Every year and with great anticipation foodies await both the Australian Good Food Guide Chefs Hat in early 2025 and Sydney Morning Heralds Hatted Restaurant Winners in late 2024. A benchmark of the extraordinary, the brilliant, the simply perfect, best of the best places to dine. These two prestigious guides define hospitality experiences right across this great brown land of ours and they also create a bucket list of places you simply must get out to see and experience for yourself.
In 2025 we have curated a list of some of winners you can experience right in your very own backyard. We have captured the comments of each guide who sum up the beauty of each dining experience perfectly. Lets begin with Greater Western Sydney, the playground of so many diverse cultures and food. Destination’s in and of themselves, each restaurant is a gateway to a culinary experience. Why not make this your definitive list of MUST VISIT venues for 2025.
In the foothills of the Blue Mountains, in the Hawkesbury region, Two Hat award winning Restaurant Amara at Spicers Sangoma Retreat offers an intimate five and seven-course degustation menu for lunch and dinner that showcase the creativity of the Amara team led head chef Will Houia, and their signature emphasis on locally sourced produce. With AMARA's intimate seating for only 18 guests, experience creative impeccable degustation dining with hyper-local organic ingredients.
At Amara, only the freshest of local organic and sustainable produce is sourced from within a one-hour drive radius. Known as the ‘chef’s harvest experience’, the best of the region is always at hand, thanks to strong personal relationships with local producers. Indigenous ingredients make a welcome appearance, and traditional cooking techniques of charcoal and fire are preferred.
As the Zulu word for ‘grace,’ Amara offers sophistication, finesse, and a touch of magic in every corner. Diners are at the centre of an ecosystem of local producers and sustainable on-site practices, which together serve up a dining experience in harmony with nature and the alluring bushland surrounds - the perfect city escape.
Angelo's has been an institution of the Cabarita area for 30 years. Nestle in Prince Phillip Park and with glorious views, a memorable dining experiences and a relaxed, elegant interior. Awarded a AGFG Chef Hat for 2025 it a testament to the passion, dedication, and creativity of everyone who shapes Angelo’s including the wonderful locals who have re-embraced this venue with open arms and hearts.
Best known for their Hot Seafood Experience: crispy fried calamari, BBQ prawns, whole lobster with herb and garlic butter, Hervey Bay scallops, pan-fried market fish, oysters Kilpatrick, hand-cut chips and truffle salt.
Arrana’s is best known for showcasing Australian native ingredients in every dish and has been awarded two chef hats each year, since 2022. Set in the charming township of Springwood it is a must visit destination for anyone who wants an unmistakably Australian, unforgettable dining experience in the Blue Mountains.
AGFG comments sum this venue up. “Taking inspiration from the beauty and rugged landscapes of the Blue Mountains and past cultures, Arrana on Macquarie Road in Springwood weaves native ingredients and stories into its menus. Step into a warm space, where the lighting is soft and the champagne abundant, ideal for a romantic fine dining experience and ponder two degustation-style seasonal menus with wine pairing options. Think delicious starters like kingfish, finger lime, green ants and pico de gallo, or oyster mushroom, elderflower, Davidson plum and yolk, before larger plates of squid, crocodile XO, apple and lemon myrtle. Finish indulgently with a dessert of coconut, aniseed myrtle, coriander and papaya, enjoyed with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, or petit fours, with tea or coffee."
CHU Restaurant by China Doll celebrates winning the Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Award for 2023 and 2024.
Renowned for its innovative pan-Asian cuisine, CHU enhances Western Sydney’s dining scene with a menu of premium, locally sourced ingredients. Head Chefs Frank Shek of China Doll and Arthur Jheng of CHU showcase signature dishes like Peking Duck and a seafood tasting menu. “CHU offers an unforgettable culinary experience for Greater Sydney,” says Shek. This award highlights CHU’s commitment to excellence and its impact on redefining the region’s dining landscape, cementing its reputation as a top destination for food lovers. WET has visited this establishment on a number of occasions and it never, ever disappoints.
