Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)

JUDGING (100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)

JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED - Funds for two people to have a main meal, sides and beverages must be provided to cover the cost of judging.

*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

OVERVIEW

For fairness in judging this category it has been split into geographic locations. Venues will be judged against other venues within the same geographic location.

To be eligible for these categories, food must be ordered and paid for over the bar, bistro or via at-table ordering platforms (i.e., me&u). Meals may be delivered by staff using table numbers, collected by patrons using a buzzer or other methods. It must be clear that this is a casual dining experience and not a restaurant experience.

GENERAL CRITERIA

• Décor, design, ambience, casual atmosphere, and comfortability
• Quality and appearance of the venue (furniture, table setting, crockery, cutlery, glassware)
• Popularity of venue and alignment to local market
• Hygiene and cleanliness (all areas including restrooms)
• Promotion and marketing of food specials

FOOD AND BEVERAGE CRITERIA

• Food and beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
• Pricing relevant to local market, quality of the restaurant and dining experience
• Evidence of daily specials for food and beverage
• Original and innovative wine list with a range of wines served by the glass and bottle

EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

• Excellent customer service
• Staff presentation and quality of interaction (willingness to make recommendations)
• Staff knowledge of all products with the capability of food and wine matching with dishes offered
• Efficiency of order taking, meal delivery, table clearing
• Staff well-groomed
• Service consistent with a casual dining experience

2024 WINNER (Northern): Huntlee Tavern, Branxton

2024 WINNER (Southern): Robertson Public House & Kitchen, Robertson

2024 WINNER (Western): Tydvil Hotel, Broken Hill