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

Chef’s Table Tasting Menu Experience at Swinton Estate

Swinton Estate, Ripon HG4 4JH
  • Grade II-Listed hotel on 20,000 acres of parkland
  • Michelin recommended tasting menu
  • SAVE 15% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£105.00 £89.00 Save 15% £105 OFF Read More Add to cart
Swinton Estate, Ripon HG4 4JH

Lykke Sheffield Bottomless Brunch

Lykke, 11 New Era Square, Sheffield S2 4RB
  • 2 hours of bottomless drinks with pizza or brunch dish
  • Danish-inspired bar and restaurant
  • SAVE 20% off 
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£35.00 £28.00 Save 20% £35 OFF Read More Add to cart
Lykke, 11 New Era Square, Sheffield S2 4RB

Drovers Arms Afternoon Tea

York Rd, Selby YO8 5SF
  • Award-winning country inn and restaurant
  • Near York
  • SAVE up to 20% 
YFG EXCLUSIVE
From  £18.65 Read More Select options
York Rd, Selby YO8 5SF

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

Swinton Park Cookery School

Masham, Ripon HG4 4JZ
  • 20,000-acre estate on the edge of the Dales
  • Choice of half or full-day class
  • SAVE up to 30% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
From  £95.00 Read More Select options
Masham, Ripon HG4 4JZ

Silversmiths Bottomless Brunch Sheffield

Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT
  • Popular Sheffield city centre restaurant
  • Forget plain old avo-on-toast; expect Dressed Crab Benedict, Chicken & Waffles and Turkish Eggs.
  • SAVE 21% off
YFG EXCLUSIVE
£38.00 £30.00 Save 21% £38 OFF Read More Add to cart
Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT

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.