The finalists have been announced in the Wellington Hospitality awards and Wellingtonians are being invited to vote for their favourite place to dine out.
The finalists represent the top-notch dining establishments in the capital as voted by the hospitality industry.
The award-winning seafood restaurant Ortega is famed for its attention to detail in service and is appropriately nominated for the best front of house team and outstanding Maitre D for co-owner Davey McDonald. It picks up a third nomination for its wine list.
Cosy restaurant Rita which took home the 2018 award for an outstanding new establishment, this year becomes a finalist in the outstanding restaurant award alongside Capitol, Field & Green and Highwater Eatery.
The best chefs in the city have been recognised with Isaac Chamberlain of Atlas; Matt Hawkes of Bar Mason; Laura Greenfield of Field & Green and Shepherd Elliot, Shepherd all up for the Outstanding Chef category.
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with Floriditas, Olive, Prefab Eatery and Squirrel all finalists in the category of the outstanding cafe. Those looking for a place to get a great drink also won’t be disappointed with the region’s assortment of top-notch bars recognised.
Havana Bar, Lulu, Night Flower and The Library are all contenders for the title of outstanding cocktail experience while Atlas, Noble Rot Wine Bar, Puffin Wine Bar Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar are all recognised in the category of best wine experience.
Newcomers Atlas, Birdcage, Highwater Eatery and Bar Masonare all finalists for the region’s best new establishment. Recognition is also been given to the demonstration of resilience and creativity during 2020 which has been undeniably tough for the industry.
This year the Restaurant Association has introduced three new categories for Outstanding Community Spirit, Outstanding Innovation and Outstanding Local Hospo Hero in recognition for the people and businesses that have stepped up and shown steely determination as we navigated our way through COVID-19.
The Wellington general public is also able to vote for their favourite establishment in the People’s Choice Award category.
Twenty-four awards will be given to the best of the Wellington 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 Wellington.
“Wellington has a vibrant and world-leading hospitality scene which deserves to be recognised. Our goal is to recognise those providing an exceptional experience to Wellingtonians and connect them to one another and the local dining community,” said Restaurant Association CEO, Marisa Bidois.
“The introduction of our three resilience awards are a great opportunity to shine a light on some of the people and businesses that have stepped up as we’ve navigated our way through COVID-19.”
For more information visit hospitalityawards.co.nz/wellington
