Water Street Kitchen has been dishing up plenty of delicious meals this year and the positive dining experience has awarded the local business a spot in a list of Australia's top 50 restaurants for 2021.
The Bundaberg business was included in the prestigious OpenTable Top 50 Restaurants in Australia 2021 list, as determined by diners around the country.
OpenTable is an online reservation platform and the Top 50 Restaurants list is based on more than 280,000 restaurant reviews collected from restaurants across Australia.
Only 10 regional restaurants took out a top 50 spot, putting Water Street Kitchen and the Bundaberg foodie scene firmly on the map.
The duo behind the business, Alex and Jen Cameron, said it was fantastic to be recognised for their passion as well as the great work ethic of their team.
“Water Street Kitchen was created to look after our guests so recognition awarded because of their feedback is a real validation of our team's hard work,” Alex said.
“During 2021 we have received overwhelming support from our regulars and a big influx of new guests which has allowed us to grow our enthusiastic team.
“We have continued our focus on fine dining while sourcing and discovering hero local produce.”
The award has come at a time of great uncertainty for many businesses in Queensland and Alex said 2021 had not gone without its challenges.
“Recruitment in hospitality has been tough for most in the recent 18 months,” he said.
“We are fortunate to have a strong, young team, and are constantly impressed by how they lift the standard of the restaurant every time.”
Tim Domelow, Senior Account Manager at OpenTable, added in what had been such a turbulent two years for the hospitality industry, it was incredible to see the innovation of flavour and experience that Australian restaurants were continuing to deliver.
“As restaurants have reopened across the country, the demand we’re seeing for reservations and dining shows Aussies are out in force to support old favourites, neighbourhood spots and newcomers alike,” he said.
To view the Top 50 list click here.
It was like there was no downturn from COVID what so ever in QLD & the cash splashing just accelerated everything. International & National customers were quickly replaced by state locals that got to experience what we have to offer at a faster rate.