South Australia’s hospitality industry has received another national boost, with six of the state’s chefs, restaurants, bars and front-of-house professionals named finalists in the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.
The finalists stretch from Adelaide’s CBD to the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, reflecting the depth of South Australia’s dining scene and its growing presence on the national stage.
Among those recognised is Fabian Lehmann, the executive chef at Maxwell Restaurant in McLaren Vale, who has been shortlisted for the coveted Chef of the Year title.
Lehmann trained in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe before bringing his classical European techniques to South Australia, where his cooking places a strong focus on premium Australian produce.
His nomination follows a significant year for both the chef and Maxwell Restaurant. Lehmann has worked as an ambassador for Sturia Caviar and collaborated with several leading chefs and restaurants around Australia.
Maxwell Restaurant has also expanded its reach through a touring dinner series, including a collaboration with Amaru in Melbourne. Another dinner is planned with Bathers’ Pavilion in Sydney later this year.
One of Chef Fabian’s dishes at Maxwell Restaurant
South Australia has also earned a finalist position in the Best New Restaurant category through Restaurant Aptos in the Adelaide Hills.
Led by chef Justin James, the restaurant opened inside a restored heritage church and offers an intimate dining experience for just 14 guests. Its multi-course menu centres on native Australian ingredients and has quickly attracted attention beyond the state.
The nomination marks a strong return to the kitchen for James and recognises Aptos as one of the country’s most notable recent restaurant openings.
Celebrated chef Justin James, has launched his first solo venture – Restaurant Aptos
Adelaide chef Jimmy Toone has been shortlisted for Best New Talent for his work at Fall From Grace.
The nomination recognises Toone’s technical cooking and contribution to the contemporary Adelaide restaurant, while positioning him among the country’s emerging culinary names.
George Kasimatis of Georges on Waymouth has also received national recognition, earning a place among the finalists for Restaurant Personality of the Year.
The category celebrates the front-of-house professionals who help shape the dining experience, recognising the importance of hospitality beyond what arrives on the plate.
Adelaide bar Tread Lightly has been shortlisted for Bar of the Year, adding another national accolade to South Australia’s growing drinks scene.
Regional dining is represented by Pearl, which has been named a finalist for Best Destination Dining.
Pearl, Aldinga
The six nominations place South Australian businesses and hospitality professionals alongside some of the country’s most highly regarded restaurants, chefs and venues.
Now in their 46th year, the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards are Australia’s longest-running national restaurant awards program.
The winners will be announced during a gala celebration in Sydney on August 17, coinciding with Gourmet Traveller magazine’s 60th anniversary. The complete results will then appear in its September issue.
South Australia’s finalists are:
Chef of the Year: Fabian Lehmann, Maxwell Restaurant
Best New Restaurant: Restaurant Aptos
Best New Talent: Jimmy Toone, Fall From Grace
Restaurant Personality of the Year: George Kasimatis, Georges on Waymouth
Bar of the Year: Tread Lightly
Best Destination Dining: Pearl
