Image: Tread Lightly
South Australia has taken home two major wins at the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards, with a Hackney restaurant crowned the state’s best and a Willunga bar recognised as Australia’s Bar of the Year.
The annual awards, unveiled overnight as Gourmet Traveller celebrates 60 years in Australia, shine a spotlight on the chefs, restaurants, bars and hospitality personalities shaping the country’s dining scene.
This year, Esmay has been named South Australia’s Restaurant of the Year, taking out the state title alongside winners from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Tread Lightly has scored one of the night’s biggest accolades, taking home Bar of the Year.
The wins put two South Australian venues firmly in the national spotlight, with both recognised among the country’s leading hospitality destinations.
The 2026 awards span 10 categories, including Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Best New Restaurant, Best New Talent, Best Destination Dining, Bar of the Year, Restaurant Personality of the Year, Enduring Excellence and Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality, as well as individual state Restaurant of the Year winners.
Taking out the coveted national Restaurant of the Year title was Zareh in Melbourne.
The Victorian restaurant also claimed the state title, while other state winners included Bistro Livi in New South Wales, The Woodshed in Queensland, Scholé in Tasmania and De’scendent in Western Australia.
The awards also recognised individual talent across the country, with Christian Ryan of ALØFT Restaurant and Restaurant Maria in Tasmania named Chef of the Year.
Melbourne’s Yiaga was crowned Best New Restaurant, while Saavni Krishnan and Aditya Suresh of Saadi took out Best New Talent.
The Woodshed also secured the Best Destination Dining title, while “Big” Sam Young of S’More and Young’s Palace in NSW was named Restaurant Personality of the Year.
Sydney institution Beppi’s was recognised for Enduring Excellence, while Stephanie Alexander received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality.
Gourmet Traveller Editor David Meagher said, “For 60 years, Gourmet Traveller has celebrated the people and places that define Australia’s dining culture. This year’s winners reflect the extraordinary depth of talent across the country – from emerging voices reshaping Australian dining to enduring institutions that continue to set the benchmark for hospitality. It’s a privilege to recognise those who continue to inspire and elevate our industry.”
With Esmay and Tread Lightly both picking up major awards, it’s another big moment for South Australia’s food and drink scene, and a reminder that some of Australia’s most exciting dining experiences can be found right here at home.
