The Batemans Bay pizza perfectors won first place in the NSW regional pizza restaurant category in the Restaurant and Catering Industry Australia’s 2016 Awards for Excellence in Sydney on September 12.

Co-owner Emma Corbett said they were surprised about their win in light of their fierce competitors.

“We were absolutely ecstatic we won,” Emma said.

“It makes the hard work we put in and the amazing staff we have worthwhile.”

“I didn’t stop smiling for two days.”

She credits a big part of their success to the skill of pizza chef and co-owner Joanna Imrie.

“Jo’s really passionate about cooking and putting out the best pizza,” she said.

Joanna believed passion and fresh ingredients were key to putting them ahead of the competition.

“You’ve got to have passion,” she said.

““My dad was in the pizza industry and I’ve been making pizza since I was 15.”

Sam’s outshone fellow NSW regional finalists: Alfresco Pizza in Thredbo, Figtree Gourmet Kitchen in Figtree and Sea Salt Ristorante Pizzeria in Kingscliff, which were all vying to be the big cheese.

Mystery diners judged the restaurant on front- and back-of-house aspects including the menu, customer service and location.

The team is now preparing to take on winners from across the country at the national competition on October 24.