Since the start of July, over 90 restaurants from all over South Africa served thousands of pizzas to loyal customers and encouraged them to vote for their favourite pizzeria in this year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge.
Last year’s competition saw Cape Town’s Ferdinando’s Pizza take top honours, followed by 2021 winner Gino’s of Robertsham with Gino’s of Stellenbosch in third spot. And while those three placed in the top four again this year, all eyes have been on the newcomer to the competition – Mooiuitsig Kombuis – which nudged out a number of regular top 10 contenders to secure a 5th spot!
Located in Groot Brakrivier, an historic coastal village 17 kilometres north of Mossel Bay, Mooiuitsig Kombuis has been described as “the little restaurant that could,” and since it opened its doors just over a year ago, it has already won the Restaurant Guru Award for Best Pizzas and was nominated for Best Restaurant in the area.
Needless to say owner Erasmus Myburg is ecstatic with the restaurant’s placement in the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge Top 10.
“It was amazing to hear that out of all those 90+ restaurants around the country competing in the challenge, a small restaurant on the outskirts of Grootbrak made it into the top 5! It is very satisfying to see our hard work pay off and special thanks to the team which is made up of me, my wife Johané, my sister Christa (co-manager), our chefs Jeff and Yvette, our waiters Frikkie (also co-manager), Werner and Franko and our kitchen helpers Lintell, Maridea and Wientjies
Myburgh also attributes the success to his customers who he says were very engaging and very supportive!
“One of the perks of being in a small community is that we’re almost like one big family!”
He also says the promotion had a very positive impact on his business and brought everyone even closer together.
“It gave us the opportunity to engage with everyone and form a bond – not just as a client but as a friend.”
And will he be up for next year’s challenge?
“Oh for sure, and this time we’re aiming for the number one spot!”
The winner of this year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge was Gino’s, Robertsham (Johannesburg). It unseated last year’s winner Ferdinando’s Pizza (Observatory, Cape Town) which took fourth spot. Others in the top 10 included Enzo Pizzeria Trattoria (Scottburgh, KZN), Lucio’s (Randburg), Julia’s Eatalian (Potchefstroom), Corlie’s Italian (Paardevlei, Cape Town), Piccola Rossa (Benoni), Gino’s (Stellenbosch) and Osteria Rossa (Bedfordview).
Mooiuitsig Kombuis is located at Voorbrug R102, Groot-Brakrivier, South Africa. Tel: 081 311 2686
