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.
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:
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
