Coast taste of victory

GOLD Coat diners take note: Two of our city’s restaurants are the best in Queensland.

Cucina Vivo at The Star, Broadbeach, has been named the best Italian eatery and Gotham Grill, Runaway Bay, best new restaurant in the state’s Restaurant & Catering awards.

Matt Moran’s Brisbane fine diner Aria was named Restaurant of the Year as well as best fine diner in the competition that is open to Restaurant & Catering members only in the Northern Territory as well as Queensland.

Brisbane city’s Room with Roses won Cafe of the Year, Blackbird won best Bar & Grill, Brisbane’s Jake Nicolson was crowned Chef of the Year, and Tartufo, Fortitude Valley owner Tony Percuoco was given a lifetime achiever award for his contribution to the hospitality industry.

The Tamarind in Maleny won best Asian restaurant; Milton’s La Stazione Pizzeria & Bar was pizza restaurant of the year and best formal steak restaurant was won by Black Hide Steakhouse in Petrie Terrace.