Uber Eats has revealed that Silver’s Deli from Leeds has been crowned the 2025 Restaurant of the Year, taking home the £100,000 grand prize to invest in their business.
Selected from more than 130 nominated restaurants across the UK and Ireland, Silver’s Deli stood out for its big flavours and compelling story of entrepreneurship, impressing both the judges and the public in a competition designed to spotlight the very best of small, independent restaurants.
In its fourth year, the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Awards continue to celebrate the small and independent restaurants that fuel local communities and shape the UK and Ireland’s food culture. Each of the 12 regional finalists will receive £5,000 and tailored support from Uber Eats, after facing off in London for the ultimate £100,000 prize.
Matthew Price, general manager of Uber Eats UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, said: “Independent restaurants are the beating heart of our food scene. Silver’s Deli embodies everything these awards are about: creativity, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. We’re proud to support their journey and can’t wait to see how they use this prize to grow their business.”
Judges included food entrepreneur Levi Roots, Irish celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna, 2024 winner Natty Crutchfield, foodie creator Eating with Todd, and Lorraine Copes, CEO and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality.
Alongside the main award, five Trailblazer Awards were announced, celebrating innovation and positive change in the industry. The judging panel featured big names from across food, media, and sustainability — including Chef’s Table star Asma Khan, TikTok creator and bestselling author Seema Pankhania, Mathilde Carraro and Rachel Moriarty of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, and Mary Parsons, Head of Food at City Harvest.
- Women in Food Award – Laura’s Pizzas
- Climate Impact Award – The Hogless Roast
- Healthy Eats Award – Eat Clean
- Social Impact Award – Piatto
- Next Gen Award – Aros
Silver’s Deli, founded in 2023 by Chris Riley in Bramley, Leeds, has fast become a cult favourite. Named after his daughter, the deli is loved for its stacked salt beef sandwiches, inventive specials, and community-driven spirit, all built on Chris’s belief in creating something timeless, not just a passing trend.
Chris Riley-Smith, founder of Silver’s Deli, said: “Winning Restaurant of the Year is a dream come true. This award isn’t just recognition for our food, but for the hard work of our whole team and the incredible support of our community. When I first set out, I was literally watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to build the restaurant myself, so to now be recognised on this stage feels surreal. The £100,000 prize will allow us to refurbish our current site, refine our in-store operations, and grow sales. We can’t wait to take the next step in our journey. Thanks to the judges, the team, and of course, my wonderful daughter, Silver – this is for you!”
Levi Roots, entrepreneur, musician and Uber Eats judge, said: “Food is all about heart and soul, and Silver’s had both in spades. They brought real fire to the table — creativity, community spirit, and a story that will inspire so many other small businesses. I can’t wait to see where they go next with this prize.”
Uber Eats works with over 70,000 merchants in the UK, with the majority being small or medium-sized businesses, and past winners have seen transformative growth. Last year’s winner, Natty’s Jerk from Portsmouth, has since launched a new site in Bournemouth and built a national profile.
Silver’s Deli now joins this legacy, with £100,000 to invest in its current Leeds location to help accelerate its in-store and delivery growth, while maximising the diner experience.
The Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Awards were created in 2022 to celebrate and support the small businesses that make the UK and Ireland’s food scene so diverse and exciting. Each year, hundreds of restaurants are nominated facing public voting, with the finalists judged by leading industry voices.
