Onkaparinga’s best businesses have been revealed, following a people’s choice that attracted more than 17,000 votes.

The first ever Onkaparinga Business Awards were held by the City of Onkaparinga in partnership with Messenger Press, and announced on Thursday 28 November with a celebration at Sauerbier House, Port Noarlunga.

Winners were acknowledged across 14 categories (see full list below).

Aldinga venue Pepper Tree Cafe was a big winner on the night, taking out two awards: Best Pub/Bar/Live Music Venue and Best Customer Experience. The cafe is known for its live music and relaxed atmosphere.

Local burger joints were in favour, with both Port Burger in Port Noarlunga, and Fudd’s in Aberfoyle Park, taking out the Best Start Up and Best Eatery Category, respectively. Both businesses are known for their delicious, often inventive burgers and craft beer selections.

Other winners included a grocery, an accountancy, and even a business that sells eco-friendly party gear.

Mayor Erin Thompson shared her excitement about the awards on her Facebook page: "Congratulations to our inaugural ON Business award winners!" she wrote.

"With more than 17,000 votes received, it’s clear that our community are dedicated to supporting local,” her post continues.

“Shout out to all the finalists in each category who rounded out a great line-up of local businesses, highlighting the best we have to offer in Onkaparinga.”

The awards were organised by the council’s ON Business team, which also offers grants, advice, education and networking opportunities for Onkaparinga small businesses that are part of the free ON Business Partner Program.

Full list of 2019 Onkaparinga Business Award winners:

Hall of Fame

Winner: O'Halloran Hill Fruit Mart

Finalists: Fancy That On Beach Road | Wood n Logs

Best Start Up

Winner: Port Burger

Finalists: Tent-it Teepee Party Hire | Tipi Lane

Best Eatery

Winner: Fudd’s

Finalists: Agatha’s Café

Home Grain Bakery | Becks Bakehouse

Best Coffee

Winner: Coffee Factory Café

Finalists: Café Cody | Coffeed Café

Best pub/bar/live music venue

Winner: Pepper Tree Café

Finalists: Victor's Place | Mick O'Shea's Hotel | Keg & Barrel Steakhouse

Best food/beverage manufacturer/producer

Winner: Beach Road Wines

Finalists: Thug Life Brewing | Shifty Lizard Brewing Co. Pty Ltd

Best tourism experience

Winner: McLaren Vale Motorcycle Tours & Chauffeured Cars

Finalists: Willunga Farmers’ Market | Mollydooker Wines

Best professional services/inclusion support business

Winner: Concept Accountants

Finalists: Complete Mobile Mechanical | Achieve Video Marketing

Best manufacturing/construction/trade business

Winner: Southern Classics and Customs

Finalists: Tapp Electrical Pty Ltd | South Vac Hydro Excavation and Vacuuming

Best health/beauty/fitness/wellbeing business

Winner: Salt Yoga

Finalists: Madiva Hair Lounge | Flava Fitness Down South

Best retailer

Winner: MV2

Finalists: Botanista | Railways Landscape Supplies

Best mobile trader

Winner: Rosy Lee High Tea and Catering

Finalists: Radicool Reptiles | Pitstop Italianfood | Zaks on Wheels

Best eco-friendly/sustainable business

Winner: Eco Party Box

Finalists: The Flour Store | Uniquely Natural | McCarthy’s Orchard

Best customer experience

Winner: Pepper Tree Café

Finalists: Agatha's Café | Port Burger