The battle lines have been drawn for the inaugural Australian Café of the Year; a search for the country’s best eatery from trendy city lanes to the outback.

Supported by Café Culture Magazine, the competition – which is in its third year in New Zealand – is set to be a fiercely fought foodie fight, pitting state against state.

Andrew Nalder, Café of the Year spokesperson, said the competition is crossing the ditch to offer local businesses the chance to prove the Australian café culture is up there with the best in the world.

“The plan for Australian Café of the Year is not for it to be a one-hit wonder. In our maiden year, we want to see what our Aussie neighbours have to offer in this competition of true culinary heart and passion,” he said.

“Entering the competition is a great way to shake up your establishment, with past entrants finding that by simply being a part of the competition, their businesses improved – with staff becoming more attentive, proud and focused,”

Entries for Australian Café of the Year are open from now through to August 18 and must adhere to set criteria, as outlined at cafeoftheyear.com.au.

Seven regional winners from around the country will receive $1000 each, along with a Heinz prize pack, with the supreme winner taking home bragging rights and a Renault Clio RS200 Sport.