Indian restaurant Indian Star was the people's choice. Photo / Supplied
Indian restaurant Indian Star was the people's choice. Photo / Supplied
The city's hospitality sector took a well-earned night off celebrating their champions at the annual Rotorua Hospitality Awards last night.
The winners were announced at a sell-out awards ceremony held at the Energy Events Centre on July 25.
Presented by the Restaurant Association of NZ and lead partners Gilmours and RA Lexis ComplyHub, the awards acknowledge the outstanding hospitality professionals making a positive impact on the local café, dining and drinking scene.
Speak easy meets metropolitan eat street bistro Atticus Finch took out supreme restaurant. Bartender Sean Kelly was also recognised picking up the award for outstanding bartender.
Indian restaurant Indian Star was the people's choice, with members of the dining public overwhelmingly selecting it as their favourite place to dine.
Funky Tutanekai Street eatery Scope Cafe picked up the award for outstanding café.
Monica Muzzioli of Regent of Rotorua won outstanding waitperson, while Third Place Café took out the award for outstanding front of house team.
Meanwhile, Little BREW | Craft Beer Pub won outstanding bar.
Atticus Finch took out supreme restaurant. Photo / Supplied
Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said Rotorua was recognised globally for its manaakitanga.
"It's so important that hospitality recognises our champions as it provides not only a peer benchmark for excellence, but also serves to give our local community and our visitors valuable guidelines on the best places to visit.
"We believe it's important to shine a light on our industry and ensure hospitality is recognised for its contribution to our local community and visitor economy."
Jason Morrissey of Gilmours said he was proud to be involved in the industry that has had to show the most resilience of all.
"Hospitality is hard in the good times and we have all managed to survive and thrive."
FULL WINNERS:
Outstanding Barista: Andrew Phillips - Revolver Coffee Roasters Outstanding Bartender: Sean Kelly - Atticus Finch Outstanding Waiter/Waitress: Monica Muzzioll - Regent of Rotorua Outstanding Front Of House: Third Place Cafe Emerging Chef: Syvelle Ann Troyer - Peppers on the Point Outstanding Chef: Bruce Thomason - Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar Outstanding Sales Rep: Shirley Robinson - Service Foods Outstanding Supplier: Bidfood Outstanding Street Food/Takeout: El Mexicano Zapata Express Outstanding Cafe: Scope Rotorua Outstanding Bar: Brew Craft Beer Pub Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant: Giovannis Restaurant and Pizzeria Outstanding New Establishment: The Fainting Goat Gastrobar Outstanding Suburban Establishment: Good Eastern Taphouse Ambience and Design Award: Eastwood (Located at Scion) Outstanding Restaurant: Atticus Finch Outstanding Peoples Choice: Indian Star Restaurant Supreme Award: Urbano Bistro
