Having released the finalists last week, with Oamaru’s Cucina picking up five nominations and Dunedin live music venue Moons picking up three, voting is open until September 3, a release says.
While only hospitality workers and owners can vote for the main categories, the public gets to have their say with people’s choice.
Moons picked up its nominations for Kezia Mowat as emerging chef, while the team is a finalist in the front-of house category and the venue also received a nomination for outstanding ambience and design.
In the best casual/street-food spot category Chili Dhaba, Chong's Restaurant Dunedin, Citizens and Liam's Hungarian Langos received nominations.
Bartenders Agustin Vijande, Jesse Bishop, Griffin Pillar and Josh Thomas — from Cucina, Pequeno Lounge Bar, The Press Club Dunedin and Woof, respectively — have all received nominations in the category of outstanding bartender.
In the outstanding chef category, the nods went to Sam Sinclair of Heritage Coffee, Logan Wilson of No.7 Balmac, Hannes Bareiter of Tītī and Cucina’s Pablo Tacchini. Emerging chef nods also went to Heritage Coffee’s Jasmine Lee and Precinct Cafe’s Michael Hanaran, with outstanding restaurant nominations for Cucina, Moiety, The Press Club Dunedin and Tītī.
Restaurant Association of New Zealand chief executive Marisa Bidois says these awards are a testament to the remarkable talent and innovation that make Otago a standout destination.
"They provide an opportunity for us to honour the individuals and establishments that elevate our region's hospitality industry.’’
The winners will be revealed on September 17.
