Categories
You may nominate a restaurant in more than one category however the event organisers reserve the right to assign nominations to a category they believe is more suitable to the nomination. Restaurants eligible for the Newcomer of the Year must have been trading for a maximum of 12 months at the date of the event.
Best Italian Restaurant of the Year
Best Indian Restaurant of the Year
Best Oriental Restaurant of the Year
As the customers' best loved speciality restaurants, these 3 each deserve a category in their own right.
Best Takeaway Restaurant
Awarded to the takeaway restaurant that offers the finest cuisine. Food that will compete with any sit-in restaurant but with the added convenience and challenge of providing this in the diner’s own home.
Best Family Friendly Restaurant of the Year
In this category judges will be looking for a restaurant which aims to make a restaurant visit as enjoyable for children as it is for adults. Specifically considering menu options, restaurant environment and value for money.
Chef of the Year
This category will be decided by a panel of judges comprising some of Scotland's best chefs, restaurant owners and food writers.
Most Innovative Restaurant of the Year
In this category, the judges are looking for the restaurants that push forward the boundaries of cooking in Scotland. Novelty for its own sake is not enough but this award aims to recognise thoughtful, creative kitchens that explore new flavours, techniques and textures.
Best Pub Grub of the Year
A pint and a bag of peanuts no longer satisfies the demanding Scottish market, which has lead to the introduction of many good-value, top quality gastro pubs. Nominate your favourite within this category.
Best Hotel Restaurant of the Year
With ever increasing numbers of business travellers and tourists arriving in Scotland, hotel restaurants are becoming an important feature of the hotel business. Nominations for this category must be for restaurants which are run in conjunction with the hotel.
Best Customer Service of the Year
Whilst all finalists in the 2012 Restaurant awards will have to show good levels of customer service, this category will recognise a restaurant which goes above and beyond to ensure that diners enjoy their time spent in their establishment.
Best Rural Restaurant of the Year
Fine restaurants are no longer found only in Scotland's largest cities. Today, top class restaurants are opening up across the country attracting customers from all over the world. Nominations are welcomed for this category from all restaurants out with the major Scottish cities.
Seafood Restaurant of the Year
With the best seafood in the world often found off the coasts of Scotland, it is no wonder that there is an abundance of seafood restaurant within the Scottish market. Nominate your favourite for this category.
Newcomer of the Year
With new restaurants opening weekly in Scotland, this is your chance to give recognition to your favourite ‘New Kid on the Block’. Please note that all restaurants nominated within this category must be a maximum of 12 months old at the date of the event.
Restaurant of the Year
This category will recognise the very best of the best within the Scottish Restaurant trade. This award will be decided between all the winners announced within the above categories.
Key features that the judges will consider in this category will include:
• Customer service
• Imagination in menu creation
• Use of local produce
• Value for money
• Ambience