Sydney, Australia (Monday, 26th October, 2026): Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) has officially announced the national winners of the prestigious Hostplus Awards for Excellence, with Queensland’s Attimi by Dario Manca taking the top honour of Restaurant of the Year (Gold).

“this is an achievement that every operator should feel immensely proud of”

— National President of Restaurant & Catering Australia, John Hart OAM

More than 300 distinguished guests, restauranteurs and hospitality industry heavyweights took centre stage last night at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf to honour Australia’s finest restaurants, cafés and caterers. From Caversham in the West to Burleigh Heads on the East coast and across regional hubs like Daylesford, Woy Woy, and Murrumbateman, the full breadth of Australia’s culinary excellence was proudly plated at the extraordinary gala dinner.

Throughout the evening, host Jane de Graff announced the winners in 35 categories across metropolitan and regional Australia including Restaurant of the Year, Casual Dining of the Year and Caterer of the Year in Gold, Silver and Bronze for each category.

Winners Announced: National Hostplus Awards for Excellence

National President of Restaurant & Catering Australia, John Hart OAM congratulated each of the national winners, saying:

“The Hostplus Awards for Excellence represent a highly respected industry benchmark. To earn a spot on this national stage is an incredible feat. Every winner has undergone a process of independent judging, covering every aspect of the guest experience - from food and service to presentation, operations and execution; this is an achievement that every operator should feel immensely proud of.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Major Awards categories:

2026 Major Award for Excellence winners National

Restaurant of the Year (Sponsored by Hostplus)

GOLD: Attimi by Dario Manca | Paddington, QLD
SILVER: Kadota Restaurant | Daylesford, VIC
BRONZE: Izy.Aki | Paddington, Sydney, NSW

Casual Dining of the Year (Sponsored by Hostplus)

GOLD: Chiosco by Ormeggio | Mosman, NSW
SILVER: Belle Époque, Emporium Hotel | South Brisbane, QLD
BRONZE: Pony & Cole | Hindmarsh, SA

Caterer of the Year (Sponsored by American Express)

GOLD: Laissez-Faire Catering | Sydney, NSW
SILVER: Atlantic Group | South Melbourne, VIC
BRONZE: Sandalford Wines | Caversham, WA

2026 Awards for Excellence: National Highlights

In a 4-course victory, Attimi by Dario Manca, took home the Restaurant of the Year (Gold) plus:

European Restaurant (Sponsored by American Express) GOLD
Italian Restaurant Formal (Sponsored by Gallagher) SILVER
Premium Dining (Sponsored by American Express) SILVER

Homage Restaurant at Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester was awarded gold and silver:

Restaurant in a Hotel/Resort (Sponsored by Knorr Professional) GOLD
Tourism Restaurant (Sponsored by American Express) SILVER

Mariners Ristorante in North Haven sailed home with one silver and one bronze medal:

Italian Restaurant Informal (Sponsored by Gallagher) SILVER
Seafood Restaurant (Sponsored by Select Fresh) BRONZE

National Wine Centre in South Australia uncorked two bronze medals:

Events Caterer (Sponsored by Hostplus) BRONZE
Venue Caterer (Sponsored by Hostplus) BRONZE

The Bolt Inn at Uralla celebrated with Gold and Silver in two highly coveted categories:

Family Dining (Sponsored by OneMusic Australia) SILVER
Restaurant in a Pub/Club (Sponsored by Coopers) GOLD

Mr Hart OAM concluded by saying:

“The National Awards for Excellence highlights the restaurants, cafés and caterers in every part of Australia who are at the heart of their communities. What they do every day, takes courage and extraordinary dedication and on behalf of the R&CA, we thank all our members and hospitality operators for making our Awards the Australian industry standard for excellence.”

“Congratulations to all our national winners and finalists. We look forward to another year of exceptional dining experiences as we prepare for the 2027 Awards for Excellence.”

Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA)

Established in 1922, R&CA is the national industry association representing the interests of restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses across Australia.

IS YOUR LOCAL ON THE LIST? FOR FULL LIST OF NATIONAL FINALISTS - CLICK ON THE LINK