3rd May 2023
The Northland hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners in the Northland Hospitality Awards on Monday night.
The awards recognise the hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is proud to organise and foster these awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Northland hospitality industry.
Situated at Paroa Bay Winery, destination dining experience Sage, noted for its fresh, local and seasonal products and some of the freshest and most revered offerings from the ocean, took out three awards – outstanding restaurant and outstanding chef and emerging chef for Daniel Fraser and Caitlin Rose Brown respectively.
Known for its rustic pizzas, Hōne’s Garden won two awards for front of house team and outstanding ambience and design.
Whangarei Town basin eatery The Quay won the hearts of the public with the people’s choice award. Owners Lloyd and Mike took over from the well-regarded Reva’s on the Waterfront, which had been in the location for 20 years, giving the place a modern makeover with a menu of high-quality, smart-casual bistro food to match.
Those looking for a place to get a well-served beverage can rest assured there is no shortage of great places to get a drink in the region.
Outstanding bar of the year went to The Tipsy Oyster in Paihia – a tapas bar and restaurant all combined it offers fresh local tapas and fusion tapas to locals and tourists alike.
Great cafes are also not lacking in the region with Third Wheel Coffee Co. winning the accolade of outstanding cafe.
Those looking for the region’s best flat white should head straight to Whangārei cafe Hello Pickle where Jade Hennessy was the winner of outstanding barista.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says “With the recent weather events its been a tough start to the year for Te Tai Tokerau.
“It’s so important to come together for occasions like this to acknowledge our achievements and celebrate together as an industry.
“By recognizing the hard work and dedication of hospitality professionals, these awards can help to promote the local dining scene and attract visitors. The positive impact of these awards can inspire and motivate others in the industry to strive for excellence and provide exceptional dining experiences to their customers.”
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on Sunday 30th April 2023 at Whangārei Art Museum.
For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/northland. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Northland Hospitality Awards 2023 Winners
DineFind Outstanding Barista
Jade Hennessy, Hello Pickle
V Energy Outstanding Bartender
Victoria Alexander, Bad Habits
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team
Hōne’s Garden
NorthTec Te Pukenga Emerging Chef
Caitlin Rose Brown, Sage Restaurant
Te Tupu Tahi Outstanding Chef
Daniel Fraser, Sage Restaurant
Gilmours Outstanding Café
Third Wheel Coffee Co.
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
Tipsy Oyster
DineFind Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food
Rata’s Kitchen
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Hōne’s Garden
Whangarei District Council Outstanding Regional Establishment
Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
Bidfood Outstanding Restaurant
Sage Restaurant
Restaurant Association Food & Beverage Producer
Black Collar Distillery
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
Omak Meats