The brand, which was founded by friends Sacha Yonan and Michael Medovnikov, beat off competition Get Baked, Oowee Diner, Big Mannys’ Pizza, and Seed in a cook-off held at Deliveroo Editions in London judged by Deliveroo’s CEO and founder Will Shu; returning judge, food critic and journalist Jimi Famurewa; and TV chef and personality Tilly Ramsay.
Crunch launched as a pop-up in Hackney in 2022 before opening a kiosk at Old Spitalfields Market. More recently it has just opened a site on Soho’s Dean Street.
“From our humble beginnings in a Shoreditch pub to winning Independent Restaurant of the Year for UK & Ireland with Deliveroo in just a few years – it’s an absolutely surreal and incredible feeling.
“We poured our hearts into every single sandwich we’ve made for our customers, so this award is for our amazing team and all the customers who’ve supported us from the start of this wild journey,” says Medovnikov.
“Thank you to Deliveroo and everyone who voted for us to receive this amazing recognition.”
Speaking about the competition, Famurewa adds: “I was blown away by the passion and talent on display at the Independent Restaurant of the Year cook-off. Each finalist brought something unique and delicious to the table, making the final decision incredibly tough for us.
“However, Crunch stood out amongst the fierce competition, showcasing immense creativity, fine dining-level technique and mind-blowing flavour that impressed us all.”
Rising star award
Launched in 2018, Deliveroo’s Restaurant Awards celebrate and recognise restaurants across the country. New categories for 2025 include the Rising Star award, judged by Ramsay alongside Shu, and Dame Karen Jones DME, which was awarded to Enrico Pinna, co-owner of Ad Maiora in Manchester.
Starting his Italian sandwich business from a single flat during Covid, Pinna now runs three sites in Manchester and has attracted a cult local following, including Manchester footballers.
“Ad Mairora was born out of our desire to bring the best homemade Schiacciata sandwiches to Manchester,” he says.
“We can’t believe that we’ve expanded so quickly from our one-bed flat to three restaurants in just four years. It’s all down to the amazing support of my partner Daniielle and our local community, who have stuck by us from day one. Mille grazie.”
Other winners in the 2025 awards were Seed in Belfast, named Independent Restaurant of the Year for Ireland; Big Mannys’ Pizza in Aberdeen, named Independent Restaurant of the Year Scotland 2025; Bristol’s Oowee Diner, named Independent Restaurant of the Year South England and Wales; and Get Baked in Manchester and Leeds, named Independent Restaurant of the Year North England and Midlands 2025.