Magill Estate named best restaurant at SA Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence
THE state’s top restaurant has been revealed at the local industry awards — and it’s taken home the honours for the third time in four years.
MAGILL Estate has been named the state’s best restaurant for the third time in four years at the local industry awards announced last night.
The prestige diner that is part of the Penfolds cellar door complex was the biggest of more than 60 winners in the SA Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.
It was also added to the Hall of Fame in its category, along with Red Cacao (Bakery/Patisserie/Dessert Bar), Gaucho’s (Steak) and Golden Boy (Thai).
Other notable winners included Concubine (Chinese), Indii of Clare (Indian), Chianti (Italian – formal), Hortas, Port Noarlunga (Seafood) and Level One at Electra House (Asian). Cafe of the Year was Cafe Alere at Flinders University and Caterer of the Year, The National Wine Centre.
Vittorio Ventura, who was one of the first to bring Italian food to Adelaide in the 1960s and operated a string of restaurants including Campari, Via Veneto, Settebello and Al Fresco Gelateria, was recognised as a Lifetime Achiever.
More recently, he has been involved in Ruby Red Flamingo, Tony Tomatoes and Spaghetti Crab, with his son, Walter, and other partners.
“He is a stalwart and has contributed an enormous amount to the food scene in the state,” said Sally Neville, the deputy chief executive for Restaurant & Catering Australia.
“He has made a significant mark on hospitality in Adelaide and continues to do so.”
Ms Neville also paid tribute to Magill Estate and the cooking of chef Scott Huggins.
“It’s a fine dining experience but the food is still approachable,” she said.
Winners will compete in the national awards, announced in Sydney in October.