South Africa’s most anticipated pizza competition is back, with the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge 2025 officially launching 1 September for an eight-week run across the country.
The annual competition, now in its fifth year, allows members of the public to vote for their favourite local pizzerias while celebrating South African pizza culture and supporting the local food industry.
“We’re proud to champion restaurants and pizzerias that bring people together with great food and warm hospitality,” said Lynton Kaiser from Porcupine Ridge wines. “This campaign is our way of celebrating the heart and soul of South African casual dining, and the delicious synergy between pizza and Porcupine Ridge.”
The competition is open to any South African restaurant that makes and sells pizza and holds a valid liquor licence. Participating establishments must feature at least two Porcupine Ridge wines and display promotional material while encouraging customers to vote through QR codes or the official website.
Last year’s challenge saw record participation, with thousands of votes cast nationwide. Bardelli’s Restaurant in Kenilworth, Cape Town, claimed the national championship in a remarkable comeback story after being forced to close for nine months in 2023 due to a fire.
Ferdinando’s Pizza in Observatory secured second place, while Oukraal Restaurant in Potchefstroom finished third. The top 10 featured establishments from across the country, including Julia’s Eatalian (Potchefstroom), Corlie’s Italian (Somerset West), and Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co. (Pretoria).
“What was wonderful about last year’s challenge was the incredible provincial diversity,” Kaiser noted. “It was truly a national competition, and 2025 is gearing up to be even more representative.”
The competition offers substantial prizes for participating restaurants. The winning establishment receives bragging rights, a custom winner’s paddle, marketing materials, wine valued at R40 000, plus R900 in vouchers and three cases of wine for staff members. Second and third-place finishers also receive wine and vouchers for their teams.
Voters can win weekly prizes including cases of Porcupine Ridge wine and EarthFire pizza accessories. The grand prize winner will receive an EarthFire Tabletop Pizza Oven, a year’s worth of pizza from their chosen finalist (up to R2 000), and five cases of wine—a total value of nearly R10 000.
Public voting runs from 1 September to 31 October, with each email address allowed up to 10 votes. The competition supports establishments ranging from small independent eateries to established local favourites and nationwide franchises.
Additional information and voting details are available here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.