Patrón Tequila took centre stage at the 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, bringing bold flavour, signature sophistication, and a distinctive presence to an evening that celebrated the very best of South Africa’s culinary world. Held on Monday, 31 March at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town, the event gathered the country’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and tastemakers for a glittering night of gastronomic celebration, and Patrón was there from start to finish.
From the moment guests arrived, the evening struck the perfect chord. Dressed to impress in timeless black-tie, attendees were greeted with expertly mixed tequila cocktails, setting the scene for a night of understated elegance. Each serve, thoughtfully curated with a nod to classic mixology, offered a glimpse into the evening ahead, a celebration where great company, fine food, and exceptional drinks came together effortlessly.
Hosts Marc Lottering and Relebogile Mabotja guided the evening with charm and quick wit, striking a perfect balance between celebration and sincerity. The night unfolded with warmth and energy, as each toast, each accolade, and every shared moment added to the sense of occasion.
This year saw a revamped and more transparent judging process. Over an eight-month period, a team of eight anonymous, independent judges visited each nominated restaurant multiple times, experiencing them during both peak and quieter periods to deliver a well-rounded, fair evaluation. The result was a collection of deserving winners, including FABER at Avondale in Paarl, The Chefs’ Table in Umhlanga, and Salsify at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay, all recognised for their outstanding contributions to South Africa’s dining landscape.
One of the evening’s most anticipated highlights was the Mixology Award, proudly sponsored by Patrón. This accolade celebrated South Africa’s leading bar talents, visionaries who transform the cocktail experience into a form of culinary art. Taking home the coveted Mixologist of the Year title was La Petite Colombe. Their restaurant bar stunned with bold flavour profiles, reimagined classics, and cutting-edge techniques, perfectly embodying Patrón’s dedication to innovation and excellence.
As the evening drew to a close, a sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for excellence lingered in the air. The 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards stood as a vibrant reminder of the creativity, resilience, and brilliance that continue to drive the hospitality industry forward, where outstanding cuisine and inspired mixology come together in perfect harmony.
From inspired dishes to world-class dining experiences, the awards were a powerful reminder of the talent, passion, and resilience that drive the industry forward. Here’s to the chefs, the creators, the storytellers, and everyone behind the scenes , your work inspires, delights, and continually redefines excellence. Until next year, we raise a glass to excellence.
