The 2025 Good Food Guide Awards were announced on Monday at a dazzling ceremony at Plaza Ballroom to a packed house of hospitality professionals.
Carlton’s Bar Olo edged out fellow finalists Askal, Carnation Canteen, Hopper Joint, Lucia, and Reed House to win New Restaurant of the Year. Among the other more notable wins, meanwhile, it was a big night for Victoria’s Korean food community, with Jung Eun Chae awarded Chef of the Year for her work at singular six-seater, Chae, and Café of the Year going to the recently relocated Moon Mart.
The three-hat club grew from three to four this year, with Vue de Monde – which scored a field-high 18.5 points of a possible 20 – returning to the top flight after being ineligible for the 2024 Guide while it underwent major renovations. It joined laser-perfect sushi restaurant Minamishima, Amaru and Brae, all of which retained their three-hat status – Brae for the 11th consecutive year.
The Punters Club took out the inaugural Pub of the Year award, after a tasteful mid-year reboot that returned its focus to live music and great pub food (see: tuna tartare with salt and vinegar chips).
The late Greg Malouf was honoured in a touching tribute that celebrated his contribution to Middle Eastern food in Australia, while Jamie Bucirde won the inaugural Cultural Change Champion for her work tackling systemic assault in the hospitality industry.
The ceremony also launched the Good Food app, a digital version of the Guide that includes reviews and recipes, and maps the country’s best restaurants, among other features.
Congratulations to the class of 2025 – you’ll find the list of awardees below, and the full list of hat-winners at goodfood.com.au.
By Frank Sweet
Chef of the Year – Jung Eun Chae, Chae
New Restaurant of the Year – Bar Olo
Restaurant of the Year – Moonah
Regional Restaurant of the Year – Messmates
Service Excellence Award – Rajnor Soin, Vue de Monde
Young Chef of the Year – Saavni Krishnan
Katie McCormack Young Service Talent Award – Nicole Sharrad
Sommelier of the Year – Tess Murray, Chauncy
Legend Award – Greg Malouf
Drinks List of the Year – Bar Spontana
Cafe of the Year – Moon Mart
Bar of the Year – Apollo Inn
Pub of the Year – The Punters Club
Critics’ Pick Award – Danny’s Kopitiam
Food for Good – Samesyn
Cultural Change Champion – Jamie Bucirde, Not So Hospitable and On The Cusp