Uber Eats UK has revealed the regional winners of its 2026 Restaurant of the Year Awards, following a public vote. Nine independent restaurants were chosen, which the food delivery company says 'represent the very best of British food culture.'
From a Punjabi-style curry house in Bradford to a Nashville-style chicken spot in Leicester, these champions span the country. Here is the full list of winners and what makes each one stand out.
Northern winners: Shimlas, Coqfighter, and more
Representing Bradford, Yorkshire and the North East is Shimlas, a chain with locations in Bradford, Leeds, Oldham, Keighley and Halifax. It serves authentic Punjabi-style dishes and Pakistani cuisine, holding a 4.5 average star rating. Customers praise its flavour-packed curries, signature kebabs, and traditional recipes, with one diner calling it 'the best restaurant in Bradford'.
In London, the crown goes to Coqfighter, an Australian-born offering with spots in Liverpool Street, Soho, Kings Cross and Finsbury Park. It serves wings, chicken sandwiches and salads. On Tripadvisor, one customer called their Thai-roasted chicken 'top tier,' while another commended the quick service and generous portion sizes.
In Coventry, West Midlands, Jineseon won. This Korean BBQ restaurant offers authentic cuisine, with chefs cooking on charcoal grills in front of diners. Customers on TripAdvisor praised its 'good value' and called their Korean Fried Chicken 'legendary.'
Chicken takes centre stage in multiple regions
In Leicester, East Midlands, Ragin Bird, a Nashville-style fried chicken eatery, won. It offers tenders, tacos, mac & cheese and wings. On Instagram, @xsullyo called it their 'go to order,' while @imz_vaiani joked they would 'Would sell my sister for the half and half [wrap] rn.'
For Liverpool, North West, Nashville Cluck won. This Tennessee-inspired takeaway has four locations in the area and also won Regional Champion in 2024. It previously teamed up with US chain The Cheesecake Factory to bring their desserts to Britain. On Instagram, @tori_22xx said they have the 'most insane bread ever,' while @xlisax1809 called them 'The best.'
For Bristol, South England and Wales, the winner is Gurt Wings. This Bristol favourite serves fried chicken in various forms, including boneless strips, popcorn chicken and buffalo wings. It is known for its signature homemade sauces, including Korean Ketchup and Chinese 5 Spice, and has won awards at the London Wing Fest, Bristol Wing Fest and the British Street Food Awards.
Piatto, Junglees, and Brorritos round out the list
In the Glasgow, Scotland and Northern Ireland category, Piatto won. Serving traditional Italian food in Glasgow, it holds an impressive 4.8 stars on Uber Eats and offers over 16 different types of pasta. Favourites include Algio E Olio and Puttanesca.
Holding it down for North London is burger joint Junglees, which serves freshly cooked-to-order Halal burgers with unlimited customisable toppings. On Instagram, @real_suleman786 said it is 'highly recommended,' while @munrrdhjunior said it is a 'spot you can eat at every day, that is rare to find. Big up.'
Finally, Brorritos represents South London. This Mexican street food takeaway was featured in the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year awards in 2023, only three years after opening in 2020 as a pop-up during lockdown. On TripAdvisor, customers praised its 'amazing quality beef' and vegan options, such as their loaded fries.
Final competition and prizes
Next month, the finalists will gather in London for a two-day live culinary competition in front of a judging panel, including comedian and foodie Ed Gamble. The winning restaurant will take home £100,000 for their business, while each region champion will receive £5,000.
For the first time, to celebrate five years of the Restaurant of the Year Awards and ten years of Uber Eats in the UK, this year's prizes will also include £25,000 and £10,000 cash prizes for second and third place, respectively.
Merve Basci, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, said: 'Independent restaurants are the beating heart of the UK's food scene, and that shows when the public rally behind their local spots.'
'Whether it's your go-to local lunch place, the perfect late-night smash burger, or a TikTok-famous street food pop-up, Uber Eats is proud to support the businesses that bring flavour, jobs, and culture to our communities.'
'The Restaurant of the Year Awards are about more than claiming the title alone. They're about investing in the people who are championing hospitality right across the UK and helping them accelerate their growth.'
