The list is, hmm, interesting to me. On the two hat side of things leaving aside the restaurants that imo get there by reputation alone (or by having the word Rockpool in their name) but there’s also quite a few like monopole and nomad which are quite nice but I didn’t think 2 hat nice. Cafe Paci probably in that group as well but I’m quite happy to see them get 2 because I do love them.

On the 1hat side of things there are some howlers though. Take Annata for example, I reckon I know it well as we ate there fortnightly a few years back and know the previous owner (Christian Blair) quite well. Anyway, he sold and slowly most of the old team left and the service has taken a big step back. Like genuinely rude service, particularly from the new sommelier, which is well known enough locally that it’s become a topic of conversation. But they get a hat when they haven’t had one for years (not since Jordan took over as head chef) which is a bit bizarre. We still eat their once a quarter or so and while the food matches where they were a couple of years ago (when they didn’t have a hat) the service and experience is miles below where they were.

Then places like Hojiak Town Hall where they take some of their great food which they became famous for in their Strathfield and Broadway locations and unnecessarily add luxury ingredients and a price tag. Putting a bunch of crab meat on top of char quay teow and doubling the price is f…ing stupid. 1 hat. ....

Finally, yes it’s getting old in concept but Rockpool bar and power lunch 2 hats, Bistecca no hats. They should show someone the list before they publish for obvious mistakes.