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The Daily Insight

What do hats mean in restaurants?

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on February 26, 2026

For chefs and restaurants, getting a ‘hat’ is the highest honour. To score a hat, a restaurant needs a minimum grade of 15 out of 20, which takes into account factors like ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency. As for two or three hats, the competition is stiff.

What’s chef’s hat called?

toque
The traditional, tall, white, pleated chef’s hat is officially referred to as a toque, which is the Arabic word for hat. While this word has existed for thousands of years, referring to any brimless hat, the French popularized “toque” or “toque blanche” as referring to a white chef’s hat.

What is the difference between a Michelin star and a chef’s hat?

Here’s a breakdown of the Chef Hat system: 12-13 points: a good restaurant. 14-15 points: one hat, worth a stop (similar to one Michelin star) 16-17 points: two hats, worth a detour (similar to two Michelin stars)

How many hats does Brae have?

three
Brae. The very definition of farm-to-plate, Brae has retained their three chef hats and was awarded Vittoria Restaurant of the Year.

How do you earn a chefs hat?

To receive a hat, a pinnacle in a chef’s career and a restaurant’s history, a restaurant must score 15 out of a possible 20. Reviewers visit unannounced. They book under an assumed name and pay for their own meals.

What is a chefs hat award?

Operating for over half a century, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is a culinary award for young chefs. As Australia’s longest running culinary competition for apprentices and young chefs, the Award provides a crucial platform for the chefs of tomorrow to showcase their skills today.

Why is a chefs hat so tall?

These days, a modern chef hat is tall to allow for the circulation of air above the head and also provides an outlet for heat. This type of hat is called a “toque blanche” (French for “white hat”). The wearing of a hat prevents hair from falling into food and prevents sweat from dripping down the face.

Who is Australia’s best chef?

Australia’s 10 Most Accomplished Chefs

  • Peter Gilmore. Being the executive chef of one of Australia’s best restaurants would be impressive enough.
  • Donna Hay.
  • Curtis Stone.
  • Neil Perry.
  • Kylie Kwong.
  • Matt Moran.
  • Stephanie Alexander.
  • Maggie Beer.

Do Australian restaurants have Michelin stars?

Did you know that Australia doesn’t have any Michelin Star restaurants? Not a single one. The Michelin Guide has been critiquing and awarding select few restaurants for their unique and innovative dishes since 1911.

How do I nominate a restaurant for the 2021 Chef Hat Awards?

The Australian Good Food Guide is announcing its intention to release its coveted Chef Hat Awards – the 2021 AGFG Chef Hats Awards will be released in January, 2021. How do you nominate a restaurant for the consideration list? Simply search for the restaurant above, head to their page and press Chef Hat Consideration List – Vote button.

Where can I buy the Good Food Guide 2019?

The Good Food Guide’s second annual national edition, with hats awarded across Australia, was launched on October 8 with our presenting partners Vittoria Coffee and Citi. The Good Food Guide 2019 is on sale in newsagencies, bookstores and via (delivery included), RRP $29.99.

Is a 19 a good rating for a restaurant?

Since the guide’s inception in 1977, a score of 20 has never been awarded and seldom have restaurants been awarded a 19. Without giving too much away, below are some of the key areas of appraisal.

What makes a good restaurant dish?

Everything on the plate has to have reason. Simple can also be special. In many instances simplifying dishes would see restaurants more likely to win an award. Presentation: The sight of food elicits a range of physiological and cognitive responses.