Best restaurants in country named as people vote for regional winners

Just Eat has announced the finalists for this year’s Just Eat Restaurant Awards, now in its seventh year. Formerly the British Takeaway Awards, the newly named accolades champion Britain’s favourite food spots and the people that make them a success.

Celebrating the best locally-loved restaurants in the country, from those who are going above and beyond in helping their local communities, to those advancing their sustainability efforts, the Just Eat Restaurant Awards give the hard-working people behind Britain’s favourite food spots their moment to shine on a national stage.

With a total of 18 different award categories this year, there are more ways to win than ever. Alongside the Best Takeaway in Britain award, five brand new categories join the list of accolades including Best Newcomer, Best Vegan, Best Breakfast, Best Lunch and London’s Favourite Dish. Victoria Gold, UK & IE Marketing Director, said: “This year, we’re excited to be inviting more restaurants to get involved in our highly coveted Just Eat Restaurant Awards, so that food lovers across the country can support their favourites. While the name has changed and we’ve refreshed our look to a joyful orange, our mission remains the same. We’re still here to recognise the hardworking individuals behind Britain’s best food spots and champion passion, dedication and above all, unforgettable food.”

All national and regional winners will be revealed at a star-studded ceremony taking place at the 5 star The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square on February 21, 2023.

Regional winners each receive a £1,000 cash prize and a coveted Just Eat Restaurant Award trophy. Meanwhile, the overall ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’ winner will receive a further £5,000. Winners of the Judges Awards will also receive a Just Eat Restaurant Award trophy.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in the East Midlands’ are:

• June Plum - This family run, contemporary Jamaican restaurant is taking the East Midlands by storm. Started as a food truck in 2013, they butcher, marinate, brine and smoke their food on site, preparing everything “island style”. Chef-Patron Jody wants to give others a second chance, and is beginning work with the local prison to hire ex-offenders and day release prisoners.
• Aloha Foods Co - Run by brothers Grant and Nathan, Aloha Foods Co made it their mission to prove that healthy fast contemporary food is possible. It is solely devoted to delivering the best quality, healthy meal solution to meet the needs of every enthusiast. This year alone they’ve drawn celebrity clientele, catering for the likes of Bastille, Frank Bruno and Warner Bros Studios.
• Namaste Village - Namaste Village wants to change the way people think about vegetarian and vegan food. In an effort to give back to the community during the cost of living they started a “Dosa on the Wall” initiative - when patrons donate £4, the restaurant matches it with the meal redeemed by someone who needs to feed themselves or their family.
• Chris's Fish & Chips - A three-time winner of this award, Chris’s Fish & Chips is a Just Eat Awards veteran! After noticing how people were struggling with their mental health during covid, the owner went on mental health courses so that he could better understand and offer advice to people he recognised as struggling.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in Greater London’ are:

• Bunno - Run by Ukrainian-born Serhiy, and serving up amazing coffee and pasta, these local heroes have committed to helping Ukrainian people in the UK and Ukraine. They have employed Ukrainian refugees, raised funds for supplies to be sent to Ukraine and sponsored Ukrainians finding it hard to emigrate to the UK.
• Nasi Isda - After first opening in 2021 and proving incredibly popular, Nasi Isda is now open across 3 sites. This has enabled them to reduce their costs and pass the savings on to their customers. The team are great pioneers for creating new dishes in the Japanese restaurant space, and aim to educate consumers about the benefits of protein-rich sushi!
• Papa Ji - With 14 years in the business under his belt, Maneet saw a gap in the market, wanting to put an Asain twist on popular dishes. Through hard work and dedication, what started as a food truck, quickly became a mobile kitchen, which in 2021 turned into a permanent residence. Customers have travelled up to 5 hours just to get their Papa Ji fix!
• The Souvlaki - The Souvlaki started in 2015 as a market stall offering authentic Greek food and in a very short period of time, became extremely popular. Now with its own restaurant, and expanding across the country, the restaurant works with Kingston Student University as a case study, giving around 70 students each year the chance to visit and discuss its business model.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in the North East’ are:

• Macro Based Diner - This restaurant aims to make healthy eating easier, tastier and more convenient by having your meal prep delivered to your door. Earlier this year, CEO Mike Hind was awarded an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his services to his community. To receive this he walked the 250+miles from Middlesbrough to Windsor castle and raised over £33k for SSAFA, the armed forces charity.
• My Delhi - My Delhi serves authentic Delhi street food and cuisine. It has won multiple industry awards this year, including a Special Recognition Award for Advancing the Indian Restaurant Industry & winning on BBC2’s Britain’s Top Takeaways . The accolades and love from customers has allowed them to open a second restaurant this year.
• Lezzet Restaurant - Described as a real hidden gem by local customers, Lezzet is serving up Turkish delicacies in the heart of the Northeast. This restaurant is a true family affair, with the whole family pitching in to keep it open in these difficult times. Opened in 2008 it is a part of the fabric of the community, with the owners describing their customers as their extended family.
• Catling Bakery Ltd - Despite costs going up, this local bakery has adapted its business to make it affordable to customers looking to enjoy a treat. They are trying to improve their carbon footprint by fitting solar panels, and to give back to those in need they have been raising money for Ukraine through cake sales and furnished a home for Ukrainian refugees.
  

