At The Age Good Food Guide 2007 annual awards held last week, the region grabbed the "golden triangle" of winners.

Country Restaurant of the Year and two chef's hats went to Lake House, Annie Smithers Bistrot in Kyneton was awarded one hat and the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford was awarded one hat.

Also recommended were: Mercato@Daylesford; Cliffy's Emporium; Deco at Peppers Springs Retreat; Frangos and Frangos; La Trattoria at Lavandula; Red Star Cafe; Swiss Mountain Hotel; and Tuki.

Lake House scored 17 out of 20 and was called "truly excellent - up there with the best".

Since opening 24 years ago, Lake House has collected 48 chef's hats - a record for a restaurant in Victoria under the guidance of the same executive chef.

Lake House executive chef and managing director Alla Wolf-Tasker was surprised and honoured as she collected the award.

She thanked the team at Lake House especially head chef Mathew Macartney and restaurant manager Martin Fairhurst.

Mr Macartney said it was unexpected to win Country Restaurant of the Year.

"The award has been passed around. There is such a great diversity of country restaurants," he said.

Mr Fairhurst said the award highlighted the restaurant's consistency and outstanding performance over 12 months.

"It's very important to acknowledge the region. We pass on our congratulations," he said. "It's great for the whole region."

The Farmers Arms Hotel owned by Simon Bevanda and Vanessa Kalamistrakis, with chef Andrew Dennis, were rapt with their first chef's hat.

Mr Bevanda said the award recognised the restaurant's quality food, consistency and service.

He said it was good that the region had been acknowledged for its food and wine.

Hepburn Shire Council tourism and recreation manager Geoff Ryan said the high number of restaurants and cafes in Spa Country showed the region was the best place to go to eat.