Diners Club International

TOP 100 RESTAURANTS

There are South African restaurants, bistros and cafe`s of every description reviewed in the 2008 dine restaurant guide - all regarded as better than average, some a cut above the rest, and some deserving of a special accolade.

TOP 100: In order to be considered for these awards, eateries had to manifest consistently good food and service. A good winelist was an advantage but not a requirement. Picking the Top 100 was remarkably difficult - South Africa has more good restaurants emerging everyday and competition for places was fierce.

TOP 10: There are many skilled chefs in South Africa offering lots of delicious food. It goes without saying that everyone in the Top 100 produces consistently good flavours. To make it into the Top 10 something extra was required.

Restaurants were judged within three categories: deluxe, smart casual, and everyday. These should not to be thought of as first, second and third place. All those awarded Top 10 status are doing what they set out to do extremely well.

TOP 10 DELUXE: These venues offer high-skill, innovative cuisine at all stages of their multi-faceted menus. All have exceptional winelists accompanied by remarkably high levels of wine knowledge amongst the staff. High staff/customer ratios, magnificent decor, endless charm and faultless training ensure seamless awe-inspiring elegance from start to finish.

TOP 10 SMART CASUAL: The majority of South African restaurants fall into this category - so picking winners was very difficult. Such venues serve understated, elegant but relatively uncomplicated food in a semi-formal, laid-back yet stylish environment. All the Top 10 Smart Casual eateries offer ratios of staff to customers that are considerably lower than those in the deluxe eateries. Food and service styles are simpler but no less delicious.

TOP 10 EVERYDAY: An everyday eatery is a cafe or super simple diner in which a quick but utterly delicious meal can be had for a reasonable price in ultra-relaxed circumstances. Many such venues are not open at night and there is often no winelist. So regular are customer visits that staff are likely to greet them by name.

Paarl is Home to the following best rated restaurannts:

Top 10 Smart Casual

Megu - Classic Contemporary

40A Main Street, Paarl

Tel: 021 863 1217

Open Tues-Sat for lunch and dinner (closed in July)

Top 10 Deluxe

Bosman's at Grande Roche - Fine Dining

Grande Roche Hotel, Plantasie Street, Paarl

Tel: 021 863 5100

Open: Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner (booking essential for guests not staying in the hotel)

Top 100 Restaurants

De Leuwen Jagt

Seidelberg Wine Estate, Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Paarl

Tel: 021 863 5222

Open: Daily for lunch (11am - 5pm)

Marc's Mediterranean Cuisine and Garden

129-131 Main Street, Paarl

Tel:  021 863 3980

Open: Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner, Sunday for lunch