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

Pizza & Pint or Glass Of Wine at Grappa Sheffield

266 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS
  • Stylish Italian Restaurant and Bar
  • UK’s largest selection of Grappa
  • Choice of pizzas made in their traditional Gianni Acunto oven
  • SAVE 22% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£18.00 £14.00 Save 22% £18 OFF Read More Add to cart
266 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS

Bottomless Brunch at Fleur Leeds

  • Fusion restaurant in Leeds City Centre, serving a tempting bottomless brunch.
  • SAVE 26% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£36.95 £27.50 Save 26% £36.95 OFF Read More Add to cart

TeT Wakefield Restaurant Voucher

3-9 Cross Square, Wakefield WF1 1PQ
  • Contemporary Thai and Vietnamese cuisine
  • One of Wakefield’s best restaurants
  • SAVE 20% off 
YFG EXCLUSIVE
From  £32.00 Read More Select options
3-9 Cross Square, Wakefield WF1 1PQ

Sunday Lunch with Champagne at Hotel Du Vin York

89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX
  • AA Rosette award-winning bistro
  • Start with their French Market buffet before enjoying a roast cooked over fire
  • SAVE up to 29% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
From  £29.95 Read More Select options
89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX

£20 Indian Tiffin Room Restaurant Voucher

31-32 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JD
  • Authentic Indian street food
  • Outstanding reviews in the national and regional press
  • SAVE 25% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£20.00 £15.00 Save 25% £20 OFF Read More Add to cart
31-32 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JD

£60 The Punch Bowl Inn Marton cum Grafton Restaurant Voucher

 Marton cum Grafton, YO51 9QY
  • Seasonal dishes in a traditional 16th-century inn
  • Nestled in a quaint North Yorkshire village
  • SAVE 50% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£60.00 £30.00 Save 50% £60.00 OFF Read More Add to cart
 Marton cum Grafton, YO51 9QY

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.