25 March 2026 | The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has officially opened voting for the 2026 AHA & Little Creatures WA’s Best Steak Sandwich competition.
This year, more than 40 Perth venues and 16 regional venues are putting their steak sandwiches to the ultimate taste test in WA’s most iconic culinary showdown, now in its 19th year.
The high-stakes competition features two categories – Perth Metropolitan and Country WA – and culminates in an exciting live cook-off judged in front of peers by a panel of experts. Finalists are chosen through a combination of online public voting and mystery judge visits, with the top four from each division advancing to compete on stage.
Steak sandwiches are judged on meat tenderness, flavour, presentation, originality, sauces, value and sides, such as chips — and, in the words of AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods, their “fangability”.
“WA’s chefs are pulling out all the stops, and it’s up to diners, and our mystery tasting judges, to decide who makes the cut,” said Mr Woods.
“The Best Steak Sandwich competition celebrates the ultimate pub classic, and showcases the creativity, skill and passion that make WA’s hospitality scene so vibrant,” he added.
This year, the competition adds a tasty twist to the voting process. To keep it fair, diners must upload a photo of their steak sandwich or a copy of their purchase receipt. The image must clearly show the sandwich and/or the venue name and date of purchase – a simple way for fans to back their favourite local venue.
The contest can drive significant additional sales for participating venues, boosting their profile and attracting new customers.
Key dates
- Voting closes: 27 April 2026
- Finalist announced: Four in each category on 31 May 2026
- Winners revealed: At the live cook-off during Hospitality Expo — regional winner on 30 June 2026, metro winner on 1 July 2026
A full list of participating venues can be found below or at our website: https://www.ahawa.asn.au/events/2026-was-best-steak-sandwich-competition/
PERTH METROPOLITAN VENUES
- 7th Ave Bar and Restaurant
- Aussie Ribs Ascot
- Benny’s Bar and Cafe
- C.Y O’Connor Village Pub
- Carrington’s Bar & Grill
- Gusti
- Currambine Bar and Bistro
- De Baun & Co.
- Reel Kitchen
- Fat Boyz
- Froth Craft Beach
- Julio’s Italian Restaurant
- Indian Ocean Brewing Company – The Mindarie Marina
- Jackadders Restaurant
- Karalee on Preston
- Lima Cantina
- Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room
- Old Courthouse
- Pantano Bar
- Phat Brew Club
- Round The Corner Bar & Grill – formally Belvideres Bar & Bistro
- Samuels on Mill
- Sandbar Scarborough Beach
- Sentinel Bar and Grill Perth CBD
- Sorrento Beach Club
- Subiaco Hotel
- The Amberton
- The Breakwater
- The Byford Tavern
- The Carlisle Hotel & Distillery
- The Central
- The Claremont Hotel
- The Last Local
- The Local House Bar And Grill
- The Mahogany Inn and Distillery
- The Merrywell
- The Morris Hotel
- The Stirling Arms Hotel
- The Wellard
- The Wembley Hotel
- The Wray Hotel
COUNTRY WA VENUES
- Bakers Hill Tavern
- Brugan brewery/ Wokalup Tavern
- Exchange Hotel
- Fiorita Wine Bar & Restaurant
- Hybla Taven
- Matso’s Broome Brewery
- Ongerup Hotel
- Premier Hotel Albany
- Settlers Tavern
- Tarcoola Tavern
- The Boathouse Tavern
- The Miners Rest Motel
- The Rec Hotel Boulder
- The Rec Hotel Northam
- The Rec Waroona Hotel
- Wilson Brewing Company
– Ends –
For further information, please contact Kim Forrester, media & communications executive, on 0411 777 593 or email mecom@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
