MOUNT Tamborine's Songbirds in the Forest has taken the the top prize - Restaurant of the Year - at the 2006 Restaurant & Catering Queensland Sunsuper State Awards for Excellence.

A host of other Gold Coast restaurants also won in their categories, with all winners to now compete for the national prizes, to be announced in Sydney on October 30.

Restaurant & Catering Queensland president Nino Miano says the Awards program is going from strength to strength - as evidenced by this year's record 660 entries and 2200 attendees at the seven events across the State.

Songbirds in the Forest

Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant

Songbirds in the Forest

The Tandoori Place, Broadbeach

Songbirds in the Forest

Reflections on the Promenade

Lizzie's Restaurant & Bar