Top honours for Douglas Shire Restaurants in 2024 Chef Hat Awards

Five distinguished restaurants in the Douglas Shire have clinched a prestigious Chef's Hat as part of the 2024 Queensland Restaurant Chef Hat Awards, highlighting their commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences in our paradise.

Since 1982, the Australian Good Food Guides have awarded Chef Hats to commend talented chefs nationwide. These annual accolades celebrate excellence in food, service, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

The spotlight of this year’s awards is on fthe following establishments in Douglas Shire:

Oaks Kitchen & Garden - Chef Hat for “Food quite out of the ordinary”

For the third year running, Oaks Kitchen & Garden, led by Chef Ben Wallace and Rachael Boon, achieved an impressive two Chef Hats, claiming the top spot in North Queensland.

According to the Australian Good Food Guide, the restaurant is renowned for its Chef's table lunch experience and Wednesday curry night. 

Mr Wallace clarified that although the food might seem extraordinary, it's merely a result of utilising local produce often overlooked in the region. “The inclusion of homegrown native produce on-site makes Oaks Kitchen & Garden stand out, providing a unique and memorable dining experience,” he emphasised.

Jungle Fowl - Chef Hat for “Good restaurant in its category”

Also under the ownership and leadership of Ben Wallace and Rachael Boon, the restaurant proudly secured its second consecutive Chef Hat.

Harrison’s Restaurant - Chef Hat for “Good restaurant in its category”

Renowned for enticing dishes like Scallops from Shark Bay (WA) and a shared Main featuring ‘Brick Lane’ Lamb, the Harrison's Restaurant has amassed a total of 14 hats over its 16 years of operation.

Spencer Patrick, chef and owner of Harrison’s, emphasised the prestige of receiving a Chef's Hat in the culinary world. 

“It signifies a high level of excellence and recognition within the restaurant industry,” he said. “The Chef's Hat is a symbol of a restaurant's commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences, something which we strive for every single service.”

Zinc Restaurant - Chef Hat for “Good restaurant in its category”

Zinc Restaurant received its inaugural Chef Hat for being a "Good restaurant in its category”. The renowned Lamb Backstrap and Shoulder Kofta, among other delectable dishes, contribute to the well-deserved recognition.

Chris Bower, Director at Zinc Port Douglas, expressed immense pride in the team’s dedication. He shared, “Our team works tirelessly day in and day out to provide an unparalleled experience to our valued guests, and to receive such recognition is a huge achievement”.

He continued, “Dani and I are so proud of all our staff, and this award just fuels our desire to push harder in the future. Being awarded a Chef's Hat is an amazing feeling, bringing a whole new level of enthusiasm to what we are trying to achieve. Our team is more motivated than ever, already working on new ideas and recipes to showcase in the near future."

Melaleuca Port Douglas - Chef Hat for “Good restaurant in its category”

Known for its Whole Baby Barramundi and other culinary delights, Melaleuca Port Douglas earned a Chef Hat recognition for its excellence in its category.

Nautilus Restaurant - Chef Hat for “Good restaurant in its category”

Celebrated for dishes like Whole Coral Trout and Chilli Mud Crab, Nautilus Restaurant received the Chef Hat as a testament to its culinary prowess.