2025 GOLD PLATE AWARDS

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  • Categories

    Each venue may select up to 2 of the below categories which they wish to be judged. Cost is $99 per category.

    Contemporary Restaurant

    Establishments which predominantly offer a menu characterised by fresh seasonal produce and innovative dishes that reflect contemporary trends.

    Family Restaurant

    Venues which provide and promote an environment suitable for the family dining market (eg, play areas, menu targeting under 12 years of age, toys, etc).

    Casual Dining

    A restaurant or cafe providing a relaxed menu of affordable snacks, light meals and refreshments. Offering continuous service in a casual dining environment and has some table service.

    Outback Dining

    A restaurant/bistro operating within a Wayside Inn or regional/remote outback venue.

    Tourism Dining

    Venues offering a tourism experience or service to the tourism industry, must be seen in the public eye to be a draw card to the establishment. This award recognises venues contribution to tourism through the provision of food and beverage

    Asian Restaurant

    A restaurant specialising in Asian cuisine (ie. Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, etc).

    International Cuisine Restaurant

    International cuisine restaurants that do not fall within the Asian Restaurant category.

    Seafood Restaurant

    A restaurant/bistro specialising in seafood cuisine.

    Hotel Restaurant

    A restaurant within an accommodation hotel.

    New Establishment

    A restaurant / food establishment that opened after 1 July 2024.

    Stand Alone Restaurant

    Venues that operate solely as a restaurant (ie. not part of an accommodation hotel, tavern or club).

    Best Steak

    Nominated venues will be judged on their steak offering.

    Best Vegetarian Dish

    Honouring a venue that excels in delivering outstanding and innovative vegetarian cuisine.

    Restaurant of the Year

    The winner of this category is determined by the highest scoring venue across all restaurant categories.

    Each venue may select any of the below categories which they wish to be judged. Cost is $49 per category.

    Best Breakfast

    Establishments which specialise in the provision of breakfast/brunch.

    Best Burger

    Venues that specialise the provision of a la carte burgers and offer a dine in facility.

    Best Dessert

    A restaurant or café that specialises in the provision of dessert.

    Wine List and Cocktail List categories are available as additional entries by all nominating venues free of charge.

    Best Wine List

    Open to all entrants who submit their wine list.

    Best Cocktail List

    Open to all entrants who submit their cocktail list.

    Submission based categories are available as additional entries by all nominating venues free of charge. Submission due Friday 18th July.

    Local Produce Champion/ Production
    of the Year Award*

    For any restaurant or business that champions local produced food and local NT Suppliers.Nominees could also have hosted or produced local events and festivals that featured local businesses and local food.

    View Criteria

    This category recognises excellence in the use and promotion of locally sourced food and beverages from the Northern Territory. It is a submission-only category — judges will not be visiting or dining at nominated venues, so your written submission is essential.

    Nomination Criteria

    Open to any restaurant, venue, or business that champions locally produced food and actively supports Northern Territory suppliers. Nominees may also include businesses that host or contribute to local events or festivals celebrating local produce and producers.

    Your Submission May Include:

    • Sample menus, photographs, and a short summary showcasing the use of NT-sourced ingredients
    • Information on relationships with local suppliers and producers
    • Details on the range and seasonality of produce featured
    • Information on local events or festivals you’ve hosted or contributed to, that highlight NT produce
    • Marketing and promotional material that tells the story of your local sourcing efforts

    We understand venues are busy so there is no word limit or expectation on your submission

    Key Dates

    • Submissions due: COB Friday, 18th July
    • Please note that all finalists and winners will be announced at the Gold Plate Awards Gala Dinner.
    • All Nominees are required to attend the Gold Plate Awards, on Monday 25th August in Darwin.

    Celebrate the Territory’s best. Share your story, inspire others, and showcase your passion for local produce!

    Ministers Award for Sustainability*

    For any restaurant or business which support environmental best practice including but not limited to energy and water saving initiatives, recycling programs, reduced wastage etc.

    View Criteria

    This award recognises businesses leading the way in environmentally responsible practices within the hospitality industry. From reducing waste to innovative sustainability initiatives, this is your opportunity to showcase how your business is making a difference.

    Nomination Criteria

    Open to any restaurant, café, venue, or hospitality business that has embedded environmental best practices into its operations. This may include (but is not limited to) energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable packaging.

    Your Submission May Include:

    • Energy and water-saving initiatives and their effectiveness
    • Waste reduction and recycling programs, including food waste strategies
    • Use of biodegradable, reusable, or reduced packaging
    • How sustainability practices are incorporated into day-to-day operations
    • Innovation in sustainability efforts
    • Documented outcomes and measurable impact of your initiatives
    • Environmental policies (e.g. plastic-free, plant-based options, refillable stations)
    • Economic benefits and cost savings from your sustainability practices
    • Marketing and promotional materials showcasing your sustainability efforts

    We understand venues are busy so there is no word limit or expectation on your submission.

