Josh Niland scooped the James Beard Book of the Year awards overnight, winning for his revolutionary first book, The Whole Fish Cook Book. 

Niland is the only Australian to have ever won the award. 

The awards were announced in the US overnight, and not only did the book win best in category for Restaurant and Professional, but it also collected the coveted Book of the Year accolade.

The yearly James Beard awards are arguably one of the most prestigious culinary book awards in the world. Every year they recognise chefs, restaurateurs, authors, journalists and broadcast media. 

Josh Niland and his wife Julie Niland opened their award winning restaurant Saint Peter in Sydney in 2016, Fish Butchery in 2018 and recently launched Mr Niland at Home meal kits. 

The Whole Fish Cook Book (published by Hardie Grant Australia) has collected several awards since it was launched in September 2019, including illustrated book of the year 2020 and The Food Book Award at the André Simon Awards. It was also shortlisted for the Debut Cookery Book award in 2020. 

“I am overwhelmed. It’s an incredible achievement for all involved. Huge thank you to Hardie Grant and the team for their incredible support and for believing in what we do. Without that belief, a book like this may never have been written. This award will hopefully bring our message to a wider audience,” he said. 

The Whole Fish Cook Book is available to purchase online from MrNiland.com, Booktopia.com.au, Amazon.com.au and wherever good books are sold.