In Australia, we’re blessed with an abundance of fantastic restaurants and fresh produce.

Every year, the top performing chefs are recognised in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Restaurants and last night the 2018 list was unveiled.

But food critics aren’t the ones handing out the accolades.

Director of Australia’s Top Restaurants Jill Dupleix tells Deborah Knight how the voting process works.

“We put a list together for the top 500 chefs and restauranteurs in the country and then we invite them (the chefs) to vote for their peers.

“It’s got nothing to do with us, we just run it for them.”

A few surprises have emerged this year, with New South Wales’ top performer being Ester, a cozy wood-fired restaurant nestled in the backstreets of Chippendale.

Victorian restaurant Brae was awarded the number one spot, with six NSW restaurants making their way into the top 10.

Queensland’s top performer was Gerard’s Bistro, an eatery inspired by Middle Eastern flavours.

Click PLAY below to hear who made the top of the list