Uber Eats UK has just turned up the temperature on the UK’s food scene, officially unveiling the 9 regional champions battling it out in the 2026 Uber Eats UK Restaurant of the Year Awards.
Winning the hotly contested public vote from a stacked lineup of beloved restaurants, these standout independent spots represent the very best of British food culture – delivering unbeatable flavour while contributing to thriving high streets and inspiring culinary trends.
The high-stakes battle culminates in London next month. Finalists will face off in a thrilling two-day culinary showdown, cooking live for a judging panel headed up by acclaimed comedian, podcaster, and influential foodie Ed Gamble.
eWhile only one restaurant will claim the crown and ultimate prize of £100,000 to supercharge their business, every regional champion will walk away with a £5,000 cash injection and a bespoke Uber Eats UK growth package. To celebrate five years of the Restaurant of the Year Awards and ten years of Uber Eats in the UK, this year’s prizes will also extend £25,000 and £10,000 cash prizes for second and third place respectively for the very first time.
Meet Your 2026 Regional Champions
From crispy, craveable fried chicken to soul-warming street food, these culinary heroes are officially flying the flag for their regions:
Bradford, Yorkshire & North East – Shimlas: Shimlas is a beloved Bradford destination that brings people together over authentic, flavor-packed curries, signature kebabs, and traditional recipes cooked to perfection.
Bristol, South England & Wales – Gurt Wings: Gurt Wings is an award-winning Bristol favorite known for its ultra-crispy, hand-breaded fried chicken wings, tenders, and signature homemade sauces.
Central London – Coqfighter: Founded by three friends inspired by hot summer nights eating Korean fried chicken in Melbourne, Coqfighter offers quality, flavor-packed fried chicken that has grown from casual pop-ups into multiple vibrant full-service restaurants.
Coventry, West Midlands – Jinseon: Jinseon offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience in Coventry, combining high-quality meats, bold traditional marinades, and interactive tabletop dining for friends and family.
Glasgow, Scotland & Northern Ireland – Piatto: Piatto serves authentic Italian comfort food in Glasgow, featuring freshly made pasta, artisanal pizzas, and rich regional flavors crafted from high-quality, traditional ingredients.
Leicester, East Midlands – Ragin Bird: Ragin Bird serves up craveable, bold-flavored fried chicken, loaded burgers, and fiery sides made fresh to order for Leicester’s spice and comfort food lovers.
Liverpool, North West – Nashville Cluck: Nashville Cluck brings the fiery soul of Tennessee to Liverpool with hand-breaded, freshly fried chicken tossed in authentic Nashville spices and house-made sauces.
North London – Junglees: Founded in 2021 by former City lawyer Nomaan and his foodie business partner Hamza, Junglees serves freshly cooked-to-order burgers with premium ingredients and unlimited customisable toppings in a welcoming, community-focused space.
South London – Brorritos: Inspired by Mexican street food, Broritos delivers hearty burritos, tacos, bowls, and sides prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations in a casual, friendly atmosphere much loved by locals.
Merve Basci, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, said: “Independent restaurants are the beating heart of the UK’s food scene and that shows when the public rally behind their local spots. Whether it’s your go-to local lunch place, the perfect late-night smash burger, or a TikTok-famous street food pop-up, Uber Eats is proud to support the businesses that bring flavour, jobs, and culture to our communities.
The Restaurant of the Year Awards are about more than claiming the title alone. They’re about investing in the people who are championing hospitality right across the UK and helping them accelerate their growth.”
