Where people love to eat in South Africa: Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2026 announced

Dineplan's Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2026 has unveiled the most-loved dining spots across South Africa, with the Western Cape taking the top spot. A staggering 357,000 reviews from 30 million diners at 7 million bookings were analyzed to compile the list, which features 82 restaurants from the province, 77 in the Top 100 and five newcomers.

The Western Cape's dominance is evident in the top 10 and 20 rankings, with Western Cape restaurants holding nine and 18 spots, respectively. Familiar names such as FYN, FABER, Jakkalsvlei, and La Colombe make the list, while the region's wine country shines with Franschhoek contributing seven entries.

However, Gauteng's representation on the list is notably absent for its larger restaurants. While 17 Gauteng restaurants made the cut, including 12 in the Top 100 and five newcomers, notable establishments like Les Créatifs, Marble, Embarc, and The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg were notably absent. The top-ranking Gauteng restaurant is La Vie Lente Bistro & Venue, located in Tierpoort, at number 24.

The list emphasizes casual, neighborhood-driven dining experiences over high-end establishments, reflecting the preferences of diners who repeatedly choose these establishments over more prestigious ones.