No one said running a restaurant is easy. Long hours, constant pressure, keeping staff happy, dealing with suppliers, and don’t even start on fussy customers. You put everything into it, your time, your money, your heart. So when someone says, “Hey, you’re doing an amazing job,” and hands you a restaurant award, it feels pretty good.
Awards aren’t just about feeling good. They help your business. They bring in more diners. They build trust. And they give your team something to be proud of.
There are loads of prestigious dining awards out there in the UK. Some are huge, national titles, and others are more down-to-earth but still carry weight. So here’s a breakdown, starting with one that’s been making waves in recent years: ARTA.
Let’s Talk About ARTA
If you’re in the Asian food scene, running a curry house, a fusion joint, or even a buzzing little takeaway, ARTA (Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards) should be on your radar.
What makes it stand out? Well, for starters, it’s not stuck-up. You don’t have to be fine dining to be taken seriously. Whether you’re slinging biryanis in a small town or plating up posh street food in London, ARTA sees you.
Customers get to nominate you (which already says a lot about your food), and the judging process is proper fair. They look at your food, your service, your impact, not just who you know in the industry.
And if you win? It’s not just a fancy night out. You get real exposure, local press, digital visibility, even more trust from new customers searching for the best restaurant UK online. Winning an ARTA restaurant award can give your business the boost it needs to take it to the next level.
Why Do These Awards Even Matter?
Awards won’t fix a broken fryer or fill tables during a Monday lunch, but they do something else: they give your restaurant that extra edge. People trust award-winners. They’re more likely to book a table or place a takeaway order if they see you’ve been recognised. It’s basically free marketing.
Plus, you can plaster that win all over your socials, Google profile, delivery apps, flyers, you name it. It’s a badge that says we’re not just good, we’re great.
Other Big Names in the UK Restaurant Award Game
While ARTA is definitely one to aim for (especially for Asian and takeaway spots), there are other top restaurant awards out there worth having a crack at.
The National Restaurant Awards
These are like the cool kids of the industry. Every year, they put out a list of the top 100 restaurants in the UK. If you land on that list, expect a flurry of bookings, press coverage, and a lot of chef mates asking how you pulled it off.
It’s judged by food writers, chefs, and other industry heads, so yeah, it’s legit.
The Michelin Guide
Ah, the big one. Getting a Michelin Star is like winning gold at the Olympics of food. But let’s be honest, it’s not for everyone. It takes crazy consistency, precision, and a bit of magic. And even the Bib Gourmand (Michelin’s nod for great food at a good price) can be a total game-changer.
If that’s your vibe, go for it. But don’t let the hype put you off from chasing other meaningful awards too.
AA Rosette Awards
A bit more relaxed than Michelin, the AA Rosettes are about rewarding good food and service. You can win these at any point in the year, and even getting one rosette gives your place a solid stamp of approval.
They’re especially great if you’re running a hotel restaurant or somewhere a little outside the usual foodie hotspots.
British Curry Awards
If you run a curry house, this one needs no introduction. It’s glam, it’s watched by MPs and celebs, and winning it puts your place in the national spotlight.
These awards celebrate the backbone of the British food scene, curry. And if your place is smashing it, you should absolutely throw your hat in the ring.
So… How Do You Actually Get Noticed?
There’s no cheat code, unfortunately. But there are a few things you can do:
- Make noise. If you think your food’s award-worthy, tell your customers. Ask them to nominate you (especially for ARTA).
- Sort out your online presence. Judges will Google you, so make sure your website, socials, and reviews are on point.
- Keep things consistent. A solid experience, every table, every order, goes a long way.
Awards aren’t just about fancy plating. They’re about quality, passion, and connection. And if you’ve been doing all that without the recognition? It’s probably time someone noticed.
Final Thoughts
You’re probably reading this at the end of a long shift, thinking, “Do I have time to chase awards on top of everything else?” Honestly? You do.
Because the right restaurant award can bring in more bookings, more credibility, and more energy into your business. It tells the world you’re doing something worth shouting about. And with awards like ARTA being more accessible and genuinely supportive of real, hardworking restaurants, there’s no better time to go for it.
You’ve already done the hard bit, building something worth celebrating. Now go get that recognition.
FAQs
- How do I get my restaurant nominated for ARTA?
Easy. Ask your regulars and fans to nominate you on ARTA’s website. It’s free, and once you’re on the shortlist, judges take it from there. - Are these awards worth the effort?
Absolutely. Awards boost visibility, improve your reputation, and make marketing easier. It’s not just a nice plaque, it’s a business move.
3. Do I need to be a fancy fine-dining place to win anything?
Not at all. ARTA, the Curry Awards, and even AA Rosettes all recognise takeaways and independent restaurants doing amazing things.
