Sydney, Australia, 28 January 2025: Hotel restaurants are undergoing a renaissance, with a number of standout dining establishments earning or retaining coveted chef's hats from the esteemed Australian Good Food Guide. Proving that dining and drinking are integral parts of a memorable hotel stay, Accor is investing heavily in reinvigorating its food and beverage offering across its network, with a key focus on luxury and lifestyle hotels.

In 2025, five Sofitel and MGallery hotels in Australia have been honoured with one or two Chef's Hats, a prestigious recognition of exceptional culinary talent, creativity, and dedication to excellence.

2 Hats: Atelier by Sofitel – Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Atelier by Sofitel is a true culinary masterpiece located in one of Sydney's most spectacular hotels. The restaurant's refined French-inspired menu, crafted by an exceptional team of chefs, showcases a blend of artistry and technique. Guests can expect impeccable service, stunning harbour views, and a creative culinary journey that delights the senses. The restaurant's two-hat achievement is a testament to its exceptional dedication to fine dining.

1 Hat: Newmarket Restaurant – The William Inglis Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious William Inglis Hotel, Newmarket Restaurant is a vibrant, modern eatery that draws inspiration from the rich history and local produce of its surroundings. The kitchen's commitment to contemporary Australian flavours, paired with seasonal ingredients, creates a dining experience that captures the essence of the region in every bite.

1 Hat: No.1 Sublime Pt – Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains, No.1 Sublime Pt offers a fresh take on modern Australian cuisine. This intimate, elevated dining experience highlights local produce and celebrates regional flavours in dishes that are both inventive and grounded in tradition.

1 Hat: Garcon Bleu – Sofitel Adelaide

With a refined yet approachable atmosphere, Garcon Bleu at Sofitel Adelaide transports guests to the heart of French culinary tradition. The restaurant emphasises both technique and simplicity, creating dishes that reflect the elegance and artistry of classic French cooking, with a distinctly local twist. Each plate is a celebration of seasonal Australian produce and French-inspired finesse.

1 Hat: Luma Restaurant – The Playford Adelaide

Luma Restaurant offers a sophisticated yet welcoming setting for guests to explore modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu is a tribute to the rich diversity of South Australian produce, with flavours that are bold, balanced, and reflective of the region's unique terroir. Luma's commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to food make it a standout among Adelaide's dining scene.

A Renewed Focus on Culinary Excellence

These accolades highlight a strategic and intentional shift by Accor to elevate food and beverage offerings as an essential part of the guest experience. People are increasingly travelling not just to see new places, but to taste them. The intersection of food and travel has never been more important, and the recent relaunch of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is the perfect example of this evolution. Following a complete renovation, the Sofitel Wentworth now offers four bars and restaurants by House Made Hospitality, which bring the old-school glamour back to hotel dining while incorporating the latest trends in food and drinks.

This renewed focus on culinary excellence speaks to the growing trend of travellers seeking authentic regional flavours and unique gastronomic experiences when they visit new places.

“Hotels are no longer just places to rest while travelling; they have become destinations in their own right, where exceptional dining experiences rival the very best standalone restaurants,” said David Fraser, Vice President Operations for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblem hotels in the Pacific. "At Sofitel hotels, cuisine is an art form and an expression of local flavours, often with a touch of French zest; while MGallery hotels are known for delivering memorable and meaningful moments with a focus on mixology that is inspired by local culture and flora.

“These Chefs Hats are a testament to our teams, who excel at the culinary arts and who deliver outstanding experiences to our guests every day.”

As guests increasingly seek authentic, region-specific culinary experiences, these award-winning hotel restaurants are proving that travel is as much about the flavours as it is about the destinations. From the crisp, fresh air of the Blue Mountains to the glamour of Sydney's Darling Harbour, each hotel and restaurant offers a distinctive taste of the region that leaves a lasting impression.

Along with a renewed focus on dining, Sofitel and MGallery Hotels are also in the midst of a strategic expansion phase, which includes 32 Sofitel and Sofitel Legend hotels in the pipeline including in Prague, India and Egypt and 26% of the Sofitel network under renovation. Meanwhile, the MGallery boutique brand is unfolding a new chapter with 48 hotels in the pipeline including in Japan, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

 - ENDS –

About Accor

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, with over 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion.  Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.  

About Sofitel

A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury with a French zest. A seamless blend of the richness of each local culture and the French joie de vivre, the brand delights travelers who appreciate delicacy and subtle refinement, offering them heartfelt and authentic service. At Sofitel, beauty is in the details: life's simple pleasures such as gastronomy and sleep are art forms for an incomparable experience.

Sofitel now boasts more than 120 hotels, all elegant and unique, in the world's most sought-after destinations. Among its most remarkable properties: Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma and Sofitel Ambassador Seoul. The brand also offers a selection of heritage luxury hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner, renowned for their timeless elegance and fascinating history, such as Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

Sofitel is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,700 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

sofitel.com | all.com | group.accor.com

About MGallery Collection

MGallery Hotel Collection brand thoughtfully selects and curates unique properties around the world, forming a storied collection of boutique hotels with true soul where captivating stories are lived and shared. These more than 120 boutique hotels all around the world enjoy a unique history, inspired by the remarkable past of the building or by its destination that welcomes it allowing the guests to live memorable and meaningful moments.​

The MGallery Collection establishments are hotels in which guests live an immersive experience, marked by exceptional interiors, an art of the mixology that awakens all the senses, and a well-being focused on balance in everyday life and mindfulness. It is a brand committed to Women but also to local communities, promoting the know-how of surrounding artisans and producers.​

MGallery Collection customers leave with an unconditional desire to discover the other jewels of the brand to live a new unique experience. The most renowned hotels in this collection include the Hotel Molitor Paris in France, the Municipal Liverpool in the UK, the Santa Teresa Hotel in Rio de Janeiro in Brasil, Manly Pacific in Sydney in Australia, Athens Capital in Greece or Hotel des Arts Saigon in Vietnam. MGallery Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL -Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.​

mgallery.com | all.com | group.accor.com

Download images here: Sofitel and MGallery Chefs Hat images

Media contact:

Gaynor Reid, CEO Catalyst Communications
PR Consultant for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Hotels, Pacific
Ph: +61 491 161 531
Email: gaynor.reid@icloud.com