It might seem a little perverse to release the Restaurant Issue at a time when much of the industry remains closed and dining out is but a distant memory for many of us. It was certainly something we thought twice about. But after speaking to our friends in the industry, we decided to stay the course and celebrate the joy of dining out and those who make it magical. The industry may be down at the moment but it is certainly not out – and with the end of lockdown finally in sight, the industry is ready and waiting to throw open its doors once again.
In this issue, you’ll find the finalists for our 2022 Restaurant Awards. Last year, we had to cancel the awards after lockdowns prevented us from getting around the country and into restaurants.
This year, our team of editors took on the challenge with gusto, eating their way around their states and navigating ever-changing restrictions to uncover the very best dining experiences to be found across Australia.
Without question, the most exciting part of this year’s awards is how many new restaurants feature. It is testament to both the creativity and resilience of the industry that new venues have continued to open since March last year, offering new and exceptional experiences. Many have come from established players, as they flex creativity and agility in equal measure.
And there is plenty more to come. Lockdowns may pause physical progress but, time has proven, they can spark even brighter, bolder plans. So to all our finalists – and the entire industry – thank you for keeping us excited. We can’t wait to see you again soon.

Download from:

NitroFlare

• Australian HiFi – September 2021
• Velonews – September 2021