The Australian Names Their Hot 50 Restaurants of 2014

The poll, self-described as "Australia's most honest snapshot of the national restaurant scene," was released this weekend. Rockpool Sydney took out the top gong and various other awards were divvied up across the nation. The titles of both 'Hottest Regional' and 'Hottest Victorian' restaurant was awarded to Dan Hunter's Brae in Birregurra. Wasabi was named the best in Queensland. Martin Ben from Sydney's Sepia was named 'Hottest Chef'. And Melbourne's Stokehouse, rebuilt this year after a devastating fire, was named 'Hottest Classic' without a hint of irony.

Editor of the Weekend Australian Magazine Christine Middap had endless praise for both Sydney, Melbourne and South Australia in her published list, though openly derided the restaurant scene in Canberra, Brisbane and Perth. "An almost obsessive, market-driven surge in informality too often has translated to slackness [in these regions]," she said.

Foodie cattiness aside, the list itself proves some interesting reading. While some Melbourne and Sydney favourites — Attica, Chin Chin, Momofuku and Rockpool — are regulars to the yearly ranking, 28 of the 50 restaurants included are new additions from last year. Chances are you'll be able to comb the list and find something new near you.

However, all that depends on how much money you're willing to fork out. Though they do award a 'Hottest Value' title — Adelaide's nose-to-tail eatery Daniel O'Connell — the rest of the list is bound to set you back a few clams. Maybe save these ones for a special occasion and stick to Concrete Playground's advice for the rest of your trips out. It is The Australian after all.