Jackie Cameron Reflects on the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards
This video from Expresso captures the energy of the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards beautifully, from the sense of anticipation in the room to the celebration of chefs, restaurants, and the people driving South African gastronomy forward.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards
There are evenings in our industry that stay with you long after the final applause has faded, and the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards was one of them.
As someone who has dedicated her life to food, mentorship, standards, and the growth of young talent in South Africa, it was deeply meaningful for me to be part of such a special evening. To stand on that stage and present the Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award to Margot Janse was a genuine honour. Few chefs have shaped our culinary landscape with the grace, consistency, courage, and influence that Margot has. It felt right that a room filled with the country’s finest culinary talent paused to celebrate a woman whose contribution has helped define excellence for so many others.
The night, held at the iconic Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town, was more than an awards ceremony. It was a reminder of what makes hospitality so powerful: people, passion, perseverance, creativity, and community. It was a celebration not only of the plates placed before guests, but of the long hours, disciplined teams, producers, mentors, service staff, growers, suppliers, and dreamers behind every extraordinary dining experience.
A proud moment for South African food
One of the things I loved most about the evening was the feeling in the room. There was glamour, yes, and deserved recognition too, but there was also warmth. There was excitement. There was respect. There was that unmistakable sense that South African food is moving forward with confidence and heart.
The Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards continue to be one of the most important markers of excellence in our industry. They celebrate not only technical skill and innovation, but the complete dining experience: flavour, precision, balance, hospitality, ambience, and increasingly, the values behind the food itself. That matters. The future of food is not only about what is on the plate. It is also about sustainability, leadership, integrity, and the ability to build kitchens and restaurants that uplift everyone involved.
Presenting the railblazer Award to Margot Janse
Presenting the Trailblazer Award to Margot Janse was especially meaningful to me because trailblazers do more than succeed personally; they expand what others believe is possible.
Margot has long represented that kind of leadership. Her name carries weight not because she chased applause, but because she has consistently done work that changed the conversation around South African dining. She has influenced chefs, inspired diners, elevated standards, and shown that excellence and generosity can live side by side. To see her receive this recognition was moving, and I know many people in that room felt the same.
In every industry, we need examples of people who lead with vision and substance. In hospitality, that matters even more. Young chefs need to see what a meaningful career looks like. They need to understand that real influence is built over years through discipline, creativity, resilience, humility, and a commitment to others. Margot Janse embodies that beautifully.
Highlights from the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards
This year’s awards celebrated the remarkable depth of talent in South Africa’s restaurant scene. Among the standout honours of the evening were:
- Restaurant of the Year: FYN
- Chef of the Year: Johannes Richter
- Trailblazer Award: Margot Janse
- Best New Restaurant: Amura
- Rising Star Award: Aren Pollack at Embarc
Another encouraging takeaway was the continued growth of the Eat Out star system, with 66 restaurants receiving stars this year. That tells us something important: excellence in South African dining is not static. It is growing. It is evolving. It is becoming more thoughtful, more ambitious, and more exciting.
Why these awards matter for the next generation of chefs
At Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, we speak often about standards, professionalism, consistency, teamwork, and heart. Awards evenings like this give our students a living, breathing example of what those values look like in the real world.
For young chefs, it is important to understand that success is not built overnight. It is built through repetition, accountability, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning. It is built by respecting ingredients, taking pride in service, listening to guests, supporting your team, and showing up with excellence even when nobody is watching.
That is why events like this matter so much. They shine a light on the best in our industry, but they also quietly challenge the next generation to rise. They tell every aspiring chef: this work matters, this standard matters, and your journey matters too.
If you are a young person dreaming of a future in food, or a parent helping someone choose the right path, I encourage you to explore our 18-month chef course in South Africa. It is a strong foundation for aspiring culinary professionals who want structured, industry-relevant training.
Many young people still believe outdated ideas about the profession, which is why it is worth reading more about common chef career myths in South Africa and what the hospitality industry really demands of modern chefs.
For students preparing to enter the workplace, our advice on securing a position in South Africa’s culinary industry offers practical insight into building a strong start in this competitive field.
Choosing the right training path is also important, especially when weighing up culinary school versus learning on the job. Both routes teach valuable lessons, but formal training can help young chefs develop confidence, discipline, and professional standards far earlier.
Students and parents who want a clearer sense of our philosophy can also read more about why to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine and what makes our approach to chef training so personal and purposeful.
A final word from Jackie
I left the evening feeling proud. Proud of Margot. Proud of every winner and nominee. Proud of the chefs, restaurateurs, front-of-house teams, suppliers, producers, and mentors who continue to raise the bar. And proud that South Africa’s culinary story remains one of the most dynamic, heartfelt, and inspiring stories to tell.
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. Thank you for reminding us that food is never just food. At its best, it is identity, generosity, storytelling, discipline, beauty, and connection.
And to Margot Janse: congratulations on your Trailblazer Award. It was a privilege to present it to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards?
The 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards celebrate excellence in South African dining, recognising top restaurants, chefs, rising talent, service, sustainability, and special industry contributions across the country.
Who won the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award?
Margot Janse received the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award, recognising her enduring impact on South Africa’s culinary industry.
Who won Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards?
FYN was named the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year, recognised for its refined dining experience and distinctive South African identity shaped through Japanese technique.
Who won Chef of the Year at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards?
Johannes Richter was named Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year in 2026.
Why do the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards matter?
These awards matter because they highlight the highest standards in food, service, creativity, leadership, and sustainability, while inspiring the next generation of South African chefs and hospitality professionals.
Where can I study to become a professional chef in South Africa?
Aspiring chefs can explore professional culinary training at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, including an industry-focused 18-month chef course designed to prepare students for real careers in hospitality.