The People’s Choice Award for both the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Good Food Guides have been announced.
Over 16,000 diners voted in the Victorian Guide’s first annual People’s Choice poll, and over 20,000 in the NSW poll to unearth both cities’ favourite dining spots.
Red Spice Road claimed the number one spot in Victoria and Rose Bay institution, Catalina claimed first place in NSW.
Top 10 New South Wales restaurants as voted by diners:
- Catalina, Rose Bay
- Akiba, Canberra
- Cavallino Ristorante, Terrey Hills,
- Harvest Caf, Newrybar
- Manfredi At Bells, Killcare
- Efendy, Balmain
- Jonah's Restaurant, Whale Beach
- The Apollo, Potts Point
- The Stunned Mullet, Port Macquarie
- Graze Restaurant, New England
Top 10 Victorian restaurants as voted by diners:
- Red Spice Road, Melbourne
- Lake House, Daylesford
- David's, Prahran
- Chin Chin, Melbourne
- The Grand Hotel, Richmond
- Vivace, Brighton
- Rice Paper Scissors, Melbourne
- Rockpool Bar & Grill, Southbank
- Smith & Daughters, Fitzroy
- Longrain, Melbourne
“Michael and Judy, along with their children Kate and James, have proven that you can remain relevant even after more than 20 years, and the passion by their often multi-generational customer base hasn’t faded,” says SMH Good Food Guide editor, Myffy Rigby of Catalina's win.
“The diversity of restaurants in the top 10 shows that the people of New South Wales are happy to travel for a great meal,” said Rigby. “And just as importantly the chefs and restaurant owners are making the trip worthwhile.”
The Age Good Food Guide 2016 editor Roslyn Grundy says that the results of Melbourne’s poll shows that the city's reputation as a predominately Italian dining destination is shifting.
“The People’s Choice Award top 10 is a refreshing take on Victoria’s restaurant scene, and the diversity is a reflection on the vibrant industry,” says Grundy.
“These restaurants, and particularly Red Spice Road, mobilised their loyal diners to vote via their social media channels and databases, and it’s great to see the passion people have for these establishments.”
The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards for 2015 will take place in Sydney on Monday, September 7, while The Age Good Food Guide Awards will take place in Melbourne on Monday, 21 September.
