By James Wilkinson

Sydney sushi bar Zushi has come up trumps in the 2009 ‘I Love Food Awards’ conducted by Foxtel’s Lifestyle Food Channel, winning not just Australia’s favourite Asian food, but also best restaurant.

Zushi: a slice above the rest

More than 100,000 votes were received across the 16 categories in the ‘I Love Food Awards’, with the nominees spanning the length and breadth of Australia

Zushi director Raymond Ang said winning the title of Australia’s Favourite Restaurant was humbling, given the small size of the Darlinghurst establishment.

“A massive thanks to everyone who voted for us,” Ang said. “We got the most votes in the country and won the best restaurant overall.

“Not bad for a little 30-seater with obviously the best customers in Australia,” he said.

Other key winners included Max’s at Red Hill Estate on the Mornington Peninsula for Modern Australian, Jus Burgers in Leederville WA for burgers and Almond Bar for authentic Middle Eastern mezze in Sydney.