South Australia is home to a whole host of world-class restaurants, and we aren’t the only ones that think so. The Australian Good Food & Travel Guide announced which South Australian restaurants were awarded Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards for 2024, and The Kitchen at Bec Hardy took out a fantastic Two Hats and 14 points.
From 12-19 Hats, 47 South Australian dining destinations made it into the top 1% of restaurants in the country. The Kitchen at Bec Hardy took out one of those top spots, making them one of the top 15 venues in South Australia and one of only 6 venues to be recognised in McLaren Vale, ranked joint 3rd.
“We are so proud of the team and especially Connor for this award – he is an up-and-coming star of the South Australian culinary scene. We aim not to just produce outstanding wine but also deliver outstanding food and experiences. This confirms we are not only doing that but doing it well,” Bec Hardy says.
Here is what each level of Chef Hats represents in AGFG’s opinion:
19-18: Comparable to among the world’s best. The experience they afford is so remarkable that a trip to Australia is worth co-ordinating.
17-16: Worthy of interstate travel, including the organisation of accommodation/a weekend away solely for the dining experience
15-14: A road trip from outside the area is worthwhile solely for the dining experience.
13-12: These restaurants exhibit standards which consistently exceed expectations, and satisfaction is guaranteed.
McLaren Vale cellar door Bec Hardy Wines launched its new food experience just last year, paving the way for the winery’s visitors to enjoy a different side to the beloved cellar door.
The Kitchen at Bec Hardy is housed in an old converted winemaking shed where a large oak vat still adorns the corner. Produce is sourced from its own Tipsy Hill Estate garden and the broader Fleurieu region crafted into two feed me menus, The Short Story and The Long Story.
Both menus crafted by head chef Connor Bishop seek to tell the story of season and place through local, seasonal and sustainable produce alongside paired wines from the Bec Hardy and Pertaringa ranges.
“This is a great achievement not only for myself but the business as a whole, where I am grateful to be given the latitude and support over the menu and creativity,” Connor Bishop says.
“Being a new kitchen operating for less than 2 years makes this even more prestigious, I am really proud of my menu, food and what I have achieved at The Kitchen at Bec Hardy in less than a year of running the kitchen.”
The Kitchen at Bec Hardy joined other top ranking restaurants around South Australia including other 14 point venues Osteria Oggi, The Lane Vineyard and D’Array’s Verandah Restaurant.
“To be ranked in the same company as some of Australia’s leading venues such as ‘Rockpool’ in Sydney, ‘Nineteen at the Star’ in Brisbane, ‘Cullen Wines’ in Perth and ‘Pt. Leo Estate Restaurant’ in Victoria is humbling. It’s a prestigious achievement for Chef Connor and our small family business,” Richard Dolan, Joint Managing Director, says.
The Kitchen at Bec Hardy
Where: 327 Hunt Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Open: 11am – 3pm 7 days a week & Public Holidays*
Book: Click here
