The finalists for the annual Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Awards have been revealed.
Hosted annually in September, the awards celebrate Australia’s culinary greats, a highlight of the industry’s calendar. Gourmet Traveller’s editor Joanna Hunkin said: “The past year has continued to test the hospitality industry, as staff shortages, illness and surging produce costs present an ongoing challenge for restaurants everywhere.”
Additionally to the list of finalists (below), three further awards will be presented: Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality, Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year.
Promoting the awards, Hunkin said: “Despite this [the challenges faced by the industry], the industry continues to serve up new, exciting and exceptional experiences, proving Australian dining is some of the most dynamic and creative in the world.
“It is our great pleasure to celebrate and single out those that are flying high and bringing joy to diners across the country,” the Gourmet Traveller editor added.
The finalists for the Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Awards are:
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Arkhe, SA
Di Stasio Carlton, VIC Frui Momento, WA Lana, NSW
Margaret, NSW Onzieme, ACT Peppina, TAS
Shell House, NSW
Grill Americano, VIC
BEST DESTINATION DINING
Armia Estate, WA Beach, NSW Blume, QLD Chauncy, VIC
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, SA Van Bone, TAS
BEST NEW TALENT
Alex Wong, NSW
Dennis Yong, VIC
Ethan Ferris, QLD Elizabeth Mitchell, NSW Helly Raichura, VIC
Mug Chen & Chia Wu, SA Rohan Park, WA
RESTAURANT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Andy Clappis, SA
Elise Jacobsen, WA Laura Stucken, TAS Shannon Martinez, VIC Simon Gloftis, QLD
WINE BAR OF THE YEAR
Bar Merenda, VIC
Bar Rochford, ACT
Casa, WA
Good Gilbert, SA
Paloma, QLD
Paski Vineria Popolare, NSW
This year’s awards are sponsored by Winning Appliances, PorkStar, Oceania Cruising, Ilve & Fhiaba and Furl. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Sydney’s Shell House on September 27.
See also: Joanna Hunkin on how Gourmet Traveller bounced back after covid