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in the North West’ are:

• Panc Foods - Panc Foods has grown from a remote ghost kitchen to a popular business in just under a year, serving delicious vegan food and desserts. Considering the small matter of a pandemic, and the tough conditions for businesses everywhere, not bad going! Their sustainability efforts go beyond their vegan food as each PANC food item is served in fully biodegradable packaging.
• Biskits - Despite the cost of living issues, this business was determined to stay open to keep its staff employed. Despite being a dessert restaurant, they recognised the need to diversify and introduced a savoury menu. Despite the challenges, changing the business proposition was the best way to keep his staff employed in difficult times.
• Cafe at the End of the Universe - From starting in a burger van in 2015, this restaurant just opened its second location this year with its amazing pop-culture inspired menu. Their delivery orders were becoming such a huge part of the business, they were able to open a dark kitchen to manage all deliveries from.
• Blackdoor Bar & Bistro - This local bistro serves up breakfast and burgers galore, and in a desire to give back to the community has worked with a charity that aims to keep young people out of trouble, by giving them jobs and teaching them skills.
• Vegan House Foods Ltd - A runner up in a recent British street food awards. This business has outgrown the horsebox it started in and moved into a permanent premises in New Chester Market this year. After 4 years of hard work they have developed and manufactured their own vegan street food products, which they take on the road to various festivals.
  

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in Yorkshire’ are:

• The Funky Indian - Having experienced health issues, owner Jas opened The Funky Indian so that could work around his own health needs and support his family. Appreciating that some health issues and disabilities are invisible, he consulted with the local community and launched inclusive 2 hour family dining sessions. Offering lowered music, sensory lighting, staff on hand to help and more.
• Munchies - Not only does Munchies serve up fresh and premium ingredients to their customers. They’re just as committed to looking after their staff. Having surveyed to understand the most disliked parts of the job, Munchies took action. No longer do staff have to worry about end of night cleaning and missing transport home, Munchies hired full-time cleaners to do a night shift of cleaning.
• Five Food - Jeanine previously worked as a Health Trainer, with clients who were mainly those suffering from chronic disease, which was directly linked to a poor diet and inactive lifestyle. She decided she wanted to make a difference to the food industry, offering the consumer an alternative and healthier option to fast and processed food. From this, Five was born with the motto, “Without Good Food There Can Never Be Good Health”.
• All Starz - Having set-up All Star Desserts over 3 years ago, owner Sarmud Mahmood has opened up its third premises in Huddersfield. And spotting that milkshakes were the fastest growing menu item, he decided to create an express version of the stores to help with demand and he’s been able to offer franchise opportunities.
  

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in the West Midlands’ are:

• Libertine Burger - 2022 has been a big year for Libertine Burger. Alongside celebrating their 5th birthday, they’ve moved their flagship restaurant to a bigger premises, which paves the way for the opening of a third restaurant. And on top of taking their Libertine Truck on the road to various festivals, they’ve also gained celebrity fans - catering Joe Wick’s birthday party!
• Pizza Pazzo - After a life-changing medical diagnosis, Ben and his father launched Pizza Pazzo to ensure that it would be possible for him to keep working through his treatment. This is a family run business, committed to fresh food - so fresh they only freeze the gelato and smoothies.
• Dolce Desserts - Dolce Desserts was born out of a crazy idea and determination from its then 21-year old founder. Now running 5 sites around Birmingham, they have built a franchise model to grow even more. Dolce Desserts now works closely with a Children’s Hospital to support patients and staff on the ward, and their city centre stores stay open until 2:30am serving paramedics with hot drinks and refreshments during their shift.
• Island Lounge - Since our opening in 2018 Island Lounge has grown and developed into a proud staple in the community of Wednesbury and surrounding areas. This independent restaurant, with family at its heart, is striving to improve their carbon footprint, and has made huge improvements in their use of recyclable materials.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in Wales’ are:

• GRK SPOT - GRK Spot launched this year to serve up urban street food to the people of Bangor. Determined to get things right from the start, the team ensured all packaging is 100% plastic free.
• Naadan Bwyd - Owner and Head Chef George opened Naadan Bywd just over a year ago in Bridends first street food hall. Bringing 18 years of experience spicing it up in the kitchen, it’s gone from strength to strength serving authentic Indian street food.
• O’ My Cod Bridgend - Having only launched 18 months ago, this Welsh family run fish & chip shop has three generations driving it forward. In that short space of time they have already picked up industry awards thanks to their high customer ratings and votes.
• The Greedy Pig - Having started out on the street food scene, owners Scott and Simon took on the challenge of opening a restaurant during lockdown. As well as running their 30 seater restaurant in Porthcawl, they are determined to remember their routes, and remain on the move with their mobile kitchen.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in the South West’ are:

