Introduction
Australia’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity, innovation, and quality. In 2025, the Good Food Awards once again celebrated the best across the country’s dining landscape. From state-based accolades like the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) and The Age Good Food Guides to national honours such as the AGFG Chef Hat Awards, these recognitions shape food culture, reward excellence, and guide Australians to unforgettable dining experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time diner, this complete guide to the 2025 Good Food Awards reveals who won, how they were chosen, and why it all matters.
What Are the Good Food Awards in Australia?
The Good Food Awards are a series of respected recognitions that celebrate excellence in Australia’s food and hospitality sectors. These awards cover categories such as:
- Restaurant of the Year
- Best New Restaurant
- Chef of the Year
- Regional Standouts
- Wine and Beverage Excellence
They are primarily organised by leading publications and bodies including:
- SMH Good Food Guide (NSW)
- The Age Good Food Guide (VIC)
- WA Good Food Guide (WA)
- Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG – National)
These awards help diners make informed choices and set benchmarks for culinary excellence in Australia.
History and Evolution of the Good Food Awards
Australia’s food awards have evolved significantly over the decades. The SMH Good Food Guide debuted in 1984, followed by The Age guide for Victoria. The AGFG, launched in 1977, introduced the “Chef Hat” system—Australia’s version of Michelin stars.
Digital media, consumer interest, and national tourism have expanded the reach and relevance of these awards in recent years.
Awarding Bodies and Organisers
Major Australian Food Awards Organisers:
- SMH Good Food Guide – Covers NSW
- The Age Good Food Guide – Covers VIC
- WA Good Food Guide – Covers WA
- AGFG (Australian Good Food Guide) – National scope
- Good Food Foundation (USA) – Focuses on ethical and sustainable food production globally
The Most Prestigious Good Food Awards in 2025
SMH Good Food Guide 2025 – New South Wales
- Restaurant of the Year: Saint Peter, Paddington
- Chef of the Year: Danielle Alvarez (Fred’s)
- Best New Restaurant: Petermen, St Leonards
- Regional Winner: Muse Restaurant, Hunter Valley
- View full list – SMH Good Food Guide 2025
The Age Good Food Guide 2025 – Victoria
- Restaurant of the Year: Gimlet at Cavendish House
- Best New Restaurant: Pipis Kiosk
- Chef of the Year: Jo Barrett (Little Picket)
- Regional Winner: Brae, Birregurra
- View winners – The Age Good Food Guide 2025
WA Good Food Guide 2025 – Western Australia
- Restaurant of the Year: Millbrook Winery
- Chef of the Year: Justin Martin (Fervor)
- Wine List of the Year: Vasse Felix
- Regional Winner: Yarri Restaurant, Dunsborough
AGFG Chef Hat Awards 2025 – National
- 3-Hat Winners:
- Attica (Melbourne)
- Quay (Sydney)
- Vue de Monde (Melbourne)
- Attica (Melbourne)
- Explore the full AGFG Chef Hat list
How Are Good Food Award Winners Selected?
Judging Criteria & Process
Judges assess restaurants based on:
- Food quality and innovation
- Plating and presentation
- Service and ambience
- Sustainability practices
- Wine and beverage curation
- Consistency across multiple visits
Judges often dine anonymously to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Who Are the Judges?
Judging panels include chefs, food critics, industry experts, and culinary journalists. For example, SMH and The Age reviews are anonymous and panel-based, while AGFG combines editorial input and diner reviews.
Why the Good Food Awards Matter
Impact on Restaurants and Chefs
Winning a Good Food Award can lead to:
- Higher bookings and visibility
- Greater media exposure
- Staff recruitment opportunities
- National and international prestige
Influence on Dining Trends
The 2025 awards highlighted trends such as:
- Use of native Australian ingredients
- Sustainable and ethical sourcing
- Revival of refined, luxury dining
- Growth in elevated casual venues
Many award-winning venues also prioritise rigorous food safety training for staff. Proper training ensures consistent hygiene standards, safe food handling, and compliance with industry regulations, key elements that contribute to their high ratings and customer trust.
How Diners Can Use the Good Food Awards
Planning a Foodie Trip
Use the 2025 winners to discover top restaurants in your region or plan a culinary road trip. Many winners offer unforgettable food experiences in regional settings, perfect for long weekends or holiday adventures.
Supporting Local Culinary Talent
Visiting and sharing award-winning spots helps:
- Sustain local food businesses
- Celebrate diverse cuisines
- Encourage innovation in food and drink
For food hygiene practices used by top venues, explore food safety in commercial kitchens.
International Spotlight: The US Good Food Awards
What Are They?
Run by the Good Food Foundation, the US awards recognise producers of sustainable, ethical products such as:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cheese
- Spirits
These focus on product quality rather than restaurant dining.
Why It Matters in Australia
Australian chefs and producers often benchmark against international standards. These global awards inspire sustainability and raise awareness of ethical sourcing practices across borders.
Final Thoughts: What’s Ahead for Food Awards?
Food awards are not just retrospective—they shape the future of dining. In coming years, expect to see:
- More recognition of sustainable, plant-forward menus
- New categories for pop-ups and food trucks
- Stronger influence from social media and digital platforms
The Good Food Awards 2025 offer more than prestige—they point the way forward in Australia’s dynamic culinary journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Good Food Awards in Australia?
They are major awards that recognise excellence in dining across the country, organised by SMH, The Age, AGFG, and WA Good Food Guide.
Which restaurants won the 2025 SMH Awards?
Saint Peter (Restaurant of the Year), Petermen (Best New Restaurant), and more.
What’s the difference between the SMH, The Age, and WA Good Food Guides?
Each one covers a different state—NSW, VIC, and WA respectively—but they share similar judging standards.
How are winners selected?
Anonymous site visits and expert panel scoring across criteria such as food, service, and sustainability.
Can regional restaurants win?
Absolutely. Many awards highlight rural and regional excellence.
What are AGFG Chef Hats?
They are national ratings awarded to top-performing restaurants—Australia’s version of Michelin stars.
Are only fine dining venues awarded?
No. Many awards now include casual, innovative, and regional eateries.
Where can I find the latest winners?
Check:
Do these awards affect dining behaviour?
Yes, they strongly influence where Australians choose to eat.
Why follow the winners?
You’ll enjoy exceptional dining while supporting local talent and staying ahead of culinary trends.
