Imagine if every South African could discover their next favourite neighbourhood restaurant through trusted recommendations from people who know, understand and appreciate great food.
For over 25 years, Eat Out has championed South Africa’s restaurant industry through its prestigious Restaurant Awards. And in a bold new step, it will expand its recognition to include the casual, everyday eateries that are the favourites of SA’s chefs. Following the recent repositioning of the Eat Out Restaurant Awards, Neighbourhood Gems emerges as the brand’s cool and edgy little sibling.
While the Awards honour culinary excellence, refinement and the complete restaurant experience, Eat Out Neighbourhood Gems takes a different approach: showcasing the top spots where chefs eat. Think: local faves, hidden gems in remote places, and spaces that feel like home.
Coming in 2026 through an exciting partnership with Woolworths, this new platform celebrates the regional and cultural diversity that makes South African dining unique and cements both Woolworths and Eat Out as food authorities in the local market.
“This new expansion is a truly exciting innovation for the Eat Out brand,” says Elizka Ferreira, Woolworths Head of Brand Marketing: Foods. “Woolworths is incredibly proud to be part of its introduction. The Neighbourhood Gems platform will reflect the way South Africans experience food today. It’s not all about fine dining – there are amazing spots that become part of our everyday lives that need to be acknowledged. By celebrating these diverse and much-loved establishments, this new addition to Eat Out acknowledges the full spectrum of South Africa’s vibrant food culture. We’re thrilled to be part of this evolution in recognising excellence and passion across the restaurant industry.”
Eat Out Neighbourhood Gems will reveal the delicious secrets that have been hiding in plain sight, nominated by the people who know good food better than anyone else.
Eat Out’s Head of Content, Tessa Purdon, shares: “We recognised that there was an untold story happening in the everyday dining experiences of our country’s most discerning palates – the chefs themselves. This new recognition platform will highlight where these foodies choose to eat when they’re not working, giving everyone access to their insider recommendations. When a chef who spends their day creating extraordinary experiences for diners chooses to eat somewhere in their own time, isn’t that the ultimate endorsement?”
How it works
Chefs are tasked with nominating eateries across SA that they believe deserve to be celebrated. Whether it’s their go-to after-service pizza spot or their favourite hole-in-the-wall that plates up epic fried chicken – we want to know about it! A peer-to-peer system of this magnitude in South Africa ensures recognition comes from industry professionals who understand and seek out quality.
The campaign celebrates diversity in food styles, regions and price points, creating a comprehensive representation of South Africa’s unique restaurant landscape.
Chefs can submit nominations through this online form.
