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

£40 The Wenlock Arms Restaurant Voucher

73 Main St, Wheldrake, York YO19 6AA
  • Award-winning Harrogate inn
  • Locally-sourced produce
  • SAVE 50% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£40.00 £20.00 Save 50% £40 OFF Read More Add to cart
73 Main St, Wheldrake, York YO19 6AA

Swinton Park Hotel Sparkling Afternoon Tea

Ripon, HG4 4JH
  • Featured on the BBC’s Amazing Hotels series
  • Access to deer park and gardens
  • SAVE 18%
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£55.00 £45.00 Save 18% £55 OFF Read More Add to cart
Ripon, HG4 4JH

Prosecco Afternoon Tea at Hotel Du Vin Harrogate

11 Prospect Pl, Harrogate HG1 1LB
  • Afternoon Tea in the heart of Harrogate
  • Valid 7 days a week
  • SAVE up to 21% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£37.95 £29.95 Save 21% £37.95 OFF Read More Add to cart
11 Prospect Pl, Harrogate HG1 1LB

Masons of Yorkshire Gin Distillery Tour with Tastings

Northallerton, DL7 9EE
  • Guided tour and tasting experience inside a multi-award-winning distillery
  • Yorkshire’s first gin distillery
  • SAVE 10% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£25.00 £22.50 Save 10% £25.00 OFF Read More Add to cart
Northallerton, DL7 9EE

£50 CrowdedHouse Restaurant Voucher

Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
  • Stunning rooftop bar and restaurant with great views
  • Mouthwatering small plates
  • SAVE 25% 
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£50.00 £37.50 Save 25% £50 OFF Read More Add to cart
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW

De Baga Leeds Restaurant Voucher

De Baga Headingley and Chapel Allerton
  • One of Leeds’s best modern Indian restaurants
  • Mouthwatering menu specialising in Goan food
  • SAVE 20% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
From  £24.00 Read More Select options
De Baga Headingley and Chapel Allerton

Written by

Georgia Suggitt

21/03/2024

Tags and Categories

Join our Foodie Community

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

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.