Gourmet Traveller has announced the winners of its 45th annual Restaurant Awards, with Sydney’s Josh Niland-led Saint Peter named Restaurant of the Year.
The ceremony, held Monday night at Hobart’s Henry Jones Art Hotel, marks the first time the event has been staged in Tasmania. The awards are Australia’s longest-running dining accolades and were presented by Are Media, with support from Lexus, Scanpan, Wedgwood, Porkstar, Tourism Tasmania and Petaluma Wines.
LARK Distillery co-founder Bill Lark with Gourmet Traveller editor David Meagher
Rodney Dunn, chef-owner of The Agrarian Kitchen, collaborated with Hobart venues Fico and Omotenashi to curate the evening’s menu, placing a spotlight on Tasmanian produce.
Nicky Briger, Are Media General Manager, Luxury, said the event celebrated the “depth and diversity of Australia’s dining landscape” and recognised Tasmania’s “exceptional produce and hospitality talent.”
Alongside the national winner, six restaurants were awarded state-based Restaurant of the Year titles:
- ACT: Lunetta (Canberra)
- Queensland: Essa (Brisbane)
- South Australia: Staġuni (Barossa)
- Tasmania: The Agrarian (New Norfolk)
- Victoria: Marmelo (Melbourne)
- Western Australia: Gibney Restaurant (Cottesloe)
Winner Josh Niland
Nik Hill, chef at Sydney’s Porcine, was named Chef of the Year in a peer-voted category recognising excellence in the kitchen.
The Readers’ Choice Icon Award went to NSW’s riverside fine diner Berowra Waters Inn, while Melbourne’s Maison Bâtard received Best New Restaurant.
Other honourees included:
- Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality: Tony Tan, Victorian chef and educator
- Best New Talent: Ozge Kalvo, head chef at Olympus Dining (Redfern, NSW)
- Restaurant Personality of the Year: Angie Giannakodakis, Taverna (Brunswick, VIC)
- Best Destination Dining: Staġuni (Barossa, SA)
- Bar of the Year: +81 Aizome Bar (Brisbane, QLD)
The September issue of Gourmet Traveller, on sale August 25, will profile all winners and include the annual Restaurant Guide featuring Australia’s top 100 venues.