Honto wins People’s Choice in delicious.100 annual competition

A Brisbane restaurateur has secured an “incredible” one-two in the delicious.100 People’s Choice Awards, with his perennial favourite Asian fusion venue being pipped to the top spot by his latest venture.

NEW Brisbane Japanese restaurant Honto has proved the ultimate crowd favourite, winning the annual delicious.100 People’s Choice Award.

Last month The Sunday Mail released its ranking of Queensland’s most delicious restaurants, as chosen by a panel of reviewers. The list was then handed over to the public to vote online for their favourite eatery. Honto’s relaxed style of Japanese bites and fun, buzzy atmosphere proved the big winner.

“I can’t believe it. I’m shocked. That’s incredible,” said co-owner Tyron Simon when told of the Fortitude Valley restaurant’s win.

Mr Simon believed the victory was a result of their dedication to customer service, inspired by the team at longstanding Italian eatery and fellow delicious.100 entry Beccofino, at Teneriffe.

“What we say to our staff is the only thing that matters is the customers and are they having the best experience on the night that they can,” he said.

Honto co-owner Tyron Simon.

Mr Simon said the venue tried to create a family atmosphere among staff, which was helped by having a real family on board. Sake sommelier Kent Ohori and his father Koji, who heads up the raw section at the restaurant and has been a chef for 60 years in Japan.

“That’s been a big integral part of Honto’s success, the father and son relationship,” Mr Simon said.

Head chef and co-owner Nathan Lastavec’s commitment to only using the best quality produce has also been instrumental.

“The food is simple food just done well,” Mr Simon said of the menu, which includes everything from sashimi to katsu sandwiches and deep-fried whole fish. “It’s because our chefs are so fastidious about the handling of the raw seafood that gets it to that standard.”

Honto has won the delicious.100 People’s Choice Award.

Even more special for Mr Simon is that his other venture, LongTime, also in Fortitude Valley, came second in the People’s Choice.

“Where I’m really fortunate as well is Ben (Bertei) in LongTime is my business partner and the head chef and, because he’s always in the business, I know the food quality is always excellent,” he said.

Finishing third was a third Fortitude Valley restaurant, the modern Middle Eastern Gerard’s Bistro. It was followed by The Fish House at Burleigh Heads, on the Gold Coast, and Gauge Bistro, at South Brisbane, which rounded out the top five.

DELICIOUS.100 PEOPLE’S CHOICE TOP 10

1. Honto, Fortitude Valley

2. LongTime, Fortitude Valley

3. Gerard’s Bistro, Fortitude Valley

4. The Fish House, Burleigh Heads

5. Gauge, South Brisbane

6. 1889 Enoteca, Woolloongabba

7. Rickys River Bar & Restaurant, Noosa Heads

8. Blackbird Bar & Grill, Brisbane city

9. The Long Apron, Maleny

10. Kiyomi, Broadbeach

Originally published as Honto wins People’s Choice in delicious.100 annual competition