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…

Save up to 38% this month on vouchers & experiences across Yorkshire

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

Chef’s Table Tasting Menu Experience at Swinton Estate

Swinton Estate, Ripon HG4 4JH
  • Grade II-Listed hotel on 20,000 acres of parkland
  • Enjoy a unique 8-course tasting menu experience
  • SAVE 16%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£95.00 £80.00 Save 16% £95 16% OFF Read More Add to cart
Swinton Estate, Ripon HG4 4JH

£40 The Fat Badger York Restaurant Voucher

2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH
  • Popular city centre gastropub overlooking York Minster
  • Showcasing the best seasonal ingredients
  • SAVE 20%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£40.00 £32.00 Save 20% £40 20% OFF Read More Add to cart
2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH

3-course Sunday lunch at Aldwark Manor, York

Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF
  • Beautiful York city centre boutique hotel
  • Served in the art-filled Leetham Brasserie
  • SAVE 14%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£32.50 £28.00 Save 14% £32.50 14% OFF Read More Add to cart
Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF

£40 Lavang Sheffield Restaurant Voucher

478-480, Fulwood Rd, Sheffield S10 3QD
  • High-quality Indian cuisine in a stylish and sophisticated setting
  • Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Sheffield’s Fulwood
  • SAVE 25%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£40.00 £30.00 Save 25% £40.00 25% OFF Read More Add to cart
478-480, Fulwood Rd, Sheffield S10 3QD

Spiced Rum Creation Classes at Liquor Studio, Leeds

156a Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY
  • Create your own personalised 70cl bottle of spiced rum with Liquor Studio’s experts
  • SAVE 15%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£89.95 £76.45 Save 15% £89.95 15% OFF Read More Book ticket
156a Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY

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