Leeds Oliver Awards 2026: Finalists for Yorkshire Evening Post's food and drink awards announced
The finalists for the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Awards 2026 have been named.
Celebrating the crème de la crème of Leeds culinary scene, the 17th annual awards will name the very best restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, hotels, chefs and more across the city. It’s a chance to highlight the exceptional work of the people who make Leeds’ hospitality industry one of the best in the country.
Hundreds of Leeds businesses put their names forward across 17 categories. This year, we have introduced new awards.
Best in Glass celebrates the establishments that set the standard for exceptional beverage curation. This award recognises venues that offer an outstanding wine list, expertly crafted cocktail menu, or an impressive beer lineup, showcasing quality, creativity, and thoughtful selection.
Best Social Media recognises businesses that excel in connecting with their audience online, while the new Community Impact Award celebrates venues that go beyond hospitality to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve.
The four new accolades join the long-standing classics that are hard-fought for every year - including Best Hotel Restaurant, sponsored by the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, Best Bar, sponsored by PPS, Chef of the Year, sponsored by Chef Works, and Best Fine Dining Experience, sponsored by Napoleons Casino.
Our panel of independent judges poured over the entries, and had the tough job of whittling them down to a shortlist. They were blown away by the quality of entries this year, and our shortlist is testament to the wealth of talent serving the finest food and drink in Leeds.
The YEP’s Editor-In-Chief, Laura Collins, said: “The bar has been set incredibly high this year with some superb entries from beloved institutions that have shaped our city’s dining scene for years to fearless newcomers redefining it.
“Together, they prove that excellence in hospitality isn’t about how long you’ve been at the table, but how passionately you serve.
“Leeds’ dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavour, culture and creativity and we are looking forward to celebrating and rewarding the hard work that goes into making our city such a special place to enjoy some of the best food on offer.”
Laura was joined on the judging panel by Deborah Hindley from Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, Michelin star award-winning chef Adam Degg from FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park and Tom Finnon, director of operations at Palagander Limited.
The winners will be crowned at a glitzy ceremony at New Dock Hall on Monday March 16 and tickets are now available on the Oliver Awards website. Guests will enjoy a welcome drinks reception and a three-course deluxe meal before the ceremony begins.
After the winners are announced, there will be a celebration afterwards at Uyare.
Who has been shortlisted?
Best Hotel Restaurant Award (Sponsored by: Leeds Hotel and Venue Association LHVA)
- Dakota Hotel Leeds
- Azotea Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
- Cinnamon Kitchen
- The Calverley Grill
Best Bar Award (Sponsored by: PPS)
- The Domino Club
- Sela Bar
- Below Stairs
- NoNo Wine Bar
- Green Room
Best Customer Service (Public Vote)
- BUNDOBUST LEEDS
- The Cheesy Living Co.
- TADA Japanese
- Tharavadu
- Hooleos Mexican Cafe Bar
- Oulton Hall
Best in Glass Award
- Lattitude wine
- The Empire Cafe
- NoNo Wine Bar
- Hoc Loco Horsforth
- Sous Le Nez
Newcomer of the Year
- G-Wu
- Beyond The Red Door
- The Victoria & Commercial
- The Maple Cafe
- NoNo Wine Bar
Leeds Best Restaurant
- The Empire Cafe
- The Cut & Craft
- TADA Japanese
- Fern Modern Sushi
- kerala canteen
- Azotea Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
- Chef Jono at V&V
- Forde
- Bavette
- CrowdedHouse
Best Social Media
- BUNDOBUST LEEDS
- The Empire Cafe
- Homeboy Pizza Co.
- Chef Jono at V&V
- CrowdedHouse
Best Pop up / Street Food
- BUNDOBUST LEEDS
- Bastards Bistro
- The Otley burger company
- Chimaek Oppa
- Delhi Wala Food
Best Takeaway (Public Vote)
- G-Wu
- Homeboy Pizza Co
- Hooyah Burgers
- Chimaek Oppa
Chef of the Year (Sponsored by: Chefworks)
- Brayden Davies - The Box Tree
- Joe Carroll - The Highland Laddie
- Dale spink - Le Voyage Dining Experience
- Molly Payne - byMolly
- Sandy Jarvis - Bavette
Best Pub
- The Highland Laddie
- Midnight Bell
- Duke of Wellington
- The Three Swords - Horsforth
- The Duck and Drake
Best Cafe / Deli
- Moss and Moor
- Hit Coffee
- The Cheesy Living Co.
- Gates’
- Hooleos Mexican Cafe Bar
Best Fine Dining Experience (Sponsored by: Napoleons Casino)
- Uyare
- Quinta Restaurant
- Chef Jono at V&V
- Bavette
- Lala The Restaurant
Community Impact Award
- Hooleos Mexican Cafe Bar
- Community Comfort Kitchen
- Claire Turner - The Moot Hall Arms
- byMolly
- Viaduct Showbar
Sustainability in Action
- Hooleos Mexican Cafe Bar
- Below Stairs
- TADA Japanese
- Aarti Bar & Restaurant
- The otley burger co