Salsa Bar & Grill named Restaurant of the Year for NQ & NT

AWARD WINNER 2025

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The Salsa Family after taking home Bronze at the National level in 2024. Picture: Supplied

Salsa Bar & Grill has won Restaurant of the Year (NQ & NT) at the prestigious Hostplus Awards for Excellence, securing the title for the third consecutive year.

Nominated in a single category, Contemporary Australian Restaurant (NQ & NT) - Salsa not only claimed that title but also took home the Major Award for Restaurant of the Year for Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

This win propels them to the National Awards in Canberra this October, following a bronze placement on the national stage in 2024.

The timing for Salsa winning this award couldn’t be more special. This milestone year marks 30 years of Salsa Bar & Grill serving the Port Douglas community.

Co-owner and restaurant manager Paul Kelly said this year’s award means a lot, not just for the restaurant, but for the entire region.

“We absolutely love what we do. We’re so grateful for every single person who walks through our doors. To be recognised across two states as one of the best is both validating and inspiring.”

“After the challenges of recent years, we were confident that Port Douglas would come out stronger, not just as a restaurant community, but as a region. 

“This award reflects that. It’s a win not just for Salsa - it’s a win for Port Douglas & Daintree as a destination. To our team - I am so proud of you all.”

For co-owner and head chef Goran Zonai, who has led the Salsa kitchen for 23 years, the recognition is deeply meaningful:

“Winning awards like this inspires us to keep evolving, keep changing, and keep creating. We have the best customers in Australia, and we strive to excite them every time they come back.”

Local finalist

The Hostplus Awards for Excellence, run by the Restaurant & Catering Association, are regarded as one of Australia’s leading hospitality award programs. 

Entry is open to both members and non-members, but only restaurants, cafés, and caterers that formally nominate and pay the category entry fee are eligible for judging.

While Salsa claimed the top award, several other Port Douglas venues were named as 2025 finalists.

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