KEY POINTS:
A Wellington restaurant took top honours in the third annual Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards announced tonight.
Martin Bosley's was awarded the supreme title out of 33 finalist restaurants and more than 160 entrants judged by 12 leading food experts in the largest national restaurant competition in the country.
Head chef and owner of the acclaimed restaurant at the Port Nicholson Yacht Club on Wellington's waterfront, Martin Bosley's was described by judges as "a rare restaurateur who takes passion for his profession to the highest level, attending to each and every detail that ensures his guests enjoy absolute satisfaction".
Cuisine food editor and head judge Lauraine Jacobs said Martin Bosley's was a class act which could well compete with top restaurants anywhere in the world.
"You'll never want to leave the stunning long room with its close-up view of the harbour and the warm welcome that awaits from the well-trained professional crew."
As well as the Supreme Winner award, Martin Bosley's also won the Best Fine Dining category. However, competition was so close that judges gave a special runner-up award to The French Cafe, in Auckland.
The Wellington region also won two of the top category awards, taking out three of the seven award categories in total.
Wellington's Pravda Cafe won the Best Casual Dining - Metropolitan award, with judges commenting on the "lively, friendly atmosphere" and "dishes filled with flavour and serious depth".
The Best Casual Dining - Regional award went to Wairarapa's The Martinborough at Peppers Martinborough Hotel.
Auckland's Soto Japanese Garden Restaurant won the new category of Best Ethnic or Themed Restaurant.
Another new category, Best Wine Experience, was awarded to Auckland's O'Connell Street Bistro.
For the second year in a row, the Best Winery Restaurant was Amisfield Winery Bistro in Queenstown.
- NZPA
