If, like me, your love of lists is only marginally outweighed by your love of food, then today is glorious day, my friend.
For Open Table has released the Top 50 Restaurants in Australia for 2017.
To develop the list, the online reservation service analysed more than 70,000 reviews posted by its users for more than 1,500 restaurants Australia-wide.
There’s no official placing within the top 50 – just like a primary school sports carnival, everyone gets a ribbon. But if there’s one real winner here, it’s Sydney diners. The NSW capital is home to 52 per cent of the victorious restaurants, including stalwarts like Aria and Cafe Sydney, as well as suburban favourites Hartsyard and Dead Ringer.
And sorry Melbourne, but Brisbane comes next with 12 entries, edging out the so-called ‘culinary capital’ by one listing.
Lisa Hasen, OpenTable’s VP, said, “The top 50 restaurants in Australia for 2017 are all renowned for their creativity, delicious dishes and impeccable service, providing uniquely memorable experiences to discerning diners time and time again.
“This list showcases the diversity of Australia’s restaurant scene and the array of cuisines we’re so fortunate to have on our doorstep.”
Asian cuisine dominated the list, representing a quarter of the winners. Modern Australian was next, followed by Italian.
Anyhoo, let’s skip straight to the good stuff. Fasten your bibs, folks; here they are, state-by-state, in alphabetical order.
QUEENSLAND
Bistro C – Brisbane, Australia
Elio’s Osteria – Brisbane, Australia
Hideaway Kitchen & Bar Broadbeach – Brisbane, Australia
Les Bubbles Bar and Bistro – Brisbane, Australia
Madame Wu – Brisbane, Australia
Rick Shores – Brisbane, Australia
Rogue Bar + Bistro – Brisbane, Australia
Sails Noosa – Brisbane, Australia
Stokehouse Q – Brisbane, Australia
Sum Yung Guys – Brisbane, Australia
The Collective Palm Beach – Brisbane, Australia
Vaquero – Brisbane, Australia