Haley and Darren Richardson (centre, holding the awards) and the Petrichor team celebrate their wins at the R&CA Awards. Photo: Supplied.
The 2026 ACT Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) Hostplus Awards for Excellence have been announced, shining a light on the best of the best in Canberra’s hospitality industry.
The night’s major winner was fine-dining restaurant Lunetta.
The Red Hill restaurant took out the Premium Dining category, and also won the coveted major prize for ACT Restaurant of the Year.
Owner Tracy Keeley said their aim in opening Lunetta was to create something distinctly Canberran that could also hold its own on the national stage.
“To be named ACT Restaurant of the Year is an enormous honour, and to also win Premium Dining on the same night makes it particularly special,” said Tracy.
“Lunetta is the result of an incredibly committed group of people, from our kitchen and restaurant teams through to everyone working behind the scenes. These awards recognise the care, consistency and energy they bring to the restaurant every day.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved in such a short period of time, but we also feel like we’re only getting started.”
Tracy Keeley runs Lunetta with her sons Matthew (L) and Nick (R). Photo: Paul Harris.
Unlike many other industry awards, the R&CA Awards for Excellence focus on catering, with several categories set aside to recognise great event catering, wedding catering, venue catering and education catering.
Popular Gundaroo wedding venue Petrichor Farm took out the award for Wedding Caterer and the overall Caterer of the Year award. They also won both awards in 2025, so you could say they’re on something of a winning streak.
“Winning an award is great, but retaining an award is the hard part, so I’m glad that we’ve done that,” said Petrichor chef Dave Young.
“People don’t always really think about catering, but it’s a huge part of the [hospitality] industry, so these awards are more inclusive. I treat it with the same care when I’m in a restaurant, because at the end of the day, you only get one chance to impress people and make sure they have a good time.”
While Dave runs the kitchen at Petrichor Farm, owners Haley and Darren Richardson run the venue. Dave told Region that the win is a team effort.
“Haley and Darren really pour their heart and soul into the business. I only wish that when I got married (which was a long time ago) I had someone handling my wedding the way they do. It’s a really satisfying experience when you hear from a couple that they had a great experience, on what is probably the most special day of their lives.”
National President of Restaurant & Catering Australia John Hart. Photo: Supplied.
R&CA National President John Hart praised ACT hospitality operators for their overall excellence.
“Driven by passionate business operators who take immense pride in their craft, the ACT’s hospitality scene is second to none. From Murrumbateman to Barton, these awards celebrate the diversity and resilience of our capital’s culinary community.
“Every winner has earned their title through business excellence, kitchen innovation and exceptional front-of-house service. They should all feel incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Restaurant & Catering Australia is a national industry association representing the interests of restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses across Australia. They represent over 57,000 cafes, restaurants and caterers around Australia and support the industry through training and education, industrial relations support and advocacy. Their annual awards for excellence recognise their members.
Amara Indian Restaurant took out the award for Best Indian Restaurant, and Shaw Estate Restaurant at Murrumbateman won Best New Restaurant. Ciao Cafe and Cakes won for Best Breakfast Restaurant, while Highroad in Dickson won for Best Cafe Dining.
Restaurant & Catering Australia will announce the national winners in Sydney on 26 October.
To learn more about award winners, visit Restaurant & Catering Australia.
