The final shortlist ahead of February’s Good Food Guide awards ceremony has been revealed.

Every year, the prestigious accolades are handed out to some of the UK’s finest food and drink operators.

Each inclusion in the guide is anonymously ranked by one of 30 expert inspectors. Since 2022 each establishment has been assessed on its ‘uniqueness, warmth, deliciousness and how strongly it would be recommended to friends and family.’

These metrics influence an overall rating of Good, Very Good, Exceptional or World Class.

Flying the flag for Birmingham…

Two popular Birmingham restaurants have been named among the 2025 finalists. Indian fine dining spot, Opheem, which became the first Birmingham restaurant ever to be awarded a second Michelin star earlier this year, was named in the Restaurant of the Year category.

There was also recognition for the 14-seat, experimental eatery, Albatross Death Cult, which has been nominated for Best New Restaurant.

The final winners will be announced on Mon 3 Feb at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London.

Chloë Hamilton, co-editor of The Good Food Guide, commented: ‘This year’s shortlist is a magnificent mix of starry names alongside some brilliant lesser-known talent that anyone interested in restaurants should be taking note of.

“If last year’s ceremony is anything to go by, our return to Theatre Royal Drury Lane is set to be a huge night of celebration with some revelations to remember.”

You can see the full shortlists for each category here.