The Golden Plate Awards are designed to provide an objective and reliable guide to restaurants, hotels and cafes in the Geelong-Ottway and Ballarat regions of Victoria, Australia.  The aim is continuous improvement and awareness of excellence in hospitality in regional Victoria. 

The two golden plate regions are judged separately. Each venue taking part is judged at least twice without notice over six months to validate consistency of standards.  The judging is conducted by a group of independent experts in hospitality from outside the regions headed up by "Industry Legend" Rita Erlich using a rigorous scoring system for up to 40 factors.  All scores are verified by a firm of certified practising accountants before the the winners, finalists and recommended venues are announced in October.  

The judges' interim and final comments are published in this guide along with illustrations of the venues, maps and contact details to help you find them, price ranges of food and drink, and other useful information.

In addition to the awards for restaurants - fine, relaxed and casual dining, and awards for licensed and unlicensed cafes, there are awards to highlight special achievements including best chef, best customer service, best value for money, best coffee, best cellar of local wines, and best menu of local foods. 

Please enjoy the hospitality of Victoria in the restaurants, hotels and cafes listed in this guide.