Best restaurants and takeaways named after 160,000 votes
The award was judged by Deliveroo's CEO and founder, Will Shu; returning judge, food critic and journalist Jimi Famurewa; and the awards' youngest ever judge, TV Chef and personality Tilly Ramsay. Competing finalists had forty-five minutes to cook their most popular dish on Deliveroo for the panel. Each restaurant was assessed against criteria including brand personality, food quality and value, packaging and presentation, customer reviews and loyalty, innovation, and going the extra mile.
Michael Medovnikov, Co-founder of CRUNCH: "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. Thank you to Deliveroo and everyone who voted for us to receive this amazing recognition!"
Jimi Famurewa, food critic and Deliveroo restaurant awards judge, said: '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 from London stood out amongst the fierce competition, showcasing immense creativity, fine dining-level technique and mindblowing flavour that impressed us all."
Deliveroo also introduced several new award categories for 2025, including the Luke Littler x Deliveroo Kebab Award, fronted by the UK darts champion, which saw a shortlist of ten 'Littler-approved' restaurants go head to head in a public vote to crown the nation's best kebab spot Sqew Shawarma Bar from Leeds has won the title.
Mitch Renshaw, Owner of Sqew Shawarma Bar said: 'We're still pinching ourselves! To know that so many of our loyal Lioners have voted for us to win means so much, especially after being personally approved by Luke Littler himself. It is an incredible feeling and a real testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team who make and serve our freshly made Kebabs to the local community with love, every day. This golden shish trophy will take pride of place in our shop – it's a massive honour.'
Tilly Ramsay also judged a brand new category for 2025, the Rising Star award, alongside Deliveroo's CEO and founder, Will Shu, and Dame Karen Jones DME, which aims to celebrate an individual in the early stages of their industry journey, showcasing remarkable talent, ambition, and excellence.
Enrico Pinna, co-owner of Ad Maiora in Manchester, was crowned the 2025 Rising Star at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. Starting his Italian sandwich business from a single flat during Covid, he now successfully runs three beloved shops in Manchester, attracting a cult local following, including Manchester footballers. Enrico triumphed over strong finalists Daisy Johnston (Senior Marketing Manager, Master Bao, London), Harry Pykett (founder of Homeboy Pizza Co, Leeds), and Jonny Beckett (Founder of Wing It, Belfast), all commended for their ambition.
First launched in 2018, Deliveroo's Restaurant Awards celebrate and recognise the very best and most-loved restaurants across the country.
National Independent Restaurant of the Year Awards 2025
Independent Restaurant of the Year UK & Ireland 2025 - CRUNCH, Old Spitalfields Market, London.
Independent Restaurant of the Year, Ireland 2025 - Seed, Belfast
Independent Restaurant of the Year Scotland 2025 - Big Mannys' Pizza, Aberdeen
Independent Restaurant of the Year South England and Wales 2025 - Oowee Diner, Bristol
Independent Restaurant of the Year North England and Midlands 2025 - Get Baked, Manchester & Leeds
Independent Restaurant of the Year, Greater London 2025 - CRUNCH, Old Spitalfields Market, London.
Icon Awards 2025
Lifetime Achievement 2025 - Naeem Aslam, Director of Aagrah, Leeds
Changing the Game 2025 - Rich Myers, Founder of Get Baked, Manchester & Leeds
Rising Star 2025 - Enrico Pinna, Co-Founder of Ad Maiora, Manchester
Role Model 2025 - Tim Vasilakis, Founder of The Athenian, London, Bristol, Birmingham, Swindon, and Sheffield.
Above and Beyond Awards 2025
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