one of the best cheese and charcuterie boards in the Cape. The selection of cheese, cured meats, cold cuts, bread and preserves is absolutely delicious! And, it’s not just me who thinks so…
What an amazing experience. A must visit, the interior is stunning and the cheese platter is out of this world
Belly of the Beast
(Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
No. 6 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Located on trendy Harrington Street, Belly of the Beast (BOTB) is a wildly popular restaurant set inside a stylish, almost industrial space with the busy kitchen in full view from the dining room. If you enjoy leaving the decision-making to others, then BOTB will be a wonderful discovery, as the chefs dictate what you eat. Chefs Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn plan their menus around what’s fresh and in season, with a strong focus on locally sourced produce from sustainable farmers and cooking nose-to-tail.
Our table of four enjoyed a much-anticipated dinner. Each course was beautifully presented with layered flavours and textures. The service was smooth and professional with each dish explained in detail. If you can get a booking to this restaurant plan well ahead as it has a small number of tables. We highly recommend this restaurant.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
16th by KOI
(Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria)
No. 25 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Perched on the 16th floor of The Capital Trilogy, 16th by KOI offers breathtaking panoramic views over the city of Pretoria, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Their modern, Asian-inspired menu features a selection of small plates, bao buns, and sushi, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and expertly paired with an extensive wine list. They are open all week, but the best time to book is the late afternoon or early evening so you can catch the sunset from the rooftop terrace.
I had one of my best culinary experiences at 16th by KOI. The portions were reasonable, and the food was delicious. Our waiter made good recommendations; he knew the menu very well and was very friendly. I highly recommend the 16th by KOI, and we will definitely go back to enjoy more of their delicious dishes.
PepperTree Restaurant
(Constantia Park, Pretoria)
No. 26 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Originally opened to serve dinner to the Opikopi Guest House guests, PepperTree has since grown to become a popular fine-dining dining destination for the public as well. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they focus is on serving home-cooked meals with a modern twist and are considered by many to be one of Pretoria’s best restaurants.
Best restaurant in Pretoria! The service was excellent and the food was amazing.
They serve up fresh, delicious food that looks as good as it tastes, and the friendly and experienced team is always happy to help you choose the perfect meal and drinks to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite to eat or a romantic dinner for two, Peppertree is a great option and should be on your list.
The Wild Side
(Craighall Park, Johannesburg)
No. 37 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Living up to its name, The Wild Side is an uber-fun spot where good vibes, bold flavours, and wild cocktails flow freely. Guests are encouraged to let loose and have some fun, with great music and regular DJs. Serving quirky but quality wines, insanely good cocktails, and delicious food, it’s easy to see why this place has the locals raving in their reviews.
Every time I go to The Wild Side, it’s a different experience. Any choice of food is a good choice, you won’t be disappointed, and their churros are to die for. I highly recommend it! You’ll feel right at home and are treated like family. 10 stars for everything!
They’re open from Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, go on! Make a reservation and join them on “the wild side”.
Beefcakes Pretoria
(Hazelwood, Pretoria)
No. 43 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Beefcakes is a local institution, known for its nightly drag shows, delicious burgers, and welcoming atmosphere. Located in the upmarket hotspot of the Club Centre in Waterkloof, Beefcakes is the perfect place to let loose and have a good time. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or bachelorette party, make a reservation and enjoy an unforgettable evening of fabulous entertainment! Beefcakes also has branches in Cape Town and Illovu, Johannesburg.
It was fantastic! The queens were magic, WOW what a show!! Will definitely recommend and will definitely visit again. Thank you so much for a memorable experience and giving our bachelorette amazing memories! We received exceptional service… FANTASTIC Burgers! You guys rock! Keep it up!
Ba-Pita
(Norwood, Johannesburg)
No. 46 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Where the old meets new in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, Ba-Pita takes classic flavours and spices them up. The dishes are bold and flavourful and intended to be shared, family-style. Once you’ve paid them a visit, you’ll be back time and time again!
This is an epic place in respect of everything that makes a restaurant worth revisiting time and time again. We absolutely love Ba-Pita and have been consistent patrons from their days in Melville and again at their new location in Norwood. It is a fabulous restaurant, whether you are seeking to have a celebratory event or just a quiet meal with your partner. 10/10.
With 5-star service, generous but affordable portions, and a relaxed atmosphere, Ba-Pita is a gem in Norwood and well worth a regular lunch or dinnertime visit. Just make sure you get the laffa flatbread, it is iconic.
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Tea at the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
(Sandhurst, Johannesburg)
No. 49 – Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2023
Tea at The Saxon Hotel in Sandhurst is a timeless tradition steeped in elegance. Join them for a truly sophisticated experience, whether for morning or afternoon tea, and savour a cup of perfectly infused tea while catching up with friends. Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, from freshly baked scones and finger sandwiches to delicate pastries, paired with a glass of chilled champagne or a pot of your favourite tea. Then, sit back and relax in the luxurious surroundings of the Piano Lounge. This is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or spoil yourself on a whim.
A delightful venue, with every detail attended to. The savoury platter on our Morning tea was original and very tasty. The sweet pastries were beautifully presented and delicious. Service was thoughtful and the waitress was very knowledgeable about the teas. We will be coming back soon.
If you’re eager to explore the full list of the Reviewers’ Choice Award winners, simply visit our website or download our free app from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
The Top 100 list is a great source of inspiration when it comes to dining out and discovering some new favourites, all of which come highly recommended. It includes eateries dotted across Cape Town, the Winelands and up the Garden Route, as well as restaurants in Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
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