BREAKING: Norma, the celebrated eatery in Albury, has retained its esteemed chef hat status in the 2026 Good Food Guide Awards, marking a significant achievement under the leadership of head chef Tess Rafferty. This accolade makes Norma the only restaurant in Albury to hold this prestigious honor, reaffirming its position in Australia’s culinary landscape.
Just announced, the news comes as a thrilling confirmation for Rafferty and her team, who have worked tirelessly to elevate the dining experience at Norma since her permanent appointment in February 2022. The restaurant first garnered its chef hat last spring, a surprise that came after an email oversight led to an invitation to the awards being missed.
Rafferty expressed her excitement over the recognition, stating, “To be counted among those who received a hat this year is wild to me!” Her passion for the culinary arts has been evident throughout her career, which has spanned across major cities like Sydney, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Melbourne.
Located at the heart of Albury, Norma has become a staple for both locals and visitors, with 20 staff members serving customers six days a week. The establishment is not just a restaurant; it’s a community hub, drawing in regulars and even patrons from as far away as Canberra.
Matt Carrington, the owner of Norma, credits much of its success to Rafferty’s dedication and culinary expertise. The two share a long history, having first met when Carrington was a 16-year-old dishwasher at the Electra Cafe. He remarked, “The evolution of Norma has been incredible, and Tess has been pivotal in that journey.”
This week’s awards ceremony in Melbourne also saw other noteworthy mentions, with Grace Bar and Eatery in Rutherglen receiving its first chef hat and Provenance retaining its two-hat rating. Brown Brothers also maintained its one-hat status, showcasing the vibrant food scene in the region.
Rafferty’s journey back to Albury has transformed not just her career but also the local dining scene. “We just keep refining everything and keep raising the bar,” she said, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and community engagement.
Norma operates Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 9 PM and Sunday from noon to 8:30 PM. This announcement is a resounding celebration for the entire team and a testament to their hard work and passion for exceptional food.
As culinary enthusiasts and locals alike revel in this triumph, the focus now shifts to how Norma will continue to innovate and inspire in the coming year. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!
