Bendigo restaurant Masons of Bendigo has been ranked Australia's number one everyday dining restaurant at TripAdvisor's annual Travellers' Choice Awards.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Restaurant owner Sonia Anthony said the award was "completely unexpected".
"It is fabulous that people who have dined at our restaurant have had a great experience," Ms Anthony said.
"What a great way to put Bendigo on the international food map."
"We're grateful for all of the positive feedback and support we have received and thank the local community for their continued support."
The award winners represent the most highly rated restaurants around the world, based on authentic TripAdvisor reviews and ratings.
The hospitality industry has not been without its struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Anthony said Masons has received incredible support from the community in recent months.
"We have been highly motivated to make sure when people come in, they are forgetting about COVID-19 just for a couple of hours and have a really, really nice time," she said.
The Queen Street restaurant can seat up to 38 diners at its lunch and dinner services.
Ms Anthony said fresh outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Bendigo community generally bring about a number of cancellations.
"This is completely understandable," she said.
"It's really pleasing to know that across the board, outbreaks aren't occurring in hospitality venues," she said.
"It has been reassuring to hear hospitality venues are doing the right thing."
Masons continues to offer its lunch roaming menu from Thursday to Saturday, as well as its dinner service, from Tuesday to Saturday, with reservations essential.
"Our menu gives us the chance to represent the seasons really well," Ms Anthony said.
"What is coming out from our local producers, we incorporate into our menu, which changes by the day."