The journey to find the ARTA 2026 North East Restaurant of the Year has reached an exciting stage, with 10 outstanding restaurants securing their place on this year’s regional shortlist.
The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) celebrates the passion, dedication, and achievements of businesses across the UK’s Asian hospitality industry. Recognised by BBC and Sky as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry”, ARTA provides a national platform for restaurants, chefs, and hospitality professionals who continue to deliver exceptional dining experiences across the country.
The North East shortlist celebrates restaurants that represent the diversity, talent, and commitment behind the region’s thriving Asian food scene. From established favourites to ambitious businesses continuing to grow their reputation, each finalist represents the dedication required to succeed in modern hospitality.
What Is ARTA’s Regional Restaurant of the Year Award?
The ARTA Regional Restaurant of the Year award recognises outstanding restaurants from across the UK, celebrating businesses that demonstrate excellence in food quality, customer experience, service standards, and contribution to the hospitality industry.
The award highlights the restaurants that continue to create memorable experiences for customers while representing the strength and diversity of Asian cuisine in their communities.
Each finalist has earned recognition as part of a nationwide celebration of restaurants that showcase commitment, consistency, and passion for hospitality.
The North East Shortlist at a Glance
The 10 finalists competing for the ARTA 2026 North East Restaurant of the Year award are:
- Babaji
- Babul’s
- Black Cardamom
- Jolsha
- Lal Qila
- My Delhi Newcastle
- Soho Tavern
- The Vine Indian Cuisine
- Yuvraaj Restaurant
- Zeera Indian Cuisine
The shortlist reflects the strength of Asian hospitality across the North East, recognising restaurants that continue to contribute to the region’s diverse food culture.
The announcement has already received regional recognition, with local publications highlighting North East businesses reaching the ARTA finals.
The Sunderland Echo featured Babaji and Yuvraj, that secured a place among the finalists, recognising their achievement as part of the “Oscars of the Curry Industry” celebrations.
The Shields Gazette also highlighted Zeera Indian Cuisine named among the ARTA finalists, showcasing the growing recognition of North East Asian hospitality businesses on a national stage.
Meet the 10 North East Finalists
Babaji
Babaji has earned its place among the North East finalists, representing the dedication and commitment behind the region’s Asian restaurant community.
Babul’s
Babul’s joins the ARTA 2026 shortlist, showcasing the quality and consistency that continue to define successful hospitality businesses.
Black Cardamom
Black Cardamom has been recognised among the region’s finalists, celebrating its contribution to the North East dining landscape.
Jolsha
Jolsha represents the passion and dedication found across the North East’s Asian hospitality sector, earning recognition as one of this year’s shortlisted restaurants.
Lal Qila
Lal Qila has secured its place among the finalists, highlighting the continued strength of Asian dining experiences across the region.
My Delhi Newcastle
Representing Newcastle’s vibrant food scene, My Delhi Newcastle joins the ARTA 2026 shortlist as one of the region’s recognised restaurants.
Soho Tavern
Soho Tavern has been shortlisted for its contribution to the North East hospitality community and its commitment to creating memorable customer experiences.
The Vine Indian Cuisine
The Vine Indian Cuisine is among the restaurants recognised for representing the talent and diversity of Asian hospitality in the region.
Yuvraaj Restaurant
Yuvraaj Restaurant joins the North East finalists, celebrating the dedication and ambition behind its hospitality journey.
Zeera Indian Cuisine
Completing the shortlist, Zeera Indian Cuisine represents another example of the quality and passion found within the region’s Asian restaurant sector.
How Was the North East Shortlist Judged?
ARTA’s recognition process is designed to celebrate genuine achievement across the hospitality industry.
The shortlist considers a combination of factors, including:
- Customer nominations and support
- Food quality and consistency
- Service standards
- Customer feedback
- Online reputation
- Hygiene standards
- Overall contribution to hospitality
This approach allows ARTA to recognise restaurants that consistently deliver quality experiences while making a positive impact within their communities.
When and Where Will the Winner Be Announced?
The winner of the ARTA 2026 North East Restaurant of the Year award will be revealed at the ARTA 2026 Grand Finale & Gala Evening.
📅 Date: 12 October 2026
📍 Venue: London Hilton on Park Lane
The prestigious event will bring together restaurant owners, chefs, hospitality professionals, industry leaders, partners, and supporters from across the UK.
The evening will celebrate the achievements of finalists and recognise the businesses shaping the future of Asian hospitality.
