There is no denying the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions are bursting at the seams with exceptional dining destinations.
This year, 19 local venues have been recognised on the 2023 list for the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards.
The awards have recognised discerning chefs around the country since 1982, similar to the Michelin model of rating overseas.
Hatted restaurants receive a rating up to 20, and each year a fresh list is released with new and existing venues.
This year’s local hatted award winners include The Long Apron at Montville, The Tamarind Restaurant at Maleny and Lucio’s Marina at Tewantin.
Of the venues, Noosa was well represented with 10 restaurants including popular Sum Yung Guys and ALBA by Kuruvita.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF LOCAL WINNERS BELOW
Receiving a Chef Hat for the first time in its 40-year history, Bella Venezia can finally add the accolade to its repertoire.
It comes off the back of a successful 2022 for the Mooloolaba restaurant, which was honoured at the national Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence and named as the Travellers’ Choice “best of the best” dining destination for the second year running.
Owners Kristine and Todd Young said they were “absolutely honoured” to be awarded the coveted hat.
“This is brilliant recognition for all of our chefs’ hard work and dedication, led by executive chef Ben Achurch, during the most challenging few years our industry has faced,” Ms Young said.
“Our industry has faced so many challenges and we have finally achieved our ultimate goal of winning a Chef Hat in 2023.”
Australian Good Food Guide operations manager Hannah Yaworksky said Chef Hats were awarded for the food alone, rating ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency.
“These awards are the result of careful deliberation,” she said.
“Inspectors appointed by AGFG dine anonymously. Their reviews and votes of the dining public, who generously send in their comments throughout the year, determine these results.”
2023 Sunshine Coast Chef Hat winners
- The Long Apron – Montville
- The Tamarind Restaurant – Maleny
- Sum Yung Guys – Noosaville
- Locale Noosa – Noosa Heads
- ALBA by Kuruvita – Noosa Heads
- Sails Beach Restaurant and Bar – Noosa Heads
- Noosa Waterfront Restaurant – Noosaville
- Bask Eumundi – Eumundi
- The Spirit House Restaurant – Yandina
- Bella Venezia – Mooloolaba
- Spice Bar – Mooloolaba
- Market Bistro – Maroochydore
- Honeysuckle Restaurant – Buderim
- Embassy XO – Sunshine Beach
- Noosa Beach House– Noosa Heads
- Orleans Restaurant and Bar – Maroochydore
- Sumi Open Kitchen – Noosa Heads
- Rickys River Bar and Restaurant – Noosa Heads
- Lucio’s Marina – Tewantin
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