Uber Eats Unveils London Nominees for 2026 Restaurant of the Year Awards

Uber Eats has opened public voting for its 2026 Restaurant of the Year Awards, unveiling 45 shortlisted restaurants across nine UK regions, including 15 nominees from London. Returning for its fifth edition, the awards will offer a £100,000 grand prize alongside new anniversary awards and cash prizes for the runners-up as the company marks 10 years of operations in the UK.

Voting Opens for Fifth Restaurant of the Year Awards

The 2026 competition introduces its largest prize pool to date, with the overall winner receiving £100,000 to support business growth. To commemorate a decade since Uber Eats launched in London, the platform has also introduced anniversary runner-up awards worth £25,000 for second place and £10,000 for third place.

Public voting is open until 11:59 p.m. on 30 July 2026 through the Uber Eats Awards website. Community votes will help determine which restaurants advance before the winners are announced at a ceremony in London later this year.

London Restaurants Feature Across Three Regions

Fifteen London restaurants have secured nominations across Central, North and South London categories.

Central London nominees: Tamila, Coqfighter, Murger Han, Singapulah and OKA.

North London nominees: Hot Birdies, BIM'S, Junglees, Kervan Sofrasi and Al Quds.

South London nominees: Poor Boys, Arepa & Co, Brorritos, Chew Fun and Taro.

Beyond London, shortlisted restaurants represent Scotland and Northern Ireland, the North West, Yorkshire and the North East, East Midlands, West Midlands, and South England and Wales.

Judging Panel Brings Industry Expertise

Comedian, food podcaster and broadcaster Ed Gamble has been appointed head judge for this year's awards. He will lead a judging panel comprising chef and cookbook author Seema Pankhania, Be Inclusive Hospitality founder Lorraine Copes, Uber Eats UK General Manager Merve Basci, food creator Eating with Todd, and Chris Riley, founder of Silver's Deli, which won the 2025 Restaurant of the Year title.

According to Uber Eats, the panel will evaluate shortlisted businesses alongside the results of the public vote before selecting the overall winners.

Anniversary Awards Expand Recognition

As part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations in the UK, Uber Eats has introduced the Anniversary Awards to recognise outstanding contributions to the hospitality sector. The new category will honour an individual who has made an exceptional impact on the industry while also recognising a restaurant for its achievements and resilience over a five-year period.

Merve Basci, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, said the expanded awards programme reflects the company's continued investment in hospitality businesses during a challenging trading environment.

Chris Riley, whose Silver's Deli won the 2025 competition, said the award transformed his business by supporting its reopening and accelerating growth, adding that he is looking forward to helping recognise this year's independent restaurant operators as a judge.

Competition Highlights Independent Restaurants

Uber Eats said more than 60% of restaurants operating on its platform are small or medium-sized businesses, with this year's shortlist highlighting independent operators from across the country. The awards continue to focus on recognising local restaurants while providing financial support and national exposure to winning businesses.

The winners will be announced during a London awards ceremony later this year, where regional champions, hospitality professionals and invited guests will gather to celebrate the UK's restaurant industry. 

Sources:  Hospitality Career Profile