By Joseph Steele.
The moment every food lover in Australia has been waiting the past year for is here! The Australian Good Food Guide is excited to unveil this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA), an award that showcases the nation’s favourite venues. From local favourites, rising stars and industry stalwarts, this year’s awards have set a new benchmark with a record-breaking level of participation and a wider array of awarded venues.
Much like getting a list of your mate’s favourite go-to spots, we look at the RCA as trusted recommendations from the great Australian dining community.
A Surge in Recognition
For 2024, a staggering 1340 venues have been awarded a Readers’ Choice Award - that is an impressive leap from the 1100 awarded in 2023. This reflection of the sheer breadth and quality of our nation’s hospitality industry indicates that against all odds, it continues to grow. We’ve seen a lot of venues close over the last 12 months which has struck a chord of fear into the most seasoned of hospitality veterans, however, as we can see through the growth in awardees this year, it’s not all doom and gloom.
The Australian dining scene is an ever-evolving beast, one founded on innovation, quality and community; nothing represents this more than being nominated for an award by the diners of Australia. These award-winning venues range from chic urban bistros and elegant fine dining restaurants to cosy cafes and quaint countryside eateries. Each venue has earnt its spot on the list through an exceptional commitment to the culinary experience and wider community.The People’s Vote
The AGFG Readers’ Choice Awards are unique in that they are determined entirely by the public. Thousands of votes have poured in, surpassing previous years’ participation and highlighting the collective voice of the dining community. This surge in votes underscores the passion and support of food lovers across the country, who are keen to acknowledge the creativity, consistency and service excellence of their favourite spots. Additionally, we get a unique insight into the next venues to try!
The increased voting turnout signifies a deeper connection and appreciation that the public has for dining experiences. It is fantastic to see everyone rallying behind their favourite venues and showing them support at a time when it really counts. Every vote cast is a testament to the hard work and heart that goes into running a successful restaurant, café or bar.
Expanding Horizons
In a notable development, this year’s awards feature new regions among the winners. This exciting trend in domestic travel is another positive for the industry as more Australians explore their backyard, they’re also discovering new culinary talent. By championing the otherwise hidden gems, voters are creating new and exciting magnets attracting more visitors to remote or rural areas. The awardees this year are a bevy of bourgeoning stars that count amongst the favourites of both locals and tourists.These new regional expansions highlight the diversity and richness of Australia. From the rolling vineyards of South Australia to the tropical beaches of Far North Queensland and the rugged terrain of the Northern Territory, each region brings its own unique flavour. It may be time to start planning that gastronomic getaway?
The Award-winning Venues
The AGFG Readers’ Choice Awards cover a wide range of categories to ensure that as many facets of the industry as possible are covered. From cuisine-specific categories to regional winners, the list is an easy guide to must-try venues.Notably, regional winners are venues that have accumulated the most points for their region.
Among the awardees you’ll find venues that have mastered the art of Modern Australian cuisine, twirled impeccable Italian dishes to the tables of their diners, flambéed fine French cuisine and served up sizzling stir-fries. The café category was so strong (second year in a row) that it had to be defined by best café, coffee and breakfast.
Each winner represents the public’s opinion as a pinnacle of its category.
The full list of winners is here.
Join the Celebration
The Readers’ Choice Awards are more than about recognition; they’re a celebration of what is happening around the country. Whether you’re looking to plan your next dining adventure or celebrating at your favourite local, this year’s list is the ultimate guide to the best around the country.Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the stories behind the award-winning venues, featuring interviews with Chefs, restaurateurs and the passionate teams that make it happen. We’ll be highlighting winners throughout the year and celebrating the achievements of those awarded an RCA.
If you think something has been missed, your favourite isn’t on the list or you’ve found somewhere worth mentioning, VOTE! Head to the listing on the guide and hit the big red button that says ‘Support Your Local’.
Grab your cutlery, grab your mates and go explore this year’s winners!
