The Milton restaurant owned by Jo and Alex Delly was ranked number six in the regional NSW category, and awarded a star.

A star awarded by Gourmet Traveller raises an eatery beyond the everyday.

Only 100 stars are given out at any one time, which means a restaurant that previously held a star can be edged out by restaurants such as St Isidore, who have broken onto the culinary scene.

Tasters from the magazine snuck into the Milton restaurant back in April without the knowledge of the owners.

The independent reviewers ordered some of the St Isidore signature dishes, including the famous chocolate tart, which was given a rave review.

“We have been trying to take that tart off the menu for years,” said owner, Jo Delly.

“People won’t let us, we’ve tried, she said.

“The local’s are our number one customers.”

St Isidore employs local people, and utilises local produce in their dishes.

They also grow many of their own ingredients and produce eggs to use in their dishes.

Jo and Alex first opened their restaurant in 2011.

They enjoy designing their menu around seasonal produce and introducing new items regularly.

Their dedication to exploring the best local produce impressed the reviewers.

The challenge after being made a starred restaurant is now to maintain the standard they have set for themselves.

“We have been working with other restaurants in the area, such as Bannisters and Tallwood to increase the area’s food profile,” Jo said.

“Meeting expectations now that our profile has increased is the next challenge.”