Best Vegetarian Meal - NEW

JUDGING - 100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION

VOUCHER OR JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED: to fund a vegetarian main meal and beverages for two adults to cover the cost of judging. 

OVERVIEW

This category recognises venues that offer a diverse selection of vegetarian dishes.

GENERAL CRITERIA

  • Décor, design, ambience, atmosphere, lighting, and comfortability
  • Quality and appearance of the venue (furniture, table setting, crockery, cutlery, glassware)
  • Popularity of venue and alignment to local market
  • Hygiene and cleanliness (all areas including restrooms)
  • Promotion and marketing of food specials

FOOD AND BEVERAGE CRITERIA

  • Food and beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
  • Variety and quality of vegetarian options available
  • Pricing relevant to local market, quality of the restaurant and dining experience
  • Evidence of daily specials for food and beverage

SERVICE CRITERIA

  • Excellent customer service
  • Staff presentation and quality of interaction (willingness to make recommendations)
  • Staff knowledge of all products
  • Efficiency of order taking, meal delivery, table clearing
  • Staff well-groomed
  • Service consistent with a restaurant experience

BEST VEGETARIAN MEAL CRITERIA

  • Quality, flavour, and creativity of the vegetarian dish(es)
  • Balance of ingredients, textures, and presentation
  • Use of fresh, seasonal, and high-quality produce
  • Innovation beyond standard vegetarian offerings (not just “meat-free alternatives”)
  • Value for money

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

PEOPLE AWARDS 

The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January – 31 December 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between June - July 2026. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice Award
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division