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Today, Tripadvisor® announces the winners of its 2021 Travellers’ Choice® “Best of the Best” Restaurants awards, with five new categories of must-visit restaurants no matter where you are or what you crave, based on traveller reviews of people who have dined there before. From favorite Fine Dining establishments for the more discerning taste buds and the Best Brunch Spots to fill up on avo toast and mimosas, to the Hottest New Restaurants and Picture-Perfect Restaurants category that celebrates stunning spots worth a thousand selfies. These award-winning restaurants have something to suit every type of palate.

The title of Australia’s #1 Fine Dining restaurant goes to Juniper & Bay (also ranked #4 in the South Pacific). Beautifully presented creations of seasonal produce with balanced flavours and complex jus and sauces are the hallmark of Juniper & Bay. Their German heritage flows through their signature dish offerings – the Oven Roasted Duck in Port & Prune Jus with Braised Red Cabbage and Dumpling.

New this year, the Best Vegan Spots category celebrates restaurants serving up some of the tastiest plant-based grub. Topping the Australia list this year is Manna Haven, a Vegan Cafe in Byron Bay well known for healthy and delicious vegetarian and vegan food. There is always a range of delicious savouries, fresh salads, and tasty sweets for guests to select from and many items are also sugar-free, and gluten-free. Some customer favourites include Grilled Eggplant and Pumpkin Lasagne, Curried Poppyseed Dahl and Spicy Roast Potatoes.

If you’re looking to set the mood with a romantic dinner, the Date Night category – another newbie for 2021 – has you covered. Topping the Australia list is EXP. restaurant, that’s also ranked #16 in the World Date Night category. EXP. restaurant is a hidden gem located in Pokolbin, the heart of the Hunter Valley. The dining room is chic and intimate with hand crafted local furniture. Guests can sit along the bar and peer directly into the kitchen while interacting with Chef Frank Fawkner and his team.

“It’s no secret that the restaurant industry has taken a hit over the past year or so, but the good news is that would-be diners all over the world are hungrier than ever to dine out again,” said Martin Verdon-Roe, general manager of Hospitality Solutions at Tripadvisor. “There is so much good out there to explore this summer and beyond and no matter what you’re craving, the Best of the Best Restaurants Awards is on hand to serve as a menu of options to satisfy your appetite.”