Pictured: Vintners Bar & Grill
South Australia is making serious noise on the national stage, as the hotly anticipated finalists of Gourmet Traveller’s prestigious Restaurant of the Year awards have been announced. Five local hospitality standouts are landing finalist spots on this year’s list, the country’s longest-running and arguably most respected food awards.
This year, the awards are celebrating a massive 45 years of championing Australia’s top restaurants, chefs and bars, and with the 2025 finalists revealed today, it’s no surprise to see some hype around the contenders.
Sarah Hollway of the Salopian Inn is in the running for Restaurant Personality of the Year. This is a category that showcases the people-powered heart of hospitality, and over the years, Sarah has really put this McLaren Vale venue on the map. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of dining at the Willunga favourite will understand why she’s up there. With an unwavering commitment to local produce, Sarah’s the kind of host who makes the experience extra special. She even won SA’s best waiter back in 2016!
In the Best New Restaurant category, all eyes are on Verdun’s Ondeen. This spot blends modern elegance with timeless classics, balancing fine dining detail with what makes the Adelaide Hills so special. Since opening, it’s had a focus on thoughtful dining and seasonal menus that showcase the very best of the region. Landing a finalist spot so early on is an incredibly big achievement.
Backing that up is Tom Campbell, from Thelma Picadilly, who’s been nominated for Best New Talent. Thelma was started by Tom as a slice of Europe in the Adelaide Hills. Thelma was born out of the idea of bringing simply good food and wine to friends and family near and far. Established in May last year, it’s quickly become a favourite in the Hills.
Staġuni in the Barossa is one of just five finalists for Best Destination Dining, so if you haven’t been yet, consider this your sign. With a name that means ‘seasons’ in Maltese, Staġuni shares the very best Barossan traditions with serious culinary technique.
Rounding out the South Australian nominations is another Barossa favourite, Vintners Bar & Grill. This is a long-loved Angaston institution and now a finalist in the Readers’ Choice Icon Award. The Vintners team has been feeding the Barossa for years, and their seasonal, produce-led menus keep locals and tourists coming back for more.
Winners will be announced on Monday, August 18th, at a luxe ceremony in Hobart, with additional peer-voted honours including Chef of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality, and the top title, Restaurant of the Year.
Nicky Briger, Head of Luxury, Are Media, says the awards continue to showcase the very best in Australian dining. “For over four decades, these awards have celebrated the innovation and excellence that define Australia’s world-class dining scene – and this year’s 45th anniversary makes it even more special as we gather in Hobart for the first time to honour the chefs and restaurants that continue to shape our dining culture.”
Whether SA takes home the trophies or not, one thing’s clear, our hospitality game is strong, and the rest of the country is paying attention.
Restaurant of the Year Finalists
RESTAURANT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
- Alice Tremayne, Corner 75, NSW
- Angie Giannakodakis, Taverna, VIC
- Benn And Mork Ratanakosol, Mínima, ACT
- Sarah Hollway, Salopian Inn SA
- Ryan De Villiers, Wildflower WA
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
- August, Brisbane QLD
- Lunetta, Red Hill ACT
- Maison Bâtard, Melbourne VIC
- Olympus Dining, Sydney NSW
- Ondeen, Verdun SA
- Scholé, Hobart TAS
BEST NEW TALENT
- Audrey Shaw, Carnation Canteen VIC
- Ozge Kalvo, Olympus Dining NSW
- Rodolfo Malinverni, Norté QLD
- Tom Campbell, Thelma SA
BEST DESTINATION DINING
- Tedesca Osteria, Red Hill VIC
- The Agrarian Kitchen Restaurant, New Norfolk TAS
- Staġuni, Barossa, SA
- De’sendent, Margaret River WA
BAR OF THE YEAR
- +81 Aizome Bar, Brisbane QLD
- Gigi, Melbourne VIC
- Institut Polaire, Hobart TAS
- The Wine Bar At The International, Sydney NSW
READERS CHOICE ICON AWARD
- Berowra Waters Inn, Berowra NSW
- Du Fermier, Trentham VIC
- E’cco Bistro, Brisbane QLD
- Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston TAS
- Vintners Bar & Grill, Angaston SA
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