The Rotorua hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners in the Rotorua Hospitality Awards on Sunday night.
Presented by the Restaurant Association, with the support of lead sponsor, Rotorua NZ, the awards recognise the hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene.
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is proud to organise and foster these awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the local hospitality industry.
Eat Street restaurant Atticus Finch took out three awards including the supreme establishment award for its mod vibe and sidewalk seating offering eclectic local mains and nibbles.
Atticus Finch’s Nicky Westbrook also took home the award for outstanding barista. The restaurant’s fit out was also recognised with a win for outstanding ambience and design.
Asian fusion restaurant White Tiger Restaurant & Bar was the clear local’s favourite winning the people’s choice award.
Urbano recently celebrated 16 years of operation and has won the award for outstanding restaurant. Smart casual café by day and informal bistro restaurant by night, Urbano has won multiple awards for its our innovative and contemporary cuisine, paired with unrivalled service. Urbano Bistro owners Richard and Julie Sewell were also recognised for their significant contribution to the local hospitality industry, jointly taking home the icon of hospitality award.
Inspired by the tapas cuisine of Spain, and already making a name for itself in Rotorua, Poco Tapas and Wine has been awards the outstanding new establishment. Outstanding chef went to William Foote of The Mains Restaurant – on the point for his signature fine dining using premium local ingredients.
Those looking for a place to get a well-served beverage can rest assured there is no shortage of great places in the region.
Outstanding bar of the year went to popular central Rotorua establishment BREW, whilst Teina Cassidy of Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar took out the best bartender accolade.
Those looking for the region’s best brunch should head to Cafe Dynasti who took home the award for outstanding café.
Lovers of casual dining should seek out El Mexicano Zapata Cantina which was awarded outstanding street food/casual dining.
“From lake side restaurants with panoramic views, to Eat Street bars and cafes, there is no shortage of exceptional dining options in Rotorua,” says Restaurant Association of New Zealand CEO Marisa Bidois.
“It’s great to see tourism returning to the region and the awards are a great way to bring attention to the unforgettable dining experiences it has to offer.
“With each category hotly contested, it’s very exciting to see new talent emerge and make their mark. It’s important to recognise and support these individuals as they continue to develop. The fact that there were so many deserving nominees is a positive sign for the future of the hospitality industry in the region.”
Rotorua Hospitality Awards Committee
Icon of Hospitality
Richard & Julie Sewell, Urbano Bistro
RotoruaNZ Supreme Award – Establishment
Atticus Finch
The Breeze Outstanding People’s Choice
White Tiger Restaurant and Bar
Activities and Events Unlimited Outstanding Barista
Nicky Westbrook, Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch Outstanding Bartender
Teina Cassidy, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
Tevalis Outstanding Front of House Team
The Fainting Goat
Gilmours Outstanding Chef
William Foote, The Mains Restaurant – On The Point
Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (Toi Ohomai Business Division) Emerging Chef
Ethan Barnett, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
Rotorua Events & Venues Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
El Mexicano Zapata Cantina (Tutanekai St)
Indian Star Restaurant Outstanding Bar
BREW | Craft Beer Pub
Nova Energy Outstanding New Establishment
Poco Tapas & Wine
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Atticus Finch
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Restaurant
Urbano
Sudima Lake Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep
Sara Schneller, Bidfood Rotorua
Restaurant Association Outstanding Supplier
Rotorua Fresh
