Home > News > Leeds’ best restaurants and chefs recognised at Oliver Awards 2024 by Yorkshire Evening Post

Leeds’ best restaurants and chefs recognised at Oliver Awards 2024 by Yorkshire Evening Post

The 15th edition of the Oliver Awards, which honour Leeds’ best eateries, bars, pubs, cafes, hotels, takeaways, and chefs, has returned to 2024 with a bang.

The Oliver Awards provides an opportunity to showcase Leeds’ exceptional hospitality industry and the dedicated individuals who make it possible.

Nicko Lachina Rising Star at Oliver Awards Leeds
Image: Nicko Lachica – Oliver Awards Winner of ‘Rising Star Award’

The year, there was a brand-new category called “Rising Star” that was given to a young, talented chef everyone needs to watch. The “Overall Restaurant” award was also replaced by the new Judges’ Choice award.

For 2024, more than 200 businesses applied to the Oliver Awards to be recognised for their contributions to the food and drink scene, setting a record for the number of entries.

This year’s winners were announced at a ceremony at New Dock Hall near the Royal Armouries Museum on Monday 18th March.

Amongst a host of well-deserved winners was a chef from one of Leeds’ best Indian restaurants, Tharavadu. Their head chef Ajith Kumar proudly won ‘Chef of the Year’.

Tharavadu - Best Indian Restaurants in Leeds

Tharavadu has won many accolades over the years, thanks to their unbeatable flavours of traditional Keralan cuisine, creating an authentic South Indian dining experience and the most welcoming service that’s hard to come by.

To find out more about the other awards and recognised winners in Leeds, see the full list below.

2024 Oliver Awards Winners:

  • Chef of the Year – Ajith Kumar at Tharavadu
  • Best Cafe or Deli – Empire Cafe
  • Newcomer of the Year – Bricklebank’s Cafe & Bar
  • Best Bar – Green Room
  • Best Family Friendly – The Thornhill
  • Best Takeaway – Hooyah Burgers
  • Sustainability Award – Kino
  • Best Speciality – byMolly
  • Best Brunch – Cafe Deli Margaux
  • Best Pub or Brewery – Horsforth Brewery & Taproom
  • Best World Restaurant – Dastaan
  • Best Customer Service – Chef Jono at V&V
  • Best Hotel Restaurant – The Grill at Dakota Leeds
  • Rising Star Award – Nick Lachica at Herencia
  • Outstanding Contribution – Claire at Moot Hall Arms
  • Judges’ Choice Award – Matt Healy at Forde

DON’T MISS…

Afternoon Tea for Two at Goldsborough Hall

Goldsborough Hall, Church St, Knaresborough HG5 8NR
  • Magnificent stately home near Harrogate
  • Michelin recommended dining
  • SAVE 13%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£80.00 £70.00 Save 13% £80 13% OFF Read More Add to cart
Goldsborough Hall, Church St, Knaresborough HG5 8NR

Afternoon Tea at The Grand York

The Grand, York
  • York’s 5-Star hotel
  • Served within the hotel’s striking Rise Restaurant with York city wall views
  • SAVE up to 20%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
From  £33.57 Read More Select options
The Grand, York

No.1 GuestHouse York Sparkling Afternoon Tea

1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
  • Insta-worthy Grade II listed townhouse hotel
  • Close to York’s iconic Minster
  • SAVE 21%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£38.00 £30.00 Save 21% £38 21% OFF Read More Add to cart
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA

Afternoon Tea at Malmaison Leeds with Cocktail or Prosecco

1 Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG
  • Afternoon Tea in the heart of Leeds
  • Valid 7-days a week
  • SAVE up to 24%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£39.50 £29.95 Save 24% £39.50 24% OFF Read More Add to cart
1 Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG

3-Course Sunday Lunch at The York, Sheffield

243 - 247 Fulwood Road, Sheffield S10 3BA
  • Traditional pub classics and a selection of beers, ales, spirits and wines
  • Renowned as one of Sheffield’s best pubs
  • SAVE 25%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£30.00 £22.50 Save 25% £30 25% OFF Read More Add to cart
243 - 247 Fulwood Road, Sheffield S10 3BA

Silversmiths Sheffield Evening Dining & Drinks

Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT
  • Renowned Sheffield city centre restaurant
  • Expect colourful, modern plates of local produce
  • SAVE up to 22%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£32.00 £25.00 Save 22% £32 22% OFF Read More Add to cart
Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT

Written by

Georgia Suggitt

21/03/2024

Join our Foodie Community

Keep up to date with the latest news, reviews, foodie events and exclusive offers