• Coriander Indian Takeaway - Head Chef Cini was born and trained in India, now living in Bournemouth she runs this family takeaway. Committed to making a positive impact on the local community in the cost of living crisis, they supply potatoes, onions, rice and other pulses to a local food bank which distributes to the local communities twice per week.
• The Arjee Bhajee - Bristol-born Mahfuzal Haque and his team want to promote healthier, quality food for their customers from sustainable sources. To do this they work closely with suppliers to identify responsible sources and with wholesalers who work with small makers and growers.
• V. Dorset - After winning this award in 2021, owner Keri has since opened her permanent diner in June of this year. Determined to offer healthy food to their customers, V.Dorset has a 'Healthy Options' category on the menu which includes only items that are below 400 kcals and has nutritional information, including their tasty Naked Burgers.
• Rockabillyz - After 20 years working in fine dining restaurants and hotels, owner and chef, Kayleigh, wanted to change the perceptions of takeaways locally to being of good quality cuisine and exceptional quality. She launched Rockabillyz, based around an American-style diner menu, but with a range of healthy and alternative options.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in the South East’ are:

• The Greek Farmers Taverna - Frustrated by the quality and choice of takeaways in Hertfordshire, owner Tony set-up The Greek Farmers to bring tasty, healthy Greek food to the home counties. Alongside producing Greek cured meats, they are now able to serve many of the semi rural villages in the area.
• Cookies & Cones - Cookies and Cones is an American-style dessert company established in 2018 to bring a new flavour to Essex with hand made small batch gelato and instagrammable bakery products. Having seen the business grow to 9 stores, all whilst keeping local business passion and values, this year they have secured a partnership with Primark.
• Abbie Lou Seafood & Fish - This local seafood business has family at its heart. Sean runs their fishing vessel the Abbie Lou, catching a wide variety of different fish year round, whilst his wife Kayley organises the distribution of fish to the local area. As a community based business, they are committed to prioritising the elderly, disabled and vulnerable.
• The Guard House Thai - Having run the successful Indian restaurant, British Raj Express, the owners saw a need for greater variety of food in the local area. Taking the knowledge gained from its sister establishment, they launched The Guard House Thai this year offering delicious Thai food to Royston and the surrounding area.

Competing for ‘Best Takeaway in Northern Ireland’ are:

• Eathakka - This Belfast eatery serves up authentic Hakka Chinese cuisine and, in an effort to help younger generations develop workplace skills, employees mostly students.
• Pizza Guyz - Not only is this vibrant family run pizza restaurant well and truly embedded in its local community, offering pizza making experiences to local special needs schools, it is also driven to make a positive environmental impact. Pizza Guyz works with the Woodland Trust to plant 1000 trees each year to offset their carbon footprint.
• Browns Fish & Chips Belfast Ltd - This local restaurant has been a part of its community for over 10 years, and makes huge efforts to have a positive impact. Started during covid, and continuing due to the cost of living, they offer meals to pensioners in the local area. On top of that they provide hot meals to the homeless on a weekly basis.
• The Mill Café and Bagel Bar - Having impulsively opened back in 2020, this cafe and bagel bar has gone from strength to strength. Determined to give back to the community that supported them, they now sponsor a local football team, provide kits for their local YMCA and fundraise for a local mental health charity, PIPS.
  

Competing for ‘Takeaway in Scotland’ are:

• Nippon Kitchen - This Glasgow restaurant exudes modern Japan meets Old Glasgow. As well as serving delicious Japanese dishes fresh to order, they are making a huge effort to tackle food waste by offering more portion size options and training staff to advise customers to ensure quantities suit party sizes.
• Chicken Union - Spotting the trend of Korean Fried Chicken growing rapidly in London, this family owned restaurant launched a year ago determined to pioneer this food and culture in Stirling. Worth the trip just to sample their family recipe!
• A Slice - Based in Kilmarnock, this is a Neapolitan Pizzeria with a difference. Chef Carmine uses his Nonna’s family recipe, once sold on the streets of Naples, to bring an authentic taste of Naples pizza to Ayrshire. Spotting a gap in the joint owner, Simonas, got a job as a delivery driver during lockdown to conduct market research.
• Namaste Delhi - Namaste Delhi is a tapas style Indian restaurant, the first to offer up Indian tapas style dishes in Aberdeen. Passionate about innovation, this restaurant offers cooking and cocktail masterclasses, provides evening workshops to learn about healthy nutrition and yoga, and partners with local business to host “Glamaste” packages - Hair, makeup and a curry!