These restaurants are the top tier, the cream of the crop, offering what our reviewers regard as the most compelling dining experiences in SA at this time.

The list is headed by a restaurant that is not only a clear standout among its peers in SA but, we believe, comfortably sits among the absolute elite in this country – a view supported by the extraordinary number of interstate travellers dining at its tables.

It is followed by a wonderfully diverse selection of eateries, covering many different styles of food and service, as well as a variety of budgets, an important consideration at this time.

The common factor is that they all deliver what they promise, whether that is exquisite cooking, a thrilling adventure, genuine hospitality, fun and frivolity – or, hopefully, all of the above.

Our filters allow you to browse restaurants by cuisine, price point and region, as well as those that are child-friendly, offer outdoor dining or boast a large range of vegetarian or vegan fare.

Reviews by Simon Wilkinson, Jessica Galletly, Katelin Nelligan, Cameron England, Nathan Davies, Dianne Mattsson, Tony Love, Christine McCabe, David Sly and Antimo Iannella