With views across the historic formal English gardens and the escarpment of Jamison Valley, Darley’s is Lilianfels signature fine dining restaurant renowned for its fresh, local produce, fine wines and fine cuisine. The main dining room seats up to 50 people and feaures two open ornate fireplaces, stunning leadlight windows luxurious designer wall prints, evocative artworks and plush furnishings that speak of style and grace.
Steeped in style and elegance, multi-award-winning Darleys on Lilianfels Avenue in Katoomba, sparkles with newly revived old-world charm. This unrivalled restaurant boasts a menu to match, prepared using the best local and organic produce, complemented by an extensive wine list.
Expect entrées like Wagyu Aburi Tempered egg, black garlic, dashi butter, ikura, before a memorable main of Tathra Place Heritage Lamb Heirloom carrots, orange witlof, broad beans followed by a decadent dessert of Darley’s Lamington Cake, Chocolate Glazed Mousse, Coconut Chiffon Cake, Davidson plum jam and coconut textures.
If cravings lean towards the true flavours of Italian cuisine, stop by Entrata on Glenhaven Road. This Glenhaven restaurant with bush views is all rustic charm with exposed coloured brick walls and dark wood furniture blending seamlessly with glowing pendent lights, to create a moody dining experience.
Plating up fare from the roots of old Italy with a modern twist, expect seasonal dishes such as scallops, cauliflower crème, tomato concasse, chives, crispy pancetta and nduja oil to start. Say buon appetito to linguine with WA rock lobster, cherry tomato, garlic, chilli, saffron lobster butter bisque and citrus almond pesto, or herb-crusted lamb rack, Roma tomato, eggplant, zucchini, Dutch carrots and red wine jus; finishing with a dessert of vanilla panna cotta and blueberry sauce.
Awarded a hat by AGFG for the second year in a row this is a MUST VISIT destination, staycation and all-round exceptional experience in the Liverpool LGA.
AGFG comments sum up the experience perfectly: Inspired by more than 100 years of Inglis history, the Newmarket Room offers a unique, modern culinary experience. Located on the ground floor of The William Inglis Hotel, a stunning set-up showcases a boutique equine theme, while an alfresco dining area overlooks the gardens and Riverside Stables. Discover a collection of unique and intriguing cocktails that embody more than just a drink and begin your meal with entrées such as foie gras, lamb cutlet and char-grilled octopus; before indulging in rich and vibrant flavours with mains including dry-aged duck breast, chicken roulade and Newmarket’s signature minute steak. Treat yourself and finish with decadent desserts featuring dark chocolate mousse and deconstructed key lime tart….and don’t forget an exceptional wine list.
Winner of a prestigious AGFG Hat, delivering an exceptional Japanese-inspired dining experience in the heart of Parramatta. The menu blends traditional flavours with modern techniques, offering a culinary journey that captivates the senses.
Nestled on the rooftop of the Heritage Lounge, food artistry meets Japanese perfection at this moody and evocative venue where a magnificent olive tree sits centre stage, twinkling with fairy lights and food is served with flair and theatrics.
Exceptional cocktails, exceptional food. Parramatta’s first Japanese fine dining experience.
Winning a coveted Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Hat, it is the only restaurant in the suburb to ever earn a hat, solidifying its place as one of the region’s top dining experiences. Located above The Log Cabin, a historic waterfront pub in the heart of Penrith, Sinclair’s offers an elevated dining experience curated by Head Chef Scott Mills, with breathtaking views of the Nepean River. Since its opening in June 2022, the restaurant has become a local favourite, renowned for its strong community ties, exceptional food quality and dedication to local producers.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Nepean River and its surroundings, the restaurant, bar and private dining room (which seats up to 14 guests) features commissioned artwork by Bermudan artist Meg Walters, showcasing the Nepean River and its mountainous backdrop. Outside, the river deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Nepean River, creating the perfect atmosphere for those long, hot summer days. WEST featured Sinclair’s sometime back with local foodie Clare Hodges.
Executive Chef, Jamie Gannon commented to WEST. “Our philosophy is to consistently source the best quality local ingredients and let them be the star of the show. Using local produce, and staying connected to our farmers, growers, and suppliers, is a core principle at Sinclair’s. We've built lasting relationships with local vendors like Grima Brothers, Glossodia Herbs, Game Farm, and Pepe’s Ducks, all of which feature prominently on our menu.”
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