Safari Club Bar and Grill has been voted the “national winner for steak” as part of the LifeStyle Food Channel’s I Love Food Awards 2014.

The awards, which celebrate Australia’s favourite places to eat out as chosen by the public, received more than 99,000 votes across 28 categories.

Owners Elliot and Justine Dube said they were “overwhelmed” when they received the exciting news earlier this month.

“We didn’t actually think we’d be in with a chance as we didn’t know about the competition until voting had nearly finished,” Mrs Dube said.

“I’m very proud of him.”

With generous portion sizes and an extensive list of steaks and game meats on offer, it comes as no surprise that the African-inspired restaurant has taken out the coveted title before.

In 2012, Mr Dube, who honed his culinary skills in Johannesburg, was awarded both the national and state title for best steak, and in 2009, before a steak category was established, won an award for best modern Australian cuisine.

Mrs Dube said she believed it was her husband’s special basting sauce that kept the punters coming back for more.

“Elliot’s secret recipe stops the meat from drying out and gives it a nice tender flavour,” she said.

“And he cooks it to how everyone likes it.”