# SMH Good Food Guide Awards recognition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/smh-good-food-guide-awards-recognition
> Updated: 2026-10-26T08:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The 42nd Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards celebrated excellence within the Australian hospitality industry, honoring various categories such as Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year across New South Wales and the ACT.

In Sydney, several establishments earned high ratings, including two-hat or three-hat distinctions for venues such as Aria, Bennelong, and Ester. Additionally, the guide released a list of 100 Essential Restaurants, featuring La Buvette in Potts Point and Canton Noodle House in Riverwood. In Newcastle, the restaurant Flotilla was recognized for its seasonal menu and fine dining.

The 42nd edition utilizes a scoring system out of 20 based on food, hospitality, setting, and value to determine restaurant hats. Under this system, venues scoring 15 or above receive one hat, 16 to 17 receive two hats, and scores between 18 and 20 earn three hats. Notable high-scoring establishments include 10 William St in Paddington, Aenza in Darlinghurst, and Arthur in Surry Hills. The awards also recognized two chefs as joint Chefs of the Year and highlighted achievements by an inner-west bistro.

## Claims

- The SMH Good Food Guide 2026 awards include restaurants from the North Shore and Northern Beaches. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Bathers’ Pavilion in Mosman received a rating of 17/20. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Pilu at Freshwater received a rating of 17/20. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Berowra Waters Inn received a rating of 16/20. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ormeggio at The Spit received a rating of 16/20. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Stanley in Manly received a rating of 16/20. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Good Food Guide highlights essential Sydney restaurants

The Good Food Guide has named La Buvette and Canton Noodle House among Sydney's 100 Essential Restaurants.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/good-food-guide-highlights-essential-sydney-restaurants

### 2026-10-26: SMH Good Food Guide awards 42nd edition winners

The 42nd SMH Good Food Guide has released its restaurant ratings and hat winners, recognizing top dining establishments across Sydney and surrounding regions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/smh-good-food-guide-awards-ceremony-held-in-sydney

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Cite as: SMH Good Food Guide Awards recognition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/smh-good-food-guide-awards-recognition