The restaurants were each awarded a ‘hat’ at the national Good Food Guide Awards in Sydney on Monday night.

It is the third year running Masons has been awarded a hat rating, for which a restaurant needs to score at least 15 out of 20 from critics.

“We’re so thrilled to be recognised for another year and that Bendigo is firmly placed on the food and wine map on a national level is fantastic,” chef and owner Nick Anthony said.

“We were a bit nervous if we were going to make it this year and are so proud of our team for continuing to work hard to offer our guests an exceptional experience – well done team Masons!

“And of course, we couldn’t do it without our local food and wine producers who work tirelessly all year to bring us world class produce.”

For Public Inn, it marks the second year the restaurant has been awarded a hat.

Lake House in Daylesford has again been awarded two hats.

Ma Cave at Midnight Starling in Kyneton, Source Dining in Kyneton and Kazuki’s in Daylesford have also received a hat each.

The Age Good Food Guide was launched in 1979 and has been followed by guides in Sydney and Brisbane since then.

But this year, the guide was expanded nationally for the first time.