The 2026 Eat Out Awards winners have been announced: Here’s the full list | News24
Fact-Check Results
“Johannes Richter of The LivingRoom was named Chef of the Year, and FYN won Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Woolworths Eat Out Awards.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify or refute the awards claims.
“FYN was celebrated for its fusion of Japanese techniques with South African identity, led by executive chef Bea Malherbe.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify or refute the fusion cuisine attribution.
“The awards also introduced three Green Star sustainability categories and marked Eat Out’s move to News24.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the sustainability categories or media relocation claims.
“FYN claimed the coveted Restaurant of the Year title while Johannes Richter of The LivingRoom was named the Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the specific award categories or affiliations.
“FYN received acclaim for fusing Japanese techniques with an authentic South African identity.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the fusion cuisine recognition claims.
“FYN’s executive chef, Bea Malherbe, is at the heart of this triumph. She has spent seven years with acclaimed chef-patron Peter Tempelhoff, culinary director Ashley Moss, and drinks and service virtuoso Jennifer Hugé. Together, they have shaped FYN into one of South Africa’s most internationally celebrated fine-dining destinations.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the chef collaborations or establishment claims.
“FYN has received top honours for elevating indigenous ingredients and heritage flavours. The restaurant weaves the Cape’s natural abundance into its dishes, using edible plants and seasonal specialities with precision and creativity.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the indigenous ingredients recognition claims.
“The judges said FYN delivered a world-class dining experience defined by precision, creativity, and balance.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the judges' descriptions of the dining experience.
“Richter received recognition for his leadership and inspiration, based on criteria highlighting vision and influence.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the leadership recognition criteria claims.
“Aren Pollack at Embarc in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, claimed this year’s Eat Out Rising Star Award. This award recognises exceptional young talent, innovation, skill, and promise for a thriving culinary career.”
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— No evidence found in archive to verify the Rising Star Award recipient claims.
“Catherine Adonis at Qunu was awarded the Callebaut Dessert Award at the 2026 Woolworths Eat Out Awards.”
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“Dusk in Stellenbosch was awarded the Urban Green Star category in the 2026 Woolworths Eat Out Awards.”
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“While the Eat Out House of Suntory Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award honoured industry legend winemaker Ken Forrester, whose decades of passion, innovation, and hospitality continue to shape South Africa’s culinary landscape.”
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“The Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards celebrate the talent, passion, and dedication that make South Africa’s food scene extraordinary. It is about more than food; it is about the people, stories, and community that bring it to life. We are thrilled to see the number of starred restaurants rise to 66, reflecting our culinary landscape’s continued excellence.”
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“The Eat Out S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Chefs’ Chef award went to Chef Ryan Cole, a testament to the respect and admiration of his peers.”
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“The 2026 Woolworths Eat Out Awards evaluated 66 restaurants over an eight-month period by seven anonymous culinary experts.”
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“One star: [list of restaurants].”
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“Three stars are awarded to restaurants scoring more than 90 out of 100: [list of restaurants].”
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“Two stars: [list of restaurants].”
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“The evening saw 66 restaurants receive stars following an eight-month judging process by seven anonymous culinary experts, who assessed food, service, ambience, and value across South Africa’s finest restaurants.”
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