The Illawarra was well represented in this year's SMH Good Food Guide Awards. Three of our local restaurants were awarded one chef's hat:

Babyface Kitchen, Wollongong

Established in 2016 in Keira St, Babyface Kitchen has a menu based on what’s in season and available. The team relies on relationships with suppliers, prioritising sustainability, provenance and integrity of growing and farming techniques.

Franco Pizza Bar, Thirroul

The only pizza bar recognised with a hat in the awards, Franco opened in Thirroul in 2021. They have a focus on local produce and locally sourced natural wines. The pizza dough is a labour of love.

Read our Q&A with the team here

Restaurant Santino, Wollongong

Santino, the sister of local favourite Kneading Ruby, is a modern Italian restaurant with a pasta focus, all made fresh in-house. There’s a big focus on wine too.

Chef Hats have been awarded by the Australian Good Food Guide since 1982 and are the result of careful deliberations, with judges dining anonymously. The six attributes include: ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency.

Congratulations to all!