The awards recognise standout restaurants across three main categories: OpenTable Icons, Restaurateurs’ Choice and People’s Choice, combining expert authority, OpenTable diner data and peer and public voting.
OpenTable Icons recognises restaurants that have had a significant impact on London’s dining scene, with the winners selected by critics and industry experts appointed by OpenTable.
The Restaurateurs’ Choice award is an industry-voted accolade across a range of categories, such as the Impact, Innovation and Everyday Hero awards, with shortlisted spots including Bubala, Frog by Adam Handling and Three Sheets.
Decided by diners, the People’s Choice award has categories spanning Bucket List, Gastropub of the Year, Neighbourhood Gem, Opening of the Year and Standout Service awards. Shortlisted names include CORE by Clare Smyth, Bonheur by Matt Abé, The Ledbury, and Savoy Grill.
The awards follow new consumer research conducted by Ripple Research that reveals that 63% of UK diners are more likely to book a restaurant they haven’t previously visited if it has won an award.
The online survey of 2,326 UK diners, also found that 69% of UK diners believe London has some of the best restaurants in the world, with 42% saying the capital’s very best restaurants are located in Central London.
“The dining landscape in London continues to set the bar for creativity, resilience and hospitality,” says Laure Bornet, senior vice president of international growth at OpenTable. "
“OpenTable’s inaugural Restaurant Awards recognises the spots that truly move the dial - the places shaping culture, setting standards, and standing the test of time.
“We’re proud to shine a spotlight on dining excellence and drive real impact, with 63% of UK diners saying they would be more likely to book a restaurant they haven’t visited yet if it has an award.”
Voting for the People’s Choice and Restaurateurs’ Choice awards is now open and will close on 23 March.