At the Norman, we know a thing or two about great beef. But this August, we’re handing the judging over to you.

Norman’s Best Breed is back for 2026, with four outstanding beef breeds stepping up to the grill: Belmont Red, Braford, Charolais and Brahman.

Last year’s champion, Belmont Red, is back to defend the title, but the competition is looking strong. Braford, Charolais and Brahman are all bringing their own flavour, tenderness and beefy bragging rights to the plate.

So, who takes the crown this year?

That’s where you come in.

Taste the line-up

For a limited time, you can order the Norman’s Best Breed tasting plate and try a bite-size piece of each breed, grilled the Norman way and served with pickled vegetables and watercress.

You’ll taste your way through:

Belmont Red
The reigning champion, back for another crack at the title.

Braford
A strong Queensland contender with plenty of grit, character and steakhouse appeal.

Charolais
A classic beef breed known for quality, consistency and quiet confidence.

Brahman
A northern legend bringing bold character to the tasting plate.

Rate the breeds

Once you’ve tasted the full line-up, it’s time to score each breed on:

Flavour  –  Tenderness  –  Overall enjoyment

No white coats. No complicated judging panels. Just you, the beef, and your honest opinion.

Win prime beef

Every guest who casts a vote will go into the draw to win a selection of prime beef cuts from the winning breed, valued at $500.

Not a bad reward for eating steak and having an opinion.

Crown the champion

The breed with the most votes will be crowned Norman’s Best Breed 2026.

The winning breed society will take home the trophy, the bragging rights, and the honour of being featured by Brisbane’s worst vegetarian restaurant.

The winner will be drawn on Wednesday 5 August 2026 and notified by phone or email shortly after.

Proudly backed by the best

A big thank you to JBS Aussie Beef and this year’s participating breed societies:

Belmont Red Association of Australia
Braford Australia
Charolais Society of Australia
Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association

Bringing four great breeds together on one plate takes a serious team, and we’re proud to celebrate the people, producers and cattle behind some of Australia’s best beef.

Ready to judge?

Order the Norman’s Best Breed Tasting Plate, rate the breeds, and help us crown the champion.

Taste. Rate. Win.
Only at the Norman.