A BYO curry house, and a fine dining restaurant with a 'dry bar' have won the Gold Seal of approval from the Good Food Awards.
The Great Chase in Islington's St John's Street, and Taste of Nawab in Colney Hatch Lane, Muswell Hill are among the 2023/24 winners of the nationwide awards.
Judged on a combination of Food Hygiene Ratings, customer reviews, and votes, the awards are free to enter, and celebrate "the hard-working teams who strive for culinary excellence within their field."
They say: "We aim to promote local, independent businesses that create delectable food. We firmly believe that these businesses are the backbone of our communities and are deserving of recognition for their hard work and unwavering dedication.
"Chosen for their food quality, service and value, our Gold Seal, is bestowed upon those achieving consistently high customer ratings over three years, making our Gold Seal a marque of distinction."
Located a minute from Sadler's Wells, The Great Chase is a fine dining European restaurant where expertly mixed alcohol-free cocktails complement innovative menus.
Duck Galantine, slow cooked lamb shank and a vegan Wellington are among the dishes, which combine premium meat, seasonal game, seafood and vegetarian options.
Taste of Nawab is a small restaurant that has built a big reputation over the past 27 years, winning five star reviews, Trip Advisor 'Traveller's Choice,' and Gold Seal Good Food Awards.
They say customers "travel out of central London to try our warm hospitality and hot curries."
Headed by chef Bablu Hussain, the menu includes specialities from Bangladesh and other regions using fresh herbs and spices, the best cuts of meat, and reduced fat in dishes, alongside a special child-friendly menu.
It's a BYO with no corkage fee, and more unusual dishes include the Shai Duck with peppers, carrot, red cabbage, onions and coriander, and the Nawab Special Quail with mustard seeds, red onions, and peppers.
"Everyone is warmly greeted and made welcome by our manager, Abdul Rahman. Our philosophy is based on the simple idea that our food should be fit for the taste of a Nawab. We treat all our customers like royalty!"
Meanwhile The Monocle Café in Chiltern Street Marylebone which serves "baked treats, tasty lunches and great coffee," scooped a Blue Ribbon from the Good Food Awards which are handed to those which "excel in food quality, service and value".
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