The annual Food Awards Scotland will get under way at the end of the month, recognising culinary talent from across the country.
The prestigious event will take place on Monday August 28 at The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow where top professionals will come together to celebrate their achievements.
Many restaurants, takeaways, pubs, cafes and bistros from in and around the Capital have made it to the shortlist this year in an event that showcases some of the best food the country has to offer across a wide variety of cuisines from different cultures.
A spokesperson for The Food Awards Scotland said: “In a country with so many food establishments and businesses, it can be hard to stand out. However, the 2023 finalists have all been distinguished as the real masters in their field due to their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction. We would like to wish all finalists the best of luck.”
Here are 30 of the restaurants from Edinburgh and neighbouring areas who are in the running this year.
. The Food Awards Scotland 2023
Scotland has become a top culinary destination providing a vast selection of dining options, for tourists and residents alike. Edinburgh boast an ever-changing, mouth-watering array of restaurants – here are the establishments who are in the running this year. Photo: Google
. Howies Restaurant
Established in 1990, the family-owned business now has three central restaurants in the capital, proudly serving seasonal Scottish food. Howies has been nominated for two categories – Restaurant of The Year and Best Scottish Cuisine. Photo: Google
. Paradise Palms
Previous winner at the 2017 Scottish Food Awards, Paradise Palms serve flavour packed food that’s inspired by Americana and diner classics. The Lothian Street venue is nominated for The best Vegetarian Award. Photo: NJ
. Purslane Restaurant
Serving ‘causal fine dining’ the Stockbridge restaurant has been nominated for Restaurant of The Year and is also Edinburgh’s only entrant in the Fine Dining category. Owner and head chef Paul Gunning, says Purslane serves ‘a large variety of freshly prepared dishes, delivering an intense, high quality of flavour with every mouthful.’ Photo: Google
. David Bann Restaurant
Located on St Mary's Street, the vegetarian restaurant offers a menu that ‘sweeps confidently through most of the globe, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific, via India and Thailand.’ David Bann is nominated for Best Vegetarian Restaurant and Best of South Scotland. Photo: Google
. Eastern Eye
Nominated for Takeaway of the Year and Best Street Food, Haddington’s Eastern Eye offers ‘the finest in Indian cuisine’ with the establishment bosting to have ‘something for everyone.’ Photo: Google
. Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips
Another entry from Edinburgh’s iconic Victoria Street, Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips has been nominated for Takeaway of the Year and is also in the running for the Best Fish and Chips award. Photo: Google
. The Sun Inn
Previous winner of the AA Pub of the Year and the Scottish Gastro Pub of the Year, Dalkeith’s The Sun Inn pride themselves on using local Scottish produce. This year they are nominated for Hotel Restaurant of the year and Gastro Pub of the Year. Photo: Google
. Townhouse Fish Bar
Haddington’s Townhouse Fish Bar serves ‘pizzas, kebabs, burgers and other delicious freshly prepared dishes.’ The longstanding establishment is nominated for the Best Fish and Chips award and Family Restaurant of the Year. Photo: Google
. Mazzoli Italian Kitchen
Nominated for Restaurant of the Year, Mazzoli Italian Kitchen in Haddington ‘aim to create a range of dishes offering something irresistible for everyone.’ The Italian restaurant has added their ‘own twist to tried and tested recipes’ from Italy. Photo: Google
. Rancho Steak House
Nominated for the Best of South Scotland award, Rancho Steak House on Morrison Street brings ‘South American flavour to Scotland’s capital, serving up tasty steaks and other classics.’ Photo: Google
. The Mercat Bar & Grill
The award-winning, family run bar and restaurant offers ‘the freshest and tastiest locally sourced food together with a fine selection of quality drinks.’ This year The Mercat Bar & Grill in Musselburgh has been nominated for Restaurant of The Year Takeaway of the Year. Photo: Google
1. The Food Awards Scotland 2023
Scotland has become a top culinary destination providing a vast selection of dining options, for tourists and residents alike. Edinburgh boast an ever-changing, mouth-watering array of restaurants – here are the establishments who are in the running this year. Photo: Google
2. Howies Restaurant
Established in 1990, the family-owned business now has three central restaurants in the capital, proudly serving seasonal Scottish food. Howies has been nominated for two categories – Restaurant of The Year and Best Scottish Cuisine. Photo: Google
3. Paradise Palms
Previous winner at the 2017 Scottish Food Awards, Paradise Palms serve flavour packed food that’s inspired by Americana and diner classics. The Lothian Street venue is nominated for The best Vegetarian Award. Photo: NJ
4. Purslane Restaurant
Serving ‘causal fine dining’ the Stockbridge restaurant has been nominated for Restaurant of The Year and is also Edinburgh’s only entrant in the Fine Dining category. Owner and head chef Paul Gunning, says Purslane serves ‘a large variety of freshly prepared dishes, delivering an intense, high quality of flavour with every mouthful.’ Photo: Google