What a difference a year makes. This time last year, we were in the middle of a seemingly endless lockdown, frantically debating whether to go ahead with our annual Restaurant Awards as large swathes of the industry remained shuttered.

This year, as we announce our 2023 finalists, the industry is buzzing. Tourists are back, dining rooms are full, and new openings continue to raise the bar and prove that Australian dining is some of the most dynamic and creative in the world.

That’s not to downplay the ongoing struggles plaguing the industry – from staff shortages and surging cancellation rates to the rising cost of produce – but compared to the state of the industry last year, things are much brighter.

And so, it is our great pleasure to celebrate the industry this month and single out those that are flying high and bringing joy to diners across Australia.

Until then, congratulations to all our finalists!

PEPPINA | Hobart, Tas

In a town known better for small, idiosyncratic diners, Peppina, the signature restaurant at Hobart’s swanky new hotel The Tasman, is an anomaly. A large beautiful space making the most of its historic sandstone bones, Peppina channels a big city hotel restaurant, but with chef Massimo Mele at the helm, the menu keeps the focus on Tasmania’s small and artisan producers, skilfully interpreting them in meticulously cooked Italian-leaning dishes.
In short: Big is beautiful.

For Massimo, this finalist nod from Gourmet Traveller is a celebration of the many growers, makers and producers who shape Peppina’s menu every day, from small-scale farmers in southern Tasmania to specialist suppliers across the state. The recognition also reinforces Peppina’s role in putting Hobart on the map as a serious dining destination, where Italian hospitality meets world-class local produce.