The highly anticipated Middle Eastern wine bar Melbourne simply can’t get enough of. A pop-up-turned-permanent fine diner celebrating pickling, fermentation and fantastic Indian flavours. A household name recognised for her enduring contribution to food in Australia. And a well-deserved win for Melbourne’s wunderkind and his Fitzroy Gardens restaurant. The winners of the national Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant Awards are here.
Tom Sarafian is showing no signs of slowing down this awards season, with his Middle Eastern wine bar and diner Zareh taking out Restaurant of the Year in both the state and national categories. And if you’re not talking about Sarafian’s Zareh in 2026, you’re probably talking about Hugh Allen’s Yiaga. The young chef’s highly anticipated restaurant has redefined fine dining standards in Australia and has taken out the gong in the Best New Restaurant category.
After shopping their pop-up around for some time, Saavni Krishnan and Aditya Suresh’s Indian eatery Saadi continues to make a splash in the former Sunda site with its signature brand of elevated ferments, pickles, chutneys and chillies. It was top honours for the couple at last night’s awards, with a no-contest win in the Best New Talent category.
Author, cook and household name Stephanie Alexander, meanwhile, has been recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality award for her enduring commitment to food, hospitality and the culture behind it in Australia.
Read more on Tom Sarafian, Hugh Allen, Saavni Krishnan and Aditya Suresh and Stephanie Alexander, as well as the other winners from across the country at Gourmet Traveller.