Franklin grabs number 35 spot on Gourmet Traveller top 100 restaurants list

ONE of Hobart’s newest gourmet eateries, Franklin, is Tasmania’s only entry in this year’s Gourmet Traveller top 100 restaurants list, grabbing the number 35 spot.

Sydney eatery Rockpool has beaten a competitive field to be named Australia’s new Restaurant of the Year.

Gourmet Traveller’s editors singled out the landmark restaurant for its glamorous and grown-up take on fine dining and paid tribute to chefs Neil Perry and Phil Wood.

“The overall standard in this country, whether it’s in cafes, bars, casual eateries or the finest of diners, is on the up, and that’s a win for Australians who love eating out,” GT chief restaurant critic Pat Nourse said.

“It just goes to show that Australia is truly a great destination for people who love to eat, drink and have fun.”

Tasmania’s top 10 restaurants features a few new entries, including Three Japanese in Elizabeth St, and Frank, the funky new Argentinian restaurant from the owners of Smolt.

Australia’s Bar of the Year is Brisbane favourite The Gresham, while Regional Restaurant of the Year is Byron Bay newcomer Three Blue Ducks.

Melbourne scored with Vanessa Crichton, of Rosetta, taking out Maître d’ of the Year, and Raffaele Mastrovincenzo from Kappo winning Sommelier of the Year.

Dan Hunter, of Brae in country Victoria, took out the top spot in the peer-voted Chef of the Year award.

New Restaurant of the Year is Sydney’s Bennelong; Lennox Hastie of Firedoor is

Best New Talent; and, Billy Kwong won Wine List of the Year.

GT’s top 10 restaurants in Tasmania:

1. Franklin

2. Stillwater

3. Me Wah

4. Lebrina

5. Ethos Eat Drink

6. Three Japanese

7. Westend Pumphouse

8. The Source

9. Black Cow Bistro

10. Frank