This isn't the first hat success for the Port Fairy restaurant, which has been a recipient of the coveted hats since winning it's first in 2008. In 2009 the restaurant won a second hat, out of a possible three, and has retained the two-hat title since. The chefs hat system is used to rank the best restaurants in Melbourne and country Victoria.

Country Victoria did especially well this year, with The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld winning restaurant of the year - the second time since the awards began that a restaurant outside of Melbourne has won the top gong.

More congratulations are in order - Merrijig Inn has been closed the past two weeks while chef Ryan Sessions and his fiancée Kirstyn got married.

More information:

• Merrijig Inn
• Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
• Chefs hat winners 2011
• Full coverage - The Age Good Food Guide award winners 2011