The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards 2024 were announced on Monday October 23, with Newcastle restaurant Humbug becoming a hatted restaurant for the first time, joining the seven Newcastle, Hunter Valley, and Central Coast restaurants who retained their hats in this year's awards.

Humbug and Flotilla were each awarded one hat, representing the huge leaps that the Newcastle dining scene has made in recent years.

Pokolbin's Muse Restaurant was awarded two hats for the 10th year in a row, and Bistro Molines, EXP. Restaurant, Margan Restaurant, and Yellow Billy Restaurant – all in the foodie haven that is the Hunter Valley – were awarded one hat each.

A special mention to Yellow Billy Restaurant, who were awarded Drinks List of the Year, chosen for its personality, consideration, and imagination.

Central Coast's Osteria il Coccia was awarded one hat for the second year in a row.

Restaurants are visited anonymously by professional restaurant critics, who review each venue independently. Restaurants are then scored out of 20, with scores of 18-20 out of 20 gaining three hats, 16-17.5 out of 20 gaining two hats, and 15-15.5 out of 20 gaining one hat.

Congratulations to all the restaurants reviewed – to view the full list of winners head to the SMH Good Food Guide Awards 2024.