The Good Food Guide, compiled by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, will be released this year with renowned brands Citi and Vittoria Coffee re-committing as co-presenting partners.
The guide will showcase Australia’s diverse and celebrated food and drink cultures and will be edited by Myffy Rigby. The process of reviewing has also begun through contributors such as Sydney Morning Herald chief reviewer Terry Durack and The Age’s Gemima Cody.
“As Australia’s restaurant and bar scene re-awakens after an incredibly tough period of lockdowns, forced closures and capacity limits, the country’s most trusted and respected dining guide will return in November with two separate editions in NSW and Victoria,” Good Food Guide publishing director Trudi Jenkins said.
“The Good Food Guide team is looking forward to celebrating everything that is great about our dining scene, and helping readers discover the best of the best places to eat.”
The guide has evolved in accordance with the changes in the hospitality industry, according to Rigby.
“In a refreshed overhaul of the guide, this year’s editions will focus on inclusion, not exclusivity. The scoring system has been updated to reflect today’s dining culture but, of course, the cherished Hats will still be awarded,” Rigby said.
“With working from home being the new normal, many Australians have discovered more about dining in their local neighbourhoods. Our focus is covering a broad spectrum of eating experiences, from a solo bowl of peanutty khao soi at a Laminex table to sharing an elaborate hotpot or getting dressed-up for a fine-dining experience.”
These more accessible eating-out options will run alongside what readers have been accustomed to, with the top end of Sydney and Melbourne restaurants and bars recognised.
Categories for the award-winners have also been altered. Sommelier of the year is now Drinks Professional of the Year, while Café of the Year and a New Guard Award are new additions. These changes better reflect the changing face of the industry and the new wave of young professionals.
Both editions of the Good Food Guide will be released in November.