The Northland hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners in the Northland Hospitality Awards on Sunday night.
The awards recognise hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is proud to organise and foster these awards to unite, grow and promote the Northland hospitality industry.
Situated at Paroa Bay Winery, destination dining experience Sage, noted for its fresh, local and seasonal products and some of the newest and most revered offerings from the ocean, took out three awards - outstanding restaurant, outstanding chef, and emerging chef for Daniel Fraser and Caitlin Rose Brown respectively
Known for its rustic pizzas, Hōne's Garden won two awards for front-of-house team and outstanding ambience and design.
Whangarei Town Basin eatery The Quay won the public's hearts with the People's choice award. Owners Lloyd and Mike took over from the well-regarded Reva's on the Waterfront, which had been in the location for 20 years, giving the place a modern makeover with a menu of high-quality, smart-casual bistro food to match.
Those looking for a good-served beverage can rest assured there is no shortage of great places to get a drink in the region.
The outstanding bar of the Year award went to The Tipsy Oyster in Paihia. A tapas bar and restaurant all combined, which offers fresh local tapas and fusion tapas to locals and tourists alike.
Great cafes are bountiful in the region, with Third Wheel Coffee Co. winning the accolade of outstanding cafe.
Those looking for the region's best flat white should head straight to Whangārei cafe Hello Pickle where Jade Hennessy won the outstanding barista award.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand, said, "With the recent weather events, it's been a tough start to the year for Te Tai Tokerau, and it's so important to come together for occasions like this to acknowledge our achievements and celebrate together as an industry."
Bidois continued, "By recognising the hard work and dedication of hospitality professionals, these awards can help to promote the local dining scene and attract visitors. The positive impact of these awards can inspire and motivate others in the industry to strive for excellence and provide exceptional dining experiences to their customers."
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on Sunday 30th, April 2023, at Whangārei Art Museum.
For more information regarding the awards, please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/northland.
Northland Hospitality Awards 2023 Winners
DineFind Outstanding Barista - Jade Hennessy, Hello Pickle
V Energy Outstanding Bartender - Victoria Alexander, Bad Habits
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team - Hōne's Garden
North Tec Te Pukenga Emerging Chef - Caitlin Rose Brown, Sage Restaurant
Te Tupu Tahi Outstanding Chef - Daniel Fraser, Sage Restaurant
Gilmours Outstanding Café - Third Wheel Coffee Co.
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar - Tipsy Oyster
DineFind Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food - Rata's Kitchen
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design - Hōne's Garden
Whangarei District Council Outstanding Regional Establishment - Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
Bidfood Outstanding Restaurant - Sage Restaurant
Restaurant Association Food & Beverage Producer - Black Collar Distillery
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier - Omak Meats
