Restaurant Association 2024 Canterbury Hospitality Awards Unveil Top Dining Destinations
The winners have been announced in our Restaurant Association Canterbury Hospitality awards, presented with the support of lead sponsor Trents. These awards celebrate the best of our industry’s dining establishments and individuals, as voted by the hospitality industry.
Wondering who squared up as the best of the best at this year’s Awards?
The iconic fine dining establishment Inati earned two awards, one for its Outstanding Wine and Beverage List and another for Outstanding Emerging Chef, awarded to Quinn Ojala.
Japanese Izakaya bar and restaurant Bar Yoku also took home two awards for Outstanding Front of House Team and Outstanding Restaurant Manager for Laura Holcroft.
Lisa Levy of Inati has been honoured with the Supreme Individual Award recognising her exceptional contributions to the industry. As the head of the Canterbury Awards committee for seven years and currently Canterbury Branch President, Lisa has been an invaluable asset, beloved and respected by everyone who knows her. Her restaurant, Inati, a Christchurch institution, has received numerous accolades, further solidifying her impact on the region’s dining scene. Lisa’s dedication and leadership have made her a cornerstone of Canterbury’s hospitality community, and this award celebrates her enduring influence.
Family-owned biodynamic winery Black Estate won the award for Outstanding Restaurant.
Located in the historic Christchurch Arts Centre, Cellar Door specialising in wine tasting flights and all-day menu took home the accolade for Supreme Establishment.
The region’s best casual dining spots were also recognised, with meat specialist restaurant, food truck and caterer Smoke ‘n’ Barrel taking home the award for Outstanding Casual Dining.
For the region’s best cocktails, Bareno is a must-visit, having been named Outstanding Bar. The title of Outstanding Bartender was awarded to Cory Evans of The Last Word.
The region’s most beloved cafes were celebrated, with Hello Sunday honoured as the Outstanding Café and Eduardo Santos of Sala Café winning the Outstanding Barista award.
The People’s Choice Award, which is determined by public vote, was awarded to Smokey T’s highlighting the popularity and strong connection it has with the local dining public.
Canterbury truly boasts a plethora of fantastic dining options. From exquisite fine dining establishments to diverse ethnic eateries reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry, and not to forget the great little coffee houses and incredible street food vendors. There’s genuinely something here for everyone to enjoy.
We run these awards not only celebrate our outstanding talent but also to recognise the hard work and dedication that go into delivering exceptional dining experiences. It is crucial that we take the time to pause and celebrate our successes, recognising the hard work and passion that our peers pour into their craft. These awards are a testament to the remarkable talent and innovation that make this region a standout destination, and they provide an opportunity for us to honour the individuals and establishments that elevate the hospitality industry.
For more information regarding the awards, please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/canterbury/. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Canterbury Hospitality Awards 2024 Winners
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Barista – Eduardo Santos, Sala Coffee
Campari Outstanding Bartender – Cory Evans, The Last Word
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef – Julie Han, Table Bloom
Tevalis Outstanding Front of House – Bar Yoku
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bar – Bareno
Silver Fern Farms Outstanding Emerging Chef – Quinn Ojala, Inati
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Wine & Beverage List – Inati
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Restaurant Manager – Laura Holcroft, Bar Yoku
Bidfood Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining – Smoke ‘n’ Barrel
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Outstanding Cafe – Hello Sunday
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design – Scoundrel
Leeston Grocer Outstanding Regional Establishment – Brew Moon
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding New Establishment – Brewda
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant – Black Estate
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sustainability – Otahuna Lodge
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Rep – Zac Goy, Aitkens
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier – Aitkens
Trents Supreme Establishment – Cellar Door
Trents Supreme Individual – Lisa Levy