Scottish restaurants nominated for best in the country at national awards

Last month, nominations opened for The Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurant Awards for 2023, and five Scottish restaurants are in the front running to be named best in the country.

Diners across the country have been called upon to make their voice heard on which restaurant deserves to be crowned the best by the 70-year-old restaurant guide.

Restaurant had to meet the following criteria to be eligible for the awards:

• Independently run; owned by the chef or a hands-on proprietor
• Offers regularly changing, seasonal menus at affordable prices
• Demonstrates strong relationships with local suppliers
• Rooted in the local community
• Offers at least two dinner services a week
• Gives customers a genuine, warm welcome

Each nomination will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 restaurant voucher, or one of 10 annual memberships to The Good Food Guide Club (worth £49.99 each).

Furthermore, the author of the best nomination – as judged by the editors – will be selected to take up the coveted position of a guest inspector for The Good Food Guide.

Once nominations close, The Good Food Guide’s editors will reveal a shortlist of contenders across seven areas (Scotland, North East England, North West England, Central & East of England, Wales, London & South East England, and South West England).

A restaurant audit and anonymous inspections of the frontrunners will follow, before regional winners and the overall Best Local Restaurant of 2023 is announced at the end of June.

The Scottish restaurants in the running for the national award are:

• The Palmerston
• Celentano's
• Shucks
• The Loveable Rogue West End
• Bar Brett

Elizabeth Carter, editor of the Good Food Guide said: "The simple formula of a kitchen that cooks fresh to order is the very principle on which The Good Food Guide was founded.

"We have always maintained that the best restaurants offer creative, memorable food based on quality, seasonal and local produce. In other words, no pretensions or gimmicks, just first-class food cooked from ingredients deeply rooted in the region.

"A commitment to their community and a strong relationship with local suppliers is what makes a restaurant truly local."

Chloe Hamilton, managing editor added; "Our readers are our most valued source for discovering brilliant restaurants and have been since the Guide was founded back in 1951.

"Despite tough conditions, the calibre of local restaurants in 2023 is higher than it has ever been, so we look forward to seeing what gems readers send our way."

How to vote in the Good Food Guide Local Restaurant Awards

Nominations close on 24 May, and more info and to vote can be found on the Good Food Guide website.