"It means a lot as we pride ourselves on looking after our customers and for us that is the most important thing. There voice and opinion counts so we couldn't be happier."
Mr Bates said they had grown a great local following, who they would always put first.
"We look after them, remember their seat preferences, their names, their orders and will always guide them on what is good depending on their pallete."
"I think we are popular as we have a huge variety with authentic Indian cuisine and then more contemporary dishes with Indian fusion. We use the freshest local ingredients."
Along with their extensive food menu Mr Bates said they had the largest whisky collection in the country and up to 200 wines with a lot of those local.
Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois congratulated all the winners on a job well done.
"With so many talented operators and dedicated hospitality professionals in the region, each category was keenly contested."
"Under the stewardship of the Restaurant Association and with the valued support of industry partners, the awards are an important platform to highlight the region's successes and to acknowledge the industry's achievements."
The Hawke's Bay Branch of the Restaurant Association was proud of all the restaurants, cafes, bars, and wineries that made up the unique and vibrant industry.
President Sean Burns said the winners reflected the dynamic and diverse businesses that the Hawke's Bay community had to choose from, and the awards were a very important event for the local industry.
"All the hospitality owners and staff would like to thank the sponsors that support our efforts and helped make these awards such a fantastic celebration."
Award winners:
Hellers Outstanding Coffee Establishment:
Hawthorne Coffee
Restaurant Association Outstanding Sales Rep/Supplier:
Lisa Clarke, Clearview Estate Winery
San Pellegrino Outstanding Cellar Door:
Clearview Estate Winery
Sacred Hill Outstanding Chef:
Jeremy Rameka, Pacifica Restaurant
Bidfood Outstanding Café:
Maina
Simply Squeezed Outstanding Local:
Common Room
Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Winery Restaurant:
Elephant Hill
Hawke's Bay Today People's Choice:
Indigo
Clearview Estate Winery Best Ambience and Style:
Bistronomy
Steinlager Pure Outstanding Bar:
Emporium Eatery & Bar
Restaurant Association Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant:
Indigo
EIT Outstanding Front of House Team:
Mister D
Craggy Range Outstanding Wine & Beverage List:
Deliciosa
One Music Outstanding Restaurant:
Bistronomy