Ella by Minoli wins Gold Plate Restaurant of the Year

A new Territory restaurant has taken out this year’s Gold Plate gong. SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS.

Darwin’s Ella by Minoli has been named the Northern Territory’s top restaurant at the 2024 Gold Plate Awards.

The Sri Lankan-themed eatery that first opened its doors in 2022 wasted no time establishing a reputation for quality cuisine and fine service.

Founded by popular Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva, Ella is a town in Minoli’s birth-country known for producing superb ingredients and cuisine.

The Gold Plates are the Territory hospitality sector’s night-of-nights.

As well as the Gold Plate for Restaurant of the Year, judges also awarded Ella by Minoli Best Standalone Restaurant and it also achieved the highest overall score by the Gold Plate judges.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said Ella by Minoli was the year’s standout restaurant.

“Ella by Minoli certainly has been a standout this year, with the restaurant regularly booked out,” Mr Bruce said.

“Minoli De Silva and her team with their Sri Lankan inspired menu and excellent service are showcasing the very best of the NT’s culinary scene.”

More than 550 people attended the awards, held in conjunction with Darwin Festival at State Square lawns.

Judging was anonymous and took place over eight weeks in the barista, chef and bartender competitions.

Tricia Wong from Besser Kitchen and Brew Bar was named Barista of the Year, Declan Coffey from Hanky Panky Lounge was Bartender of the Year and Pablo Stuardo from Bar Kokomo won Chef of the Year.

The use and promotion of local produce was also acknowledged, with Snapper Rocks winning the City of Darwin Local Produce Champion award for a second year in a row, doubling up to also win the Best Seafood Restaurant gold plate.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce at Hotel Darwin. Picture: Che Chorley

After 2023’s closely contested Steak of the Year decision, judges this time looked further afield, awarding the honour to Arnguli Grill and Restaurant at Ayers Rock Resort.

Best Buger went to Besser Kitchen and Brew Bar, Laneway Coffee won Best Breakfast.

Hanky Panky Lounge won Best Cocktail List, Palmerston Golf and Country Club won Best Family Restaurant and Moorish won Best International Cuisine.

Banjo Bar & Terrace Contour Hotel in Katherine was named Best Contemporary Restaurant and Daly Waters Pub won best Outback Pub/Wayside Inn Dining.

The Best Casual Dining gong went to Coolalinga Tavern and Best Dessert went to Meow Waffee.

Pink Chopstix at Darwin Waterfront won the Gold Plate for Best New Establishment.

Just days out from the NT election, Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro also addressed guests.

”While the evening was a cracking good time, we certainly acknowledge the hard work and challenging trading conditions that cafes and restaurants have endured this year,” Mr Bruce said.

“In spite of everything, their passion and drive is second to none.”