    Key Dates

    • Submissions due: COB Friday, 18th July
    • Please note that all finalists and winners will be announced at the Gold Plate Awards Gala Dinner.
    • All Nominees are required to attend the Gold Plate Awards, on Monday 25th August in Darwin.

    Let’s celebrate those who are raising the bar for a greener, more sustainable NT hospitality industry.

    Events Caterer*

    Caterers who specialise in providing catering and event co-ordination for the social, corporate, public or government sector. Includes party functions, incentive events, charity events, entertainment, sporting events, product launches, media events. Weddings are not permitted to be judged in this category.

    View Criteria

    This is a submission-only category — judges will not be visiting or sampling at your venue, so your written submission is vital in showcasing your capabilities.

    What to Include in Your Submission

    To help us fully understand your strengths in delivering outstanding events, your submission may include:

    • A description of the types of functions and events you cater for
    • Sample menus (food and beverage), highlighting variety, flexibility and customisation
    • Images of past events to showcase presentation and setup
    • Capacity details, including the number of guests you can cater for
    • Sample event proposals or quotations. Use of event management software, online ordering, or booking platforms.
    • Information about owned or exclusively leased event spaces
    • Overview of seasonal capabilities and adaptability
    • Marketing and promotional materials
    • Client testimonials and reviews. Awards or media recognition
    • Unique or standout function/event offerings. Budget range offerings.
    • Information on event coordination, including availability of dedicated staff or coordinators. Team profiles. Behind the scenes insights.

    We understand venues are busy so there is no word limit or specific expectations for you submission

    Key Dates

    • Submissions due: COB Friday, 18th July
    • Please note that all finalists and winners will be announced at the Gold Plate Awards Gala Dinner.
    • All Nominees are required to attend the Gold Plate Awards, on Monday 19th August in Darwin.

    If your business excels in crafting exceptional events, we want to hear from you. Share your creativity, professionalism, and passion for delivering unforgettable functions.

    Service Excellence*

    Awarded to an employee who has made an outstanding contribution in their field. This category is open to those restaurant and café employees that have direct contact primarily with customers while performing their everyday duties. Includes food & beverage attendant, host, bar staff, function staff,
    waiters and waitresses.

    View Criteria

    This award recognises frontline hospitality professionals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service. It celebrates dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences.

    Nomination Criteria

    • The nominee must be put forward by their employer.
    • The nominee must have been employed with the same business for a minimum of six (6) months prior to nomination.
    • Service Excellence employee can include Supervisors and Duty Managers, however cannot be in higher management positions, including General Managers, Venue Managers, Operations Manager.

    Submission Requirements

    1. Employee Submission:
    A current CV, which includes:

    • Employment history and length of service
    • Current roles and responsibilities
    • Relevant industry experience
    • Qualifications and training completed

    2. Employer Letter of Support:
    A brief letter from the employer highlighting:

    • The employee’s key roles and responsibilities
    • Standards of service delivery and approach to customer service
    • Feedback received from customers, peers, or managers
    • Contribution to the team and workplace culture
    • Training completed and industry experience
    • Dedication to career growth and self-improvement

    We understand venues are busy so there is no word limit or expectation on your submission.

    Important Dates

    • Submission deadline: COB Friday, 18th July
    • Please note that all finalists and winners will be announced at the Gold Plate Awards Gala Dinner. All Nominees are required to attend the Gold Plate Awards, on Monday 25th August at Darwin.

    Additional Notes

    During the judging process, the panel may contact the employer to verify details or gather further information regarding the nominee’s performance and professional conduct.

    This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of hospitality — those who deliver service with heart, consistency, and excellence.

    * Submission required

    Competition based categories. Free of charge to enter.

    Bartender of the Year

    Awarded to a bartender with a high standard of workplace performance, sound beverage knowledge and demonstrated commitment to RSA. The Bartender of the Year competition will be held on Monday 18th August from 9.00am.

    Best Barista

    Awarded to an employee who is an informative and inspiring barista who takes all the elements of coffee preparation and customer service to a new level and can produce excellence in the cup. The Best Barista competition will be held on Wednesday 13th August from 3.00pm

    Chef of the Year

    Awarded to a Chef whose dedication and attitude has created enthusiasm in the hospitality industry. A Chef who is leading the way with kitchen management skills and has fantastic food innovation. Open to anyone who is currently working as a Chef within the industry. The Chef of the Year competition will be held on Thursday 10th July from 9.00am – 2.00pm.

    Entries close midday Tuesday 24th June 2025

    Please note: All fees are inclusive of GST

    *Submission based category
    We understand venues are busy so there is no word limit or expectation on your submission. Submissions are due Friday 18th July.