Two Limestone Coast eateries have been recognised in the Australian Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence.

The awards were announced on Monday night and recognises hospitality operators across a broad range of categories who consistently provide exceptional service and demonstrate culinary excellence in their fields.

Mount Gambier’s Presto Eatery received a bronze in the Café Dining category, while Mayura Station’s Tasting Room Restaurant was awarded silver in the Steak Restaurant Formal section.

The National Awards for Excellence were staged in Brisbane at the Gambaro Function Centre.

Restaurant & Catering (R&CA) president Mike Palmer congratulated each of the winners on behalf of the association, recognising their significant contributions to the Australian hospitality sector.

“R&CA’s Awards for Excellence is one of the most important nights in the hospitality calendar.

“It is always such an amazing experience to recognise some of the state’s finest hospitality businesses who showcase the very best our industry has to offer,” Mr Palmer said.

“This year’s winners include household names such as Quay Restaurant, NSW, who won Australia’s Restaurant of the Year, Higher Mark – Geelong Cats, Victoria who took out best Caterer, and Primary @ Pioneers Park, Victoria, who won Best Cafe.

“After two years of hardship, the industry is now facing new challenges that require new solutions to fix them.

“Among others, rising cost of business and staffing shortages have made it so hard for hospitality to do what it does best.”