Categories
Best Cafe or Deli
This category celebrates establishments that redefine the art of gastronomy, blending exceptional flavours with an inviting ambiance. From artisanal coffee houses to charming delis, contenders in this category embody the spirit of culinary innovation and customer satisfaction. Judges will scrutinise menu creativity, quality of ingredients, and the overall dining experience.
Best Bar
Whether it's a chic urban hotspot or a cosy neighbourhood gem, the Best Bar Award honours the establishments that elevate the art of bartending, delivering not just amazing drinks, but an immersive journey for every visitor. Join us in raising a glass to the bars that redefine the standard and set the bar high.
Best World Restaurant
Embark on a global culinary journey in our Best World Restaurant category, where flavours from every corner of the globe converge in a symphony of taste. This category will award a restaurant that showcases a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a deep understanding of global cuisines.
Sustainability Award
This category is open to any hospitality business and celebrates the establishments that have the environment at the heart of their business. Do you have a zero-waste policy, are you somewhere that emphasises using seasonal and local produce, do you recruit local staff or run your business using clean energy? We want to hear from all food and hospitality businesses leading the way in the environmental revolution and concerned for our planet.
Best Hotel Restaurant
Introduced just a year ago, this award honours hotel-based restaurants. These establishments not only draw in local customers but also entice visitors from both nearby and distant locations with their delectable menu, diverse drink selection, and excellent customer service.
Best Pub
This award acknowledges celebrates a pub that stands out for its exceptional atmosphere, quality drinks, and welcoming service. This venue combines great hospitality with a vibrant setting, offering a diverse selection of beverages and creating an unforgettable experience for customers, making it a standout in the community.
Best Street Food (NEW for 2025)
This brand new award honors a street food vendor or stall that delivers exceptional flavors, creativity, and quality in every bite. From bold flavors to outstanding presentation, the winning vendor embodies the spirit of street food, delivering great taste and value that leaves customers coming back for more.
Best Takeaway
Recognising excellence in the culinary realm, the Best Takeaway Award celebrates establishments that elevate the art of takeout. From delectable flavours to seamless packaging, this category honours those who redefine the takeaway experience, delivering exceptional dishes with unparalleled convenience, making dining at home a gourmet delight.
Employee of the Year (NEW for 2025)
Best Family Friendly Award
This award recognises eateries that excel in creating an inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for families. These establishments go beyond exceptional cuisine, providing a welcoming atmosphere, kid-friendly menu options, and attentive service that caters to the diverse needs of families, making dining a delightful and memorable experience for all.
Newcomer of the Year
This is always a popular category and one of the hardest to judge. We want to celebrate the restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and more which have made their dreams a reality - recognising the hard work and passion that goes into opening a business. This category applies to restaurants which are within their first 1-2 years of trading.
Best Speciality
Is your restaurant targeting a particular sector…possibly serving tasty vegan or vegetarian food, or offering mouth-watering gluten free or dairy free dishes? If you’ve carved out a niche and offer outstanding specialist cuisine - then shout about your expertise in this category.
Best Customer Service
Recognising excellence in customer service, this award celebrates establishments that consistently go above and beyond to prioritise customer satisfaction. Honouring those who excel in responsiveness, communication, and problem resolution, the Best Customer Service Award highlights a commitment to fostering positive customer experiences and building lasting relationships.
Best Local Restaurant (People's Choice)
This is an exciting brand new category for 2025 and celebrates the fantastic LOCAL restaurants with an LS postcode (not in the city centre). The shortlisted businesses will then be put to the public vote in the Yorkshire Evening Post to determine our winner for 2025.
Best Fine Dining Experience
Indulge in opulent gastronomy and impeccable service with our Best Fine Dining Experience award. This prestigious accolade celebrates establishments that elevate dining to an art form, showcasing culinary mastery, luxurious ambiance, and an unforgettable journey for the senses. Discover a world where every meal is an exquisite masterpiece.
Rising Star Award
This brand new category for 2024 celebrates the young or up-and-coming chefs of Leeds who have something truly special. Judges want to see creativity, talent and heaps of potential, whether it’s cooking in fine-dining establishments or for their own street food business. These chefs are the most likely to make a significant impact on the Leeds restaurant scene in years to come.
Chef of the Year
This prestigious award recognises a chef who embodies the spirit of gastronomic artistry, demonstrating unparalleled skill, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen. From crafting exquisite dishes that tantalise the palate to inspiring culinary trends, the Chef of the Year is a visionary force shaping the world of gastronomy. This award not only acknowledges exceptional culinary prowess but also applauds a chef's ability to inspire, mentor, and elevate the entire culinary community.