Brisbane is officially home to Australia’s best restaurant, with Fortitude Valley fire-powered diner Agnes taking out the coveted title of this year’s Gourmet Traveller Restaurant of the Year on Monday night.
The dark and moody River City favourite, hidden in a heritage building in the Valley’s backstreets, beat out celebrated dining spots from across the country, including Sydney’s Aalia and Melbourne’s Etta, to claim the prestigious prize.
It becomes only the second Queensland restaurant in the awards’ 44-year history to win the trophy, after E’cco Bistro’s victory in 1997.
“It is really lovely to be recognised because we do put our heart and soul into it and we work so hard to do our best for our customers,” said Ty Simon, co-owner of Agnes, which also won Queensland Restaurant of the Year in the awards.
The modern Australian eatery, which only operates on fire power – with no gas or electricity, was applauded by the judges for its sensational cookery led by executive chef and co-owner Ben Williamson; as well as its impeccable service.
“For a long time, Brisbane [was seen as] a bit of a gateway to the rest of north Queensland and the state, and I think lately… it’s really becoming a destination of its own.”
Other winners on the night included Filipino favourite Serai in Melbourne, which won Best New Restaurant; while Vue de Monde’s Hugh Allen scored Chef of the Year.
