The Northern Territory’s most prestigious dining and hospitality honours were revealed last night at the 2025 Hospitality NT Australian Liquor Marketers Gold Plate Awards, a spectacular evening celebrating the very best of the Territory’s food and beverage industry.
Hosted in Darwin, the event brought together chefs, service professionals, and business leaders to recognise outstanding achievements across 26 categories – from fine dining and family favourites to talented individuals shaping the future of hospitality.
Restaurant of the Year, proudly sponsored by Australian Liquor Marketers, was awarded to Tali Wiru, an extraordinary open-air dining experience that captures the essence of the Red Centre. Tali Wiru also took home Best Tourism Dining, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Territory’s most unique culinary destinations. Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort rounded out a third win, with Best Hotel Restaurant awarded to Arnguli Grill and Restaurant.
Pee Wee’s at the Point continued its legacy of excellence, winning Best Steak and the coveted Best Stand Alone Restaurant, while Cicada Lodge – Nitmiluk Tours impressed judges with a double win for Best Contemporary Restaurant and Best Dessert.
In individual awards, Chef of the Year went to Joe Whitehouse of Berry Springs Tavern, recognised for his innovation and leadership in the kitchen, and the Service Excellence Award was presented to Hannah Graham Ward from Ella for delivering an exceptional guest experience every time.
Beverage excellence shone through with Barista of the Year awarded to Mim Wannakaew of Coffee Man Darwin in an exciting showdown, and Bartender of the Year claimed by Matthew Zarimis of Bar Kokomo, recognising his dedication to his craft.
Innovation in drinks was also celebrated with Best Wine List going to Moorish and Best Cocktail List awarded to Willing Distillery. New venues were recognised with Beef and Bar taking out New Establishment of the Year.
The awards also celebrate the industry’s advances in sustainability and local produce, with Pepperberry Restaurant at Hilton Darwin receiving the Minister’s Award for Sustainability and Saffrron winning the City of Darwin Local Produce Champion Award.
THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
| Category | Proudly Sponsored by | Winner |
| Ministers Awards for Sustainability | Tourism NT | Pepperberry Restaurant at Hilton Darwin |
| Service Excellence | HOSTPLUS | Hannah Graham Ward, Ella |
| Chef of the Year | Charles Darwin University | Joe Whitehouse, Berry Springs Tavern |
| Barista of the Year | DTown Coffee Roasters | Mim Wannakaew, Coffee Man Darwin |
| Bartender of the Year | Spirits Platform | Matthew Zarimis, Bar Kokomo |
| Best Asian Restaurant | Asian United Food Service | Ella |
| Best Casual Dining | Asahi Beverages | SweetBrew & Co |
| Best Contemporary Restaurant | LION | Cicada Lodge – Nitmiluk Tours |
| Best Family Restaurant | Bidfood | Silks Darwin |
| Best International Cuisine | Ryan & Co Solicitors | Il Piatto |
| Best Vegetarian | Dreamedia | Kakadu Tourism – Cooinda Lodge |
| Best Hotel Restaurant | MD Fresh | Arnguli Grill and Restaurant – Ayers Rock Resort |
| Best Outback Dining | Simon George & Sons | Dundee Beach Tavern |
| Best Tourism Dining | Tourism Top End | Tali Wiru |
| Best Breakfast Restaurant | Australian Radio Network | Besser Kitchen & Brew Bar |
| City of Darwin Local Produce Champion Award | City of Darwin | Saffrron Restaurant |
| Best Burger | Good Drinks | Flynns Palmerston |
| Best Steak | ThomasFoods | Pee Wee’s at the Point |
| Best Dessert | Nestle | Cicada Lodge – Nitmiluk Tours |
| Best Wine List | Treasury Premium Brands | Moorish |
| Best Cocktail List | Coca Cola Europacific Partners | Willing Distillery |
| New Establishment | Arafura Catering Equipment | Beef and Bar |
| Best Seafood Restaurant | NT Seafood Council | Pink Chopstix |
| Best Stand Alone Restaurant | H&L POS | Pee Wee’s at the Point |
| Best Events Caterer | All About Party Hire | Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs |
| Restaurant of the Year | Australian Liquor Marketers | Tali Wiru |