The finalists have been announced in the Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards and locals are being invited to vote for their favourite place to dine out.
The finalists represent the top-notch dining establishments in the city as voted by the hospitality industry.
Leading the pack with a number of nominations is Queenstown restaurant, Jervois Steak House nominated for four awards including outstanding restaurant.
Also up for outstanding restaurant is Ben Bayly’s Arrowtown restaurant Aosta, a small 50-seat restaurant that brings a taste of Northern Italy to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown. The restaurant is nominated in the category of outstanding restaurant, and best regional establishment.
Aosta and Jervois Steak House will be going up against Oro Restaurant and Sherwood Queenstown who are also nominated for the outstanding restaurant award.
Situated in the newly opened The Carlin boutique hotel, Oro is a fine-dining restaurant with modern French, British and New Zealand influences. Chefs Yann Robert and Beata Balogh have both been recognised in the categories of best chef and best-emerging chef respectively.
Robert has esteemed competition from Sam Gruar of La Rumbla; Koji Kiminami of Tanoshi and Ben Norfolk of The Bunker all up for the outstanding chef accolade.
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with 11th Avenue by Frank's, Bespoke Kitchen, Odd Saint, The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro all finalists in the category of outstanding cafe.
Bardeaux, Ferg's Bar, Little Blackwood and Little Mez are all contenders for the title of best bar while Botswana Butchery, Eichardt's Bar, Jervois Steak House Queenstown And The Bunker are all recognised in the category of best winery restaurant.
19 awards will be given to the best of the region’s hospitality industry. From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments. The best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in the Queenstown and Southern Lakes area.
CEO of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, Marisa Bidois said that Queenstown is now a destination dining experience that offers exceptional experiences in some of the world’s most stunning settings.
“From quick and easy street eats, to luxury winery restaurant experiences, Queenstown has it all,” said Bidois
“With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.”
Voting closes on Sunday, 23 April 5.00 pm and winners will then be announced at the awards evening on Monday, 7 May at Walter Peak in Queenstown.
