Best service - Sydney Food Awards 2010

01 Buzo

Some people will argue that it's all about the food in a restaurant and that service shouldn't come into it. These people haven't been served by enough sub-standard waiters. A really great restaurant needs that mix of excellent floor staff and great food. And if there's a better equipped team than Traci Trinder and co at Buzo to deal with the hungry, loud hordes, we'd like to see it.

Buzo is not a fine diner. You won't get layers of starched, Tuscan, lavender-scented tableclothes; nor will there be two types of butter churned from the restaurant's very own cow. What you will get is food you can party with.

At the helm of this Italia festa is Traci Trinder – maitre d'awesome. She keeps the floor running overtime while Todd Garrett and James Hird are in the back banging out the likes of deep-fried chicken wings with balsamic vinegar and chilli and the legendary truffle lasagne.

What, then, makes the service here? It's the fact that this rambunctious Italian restaurant requires a firm hand to keep it in check. And that firm hand is on the end of Trinder's arm. She and her team are the opposite of the floaty, serene waiters you see in so many fine dining establishments. Buzo is all about the fun – and so is the service. 3 Jersey Rd, Wollahra 2025. (02 9328 1600)

RUNNERS UP

02 Est.

The waiters silently swoop in to deliver your food. This is fine dining service at its best: all the trappings of classic posh service, with none of the stuffiness. 252 George St, Sydney 2000. (02 9240 3000).

03 Sean's Panaroma

This legendary long lunch spot has always had great service – the team at Sean's Panorama guarantee an excellent time. 270 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach 2026. (02 9365 4924).

04 Pilu at Freshwater

Pilu mixes friendly service with a killer wine list, care of sommelier Lara Caraturo. It's here lunch can so easily turn into dinner. Moore Rd, Harbord 2096. (02 9938 3331).

05 Bilson's

Andy Cullen is one of the best sommeliers/restaurant managers in the city: The dapper Brit is reason alone to visit Bilson's. Radisson Plaza Hotel, 27 O'Connell St, Sydney 2000. (02 8214 0496).

Have you eaten here? Leave a review at the bottom of the page. No login required. Click for guidelines.