Cheers to that! SA sets the bar at national food awards

A cozy underground bar in Australia's Best Food and Wine Town and a restaurant breathing new life into a historic hotel have led the South Australian contingent at the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

Tread Lightly in Willunga has won Bar of the Year. Sitting in a renovated cellar beneath the venue's restaurant, the bar’s menu includes classic and house-speciality cocktails, plus snacks to share, surrounded by the authentic stone walls, exposed beams and warm lighting. It comes after Willunga was named the best Food and Wine Town in the country by Australian Traveller earlier this year. 

Esmay at Hackney has taken out South Australian restaurant of the year. Located in the redeveloped Hackney Hotel site, the restaurant promises warm hospitality, seasonal produce, and nourishing food. 

The awards, announced last night in Sydney, are Australia's longest-running national restaurant awards and come as Gourmet Traveller celebrates its 60th anniversary, with food icon Maggie Beer on hand to toast the winners. South Australian restaurants and restaurateurs were finalists in every category. 

The awards come as the countdown continues until the South Australia MICHELIN Guide 2027 is revealed in October.  

This will be the first time Australia has ever featured in the coveted international guide, with South Australia to be exclusively featured in the first year. 

South Australia’s inclusion is expected to attract visitors from new international markets, boosting tourism, hospitality and local jobs. From acclaimed fine dining destinations to hidden neighbourhood gems, s while gaining exposure through the globally recognised MICHELIN Guide. 

South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry sent congratulations to the teams at both Tread Lightly and Esmay on their wins at the prestigious Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards. 

“We are so privileged to have a plethora of outstanding dining and hospitality options across every corner of the state,” she said. 

“In an industry built on hard work, this national recognition shines a well-deserved spotlight on two operators who have gone above and beyond in establishing their businesses here in South Australia.” 

“Being crowned home to the best bar in the country is the perfect run up to our MICHELIN Guide reveal. 

"We heard recently when New Zealand’s inaugural MICHELIN Guide restaurants were announced that bookings boomed from around the world. This is exactly what we’re expecting to happen here in South Australia.” 

Will Kay-McPhail of Tread Lightly said winning the award was “surreal and an absolute privilege to be mentioned alongside some of our industry heroes.” 

“Being able to go to work every day with my wife, making new friends each night and getting to show off our little slice of the world has been a dream come true,” he said. 

“There are so many ways to enjoy yourself at Tread Lightly. But I think my favourite is sitting up at the bar, indulging in the set menu, showcasing our love of nose to tail dining and the phenomenal produce of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Sharing a bottle of wine with a friend, being introduced to the table next to you. Then head down for bespoke cocktails in the moody, groovy, just a little bit sexy, 1860’s Cellar.” 

“Tread Lightly is the culmination of our lives dedicated to sustainability, eating, drinking and enjoying each other's company. All we’ve done is open a space we would want to visit, in a place that has a deep understanding of food, wine, hospitality and community. “ 

David Meagher, Editor of Gourmet Traveller said for 60 years, Gourmet Traveller has celebrated the people and places that define Australia's dining culture.  

“This year's winners reflect the extraordinary depth of talent across the country - from emerging voices reshaping Australian dining to enduring institutions that continue to set the benchmark for hospitality,” he said 

“It's a privilege to recognise those who continue to inspire and elevate our industry.”