The Agrarian Kitchen Restaurant in New Norfolk, Tasmania, has been named Restaurant of the Year in this year’s Gourmet Traveller Annual Restaurant Awards, marking the first time a Tasmanian establishment has claimed the prize in the award’s 45-year history.
Are Media’s Nicole Byers, Jane Huxley & Joanna Hunkin
The Australian luxury food magazine, owned by Are Media, announced the winners at a gala event held at Sydney’s Catalina restaurant in Rose Bay, presented by S.Pellegrino. Among the top chefs in attendance were Josh Niland, Alla Wolf-Tasker, Peter Gilmore, and Kylie Kwong.
Full profiles of the winners, along with the Annual Restaurant Guide, will be featured in the September issue of Gourmet Traveller, available on Monday 26 August 2024.
Tony Muratore, George Saba, Joanna Hunkin, Eliza Davey, Geoff Martin, James Sergi & Adrian Papandrea
Kylie Kwong
“The Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards recognise the incredible depth and diversity of Australia’s dining landscape and are always a highlight of the hospitality calendar,” said Joanna Hunkin, editor of Gourmet Traveller.
Chef-owner Rodney Dunn of The Agrarian Kitchen accepted the Restaurant of the Year award, alongside his wife and business partner Séverine Demanet and head chef Stephen Peak.
Rodney Dunn, Severine Demanet, Stephen Peak
“The Agrarian Kitchen has followed a remarkable trajectory – from a small farm and cooking school in the Derwent Valley to what is now a global dining destination,” said Hunkin, who also presented the award.
“The work Rodney and Séverine have put into transforming the property and its gardens, and establishing a truly sustainable food system, is extraordinary. Tonight’s honour recognises that thoughtfulness and commitment and is testament to the fact that good things take time.”
Alla Wolf-Tasker received the Readers’ Choice Icon Award for her regional Victorian restaurant Lake House, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend.
Alla Wolf-Tasker
“What Alla and her family created at Lake House really established the archetype for Australian regional dining that continues to inspire and inform chefs and restaurateurs across the country,” said Hunkin.
“Alla’s vision and hospitality has been shaping the industry for 40 years – and welcoming diners with warmth and care has been Lake House’s signature since day one.”
Sydney-based chef Pasi Petanen of Cafe Paci was named Chef of the Year, the night’s only peer-voted award, as well as the New South Wales State Winner. Also in NSWs, Sydney’s King Clarence was named Best New Restaurant.
Pasi Petanen
In Adelaide, The Ayubi Family of Parwana Afghan Kitchen received the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality honour, while Maxwell Restaurant in McLaren Vale was named South Australia’s State Winner.
Chef Mischa Tropp was named Best New Talent following the launch of his debut restaurant Toddy Shop in Melbourne’s Fitzroy, where he celebrates the flavours of Kerala inspired by his mother’s traditional recipes.
In Victoria, Chauncy was named Best Destination Dining, while Vue de Monde was crowned State Winner.
Brisbane chef Sarah Baldwin, owner and operator of Joy, was named Restaurant Personality of the Year for her unique and personal approach to running the tiny 10-seat restaurant, while Restaurant Labart in Burleigh Heads was named Queensland’s State Winner.
Finally, in Western Australia, Busselton’s South West Wine Shop claimed the title of Wine Bar of the Year, with Perth Italian diner Casa named the State Winner.
The Gourmet Traveller 2024 Restaurant Award winners
Restaurant of the Year:
The Agrarian Kitchen Restaurant, New Norfolk, Tasmania
State Winners:
ACT: Pilot (Canberra)
NSW: Cafe Paci (Sydney)
QLD: Restaurant Labart (Burleigh Heads)
SA: Maxwell Restaurant (McLaren Vale)
TAS: The Agrarian Kitchen Restaurant (New Norfolk)
VIC: Vue de Monde (Melbourne)
WA: Casa (Perth)
Readers’ Choice Icon Award:
Lake House, Daylesford, VIC
Chef of the Year:
Pasi Petanen, Cafe Paci, Sydney, NSW
Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality:
The Ayubi Family, Parwana Afghan Kitchen, Adelaide, SA
Best New Restaurant:
King Clarence, Sydney, NSW
Best New Talent:
Mischa Tropp, Toddy Shop, Melbourne, VIC
Best Destination Dining:
Chauncy, Heathcote, VIC
Wine Bar of the Year:
South West Wine Shop, Busselton, WA
Restaurant Personality of the Year:
Sarah Baldwin, Joy, Brisbane, QLD