By Leigh O’Connor, Editor.
With Chef Hats now behind us, it is time to turn our attention to which restaurants AGFG readers believe deserve an award for 2023.
No one knows better than you what’s hot and what’s not – whether it is fine dining, or a locally-loved café serving the best coffee in the area. To find out if your favourite made the grade this year, click here for the complete Readers’ Choice Award winners’ list for 2023 – all 902 of them!
There are some noticeable voting trends this year - the café category was so popular we have broken it down into three sections – cafés, coffee and breakfast/brunch – so we can acknowledge more venues that you have identified as your favourites.
While many are wondering how viable the hospitality industry is post-COVID, cafés seem to be holding up remarkably well with even a brace of new openings.
Two other categories that have thrived this time around are Pub Food and Nepalese – we all love a good pub feed, but these venues go above what you would typically expect at your local, while momos (Nepalese steamed dumplings) are taking over our culinary appetites.
Some notable award recipients this year are:
Readers’ Choice European Adelaide City:
Winning the regional award for European in Adelaide, Press Food & Wine on Waymouth Street in the heart of the CBD focuses on sustainable South Australian produce paired with an extensive wine offering in warm and welcoming surrounds of marble, suede walls and banquette seating.
Readers’ Choice Modern Australian Bundaberg/Coral Coast:
For the second year in a row, Rick’s at Bargara has taken out the regional award for Bundaberg and the Coral Coast. Sitting at the end of the Esplanade, Rick's offers breezy alfresco dining just a stroll from the beach, as well as plenty of space inside. Friday and Saturday evenings, Rick’s becomes a contemporary restaurant with a seasonal menu, including classics as well as innovative takes on Mod Oz fare.
Readers’ Choice Fusion Perth:
Bringing the flavours of the French Quarter to Mount Lawley, stop by Clarences Company Store on Beaufort Street for New Orleans food, rhythm and jazz. Established in 2009, Clarences is one of Perth’s original small bars…some would say an icon; with three unique spaces including a fairy-lit open-air garden, enjoy a good time with friends, celebrate a family occasion, or chill out with someone special.
Is your favourite dining destination not on the list? Click here to become an AGFG member and make your vote count for next year! Check out the full list of Readers' Choice 2023 Award Winners, including those near you, here.
