It started with 20 of the country’s most delicious and stylish restaurants and a panel of anonymous judges to critically review them. Now, the wait is over and the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards have been named. Here’s the list of the 10 restaurants where you should be booking a table:

1. The Test Kitchen
It was none other than chef Luke Dale-Roberts who walked away with the top spot. His clever use of ingredients and techniques is what keeps diners always going back for more.

2. La Colombe
Located on top of beautiful Constantia Nek, the view is as much a treat as chefs Scot Kirton and James Gaag’s food.

3. The Restaurant at Waterkloof
Chef Gregory Czarnecki honours his French heritage with his classic yet modern fare. Designed to pair perfectly with the wines from the area, it’s a real treat.

4. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français
Margot Janse plans her menu around the element of surprise to create an exciting and unforgettable dining experience.

5. Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient
Step back in time when you enter the Art Nouveau-style dining area and prepare to be indulged by chef Chantel Dartnall’s culinary creations.

6. Overture
Here, chef Bertus Basson strikes the ultimate balance between hearty South African cooking and sophisticated fine dining.

7. Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort
Expect dishes inspired by every nook of the earth as chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss are driven by the variety that the sea, land and garden offers us.

8. The Kitchen at Maison
It’s the simple approach to cooking and the careful emphasis on flavour that secured this restaurant’s place in the top 10 ranking.

9. Foliage
As the name suggests, ingredients are seasonal, fresh and foraged, which shows in the meticulous care being put into every plate of food.

10. Camphors at Vergelegen
Eat your way through an elegant menu featuring traditional South African ingredients, paired with Vergelen’s delicious wines.

Photography: The Test Kitchen