FOUR North Wales venues have been shortlisted for a prestigious Asian Restaurant Award for 2026.
The 10th International Asian Restaurant Awards organised by the Asian Catering Federation will return to Manchester on Monday, September 7 with nearly 160 restaurants, groups and takeaways shortlisted for an award.
The winners will be announced at a glittering award ceremony held at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel that night.
The event will be hosted by broadcast journalist and BBC TV News anchor Samantha Simmonds, and Anisa Khan, owner of Bombay Pizza and last year’s finalist in the BBC’s flagship programme The Apprentice.
The awards recognise outstanding culinary excellence, innovation, endeavour, and sumptuous creativity, and are one of the most sought after awards in the hospitality industry.
Benllech Tandoori and Seaview Indian Restaurant at Caernarfon's Doc Fictoria are joined on the shortlist by Ijazz and Maahi’s of Wrexham, creating a strong four‑restaurant showing for North Wales
Benllech Tandoori - one of Anglesey’s most celebrated curry houses - has been shortlisted thanks to a reputation built on authenticity, innovation and three consecutive TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The restaurant prides itself on elevating South Asian cuisine to what it calls “the next level”, blending deeply traditional dishes with modern cooking methods. Its chefs draw inspiration from every corner of the Indian Subcontinent, creating plates that are flavour‑forward, vibrant and rooted in heritage while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
Benllech Tandoori’s menu is built around food that is “tasty, pure and healthy” without compromising authenticity — a balance that has earned it a loyal following across North Wales. Diners can choose from award‑winning mild dishes, medium curries and spicy favourites, available for both dine‑in and takeaway.
Its consistent national recognition in 2021, 2022 and 2023 has helped cement its status as one of the region’s standout Indian restaurants, and judges say its commitment to quality makes it a strong contender for this year’s title. For locals and visitors alike, Benllech Tandoori offers a dining experience that feels both proudly traditional and confidently modern — a combination that could well carry it to the top spot.
Seaview Indian Restaurant in Caernarfon has earned its place among this year’s Best Restaurant nominees, thanks to its blend of authentic Indian cooking and one of the most striking dining backdrops in North Wales.
Perched directly above the harbour, the restaurant offers diners panoramic views across the waterfront — a setting that makes a pre‑theatre meal or relaxed evening out feel instantly special. With space for more than 90 guests, Seaview combines warm hospitality with a calm, coastal atmosphere that Gaynor, part of the team behind the venue, says is all about “quality food in a good ambiance.”
Its chefs focus on fresh ingredients, bold spices and traditional techniques, creating dishes that celebrate the depth and variety of Indian cuisine. Whether visitors choose a leisurely sit‑down meal overlooking the boats or opt for a takeaway to enjoy at home, the restaurant promises an experience rooted in flavour and authenticity.
The nomination recognises Seaview’s growing reputation as a culinary gem on Caernarfon’s waterfront — a place where exceptional food meets a truly unforgettable setting. With its mix of atmosphere, hospitality and vibrant dishes, it stands as a strong contender for the top honour.
Also among the finalists this time around are Ijazz and Maahi's, which are both located in the Wrexham area.
Based on Egerton Street in Wrexham, IJazz is an Indian restaurant that has won countless awards for its delicious food over the years.
It was crowned North Wales Restaurant of the year at the National Curry Awards 2024.
Maahi's is an Indian/Bangladeshi restaurant situated on the A483 Ruabon bypass.
It was named among the 'Top 100 Curry Restaurants' in the UK back in May.
They have been shortlisted for a prize in the Wales categories of the final alongside; Empire Indian Restaurant, and Purple Poppadom - Cardiff, 1988 Indian Restaurant - Sully, Penarth and Rasoi Waterfront - Swansea.
The shortlist, which covers the entire range of Asian cuisines including: Bangladeshi, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Nepalese, Korean, Malaysian, Pan-Asian, Indonesian, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese and Middle-Eastern cuisine) is compiled by popular vote, with the final winners chosen by the Federation’s esteemed panel of judges.
The most prominent awards include Business Person of the Year, the National Award for Asian Restaurant of the Year in England and in Wales, Restaurant Group of the Year, King of Curry, National Buffet Restaurant of the Year and Best Regional Newcomer.
Also among this year’s nominations are: 5 city centre restaurants in Birmingham, 5 in Cambridge, 13 from host city of Manchester plus 17 from Greater Manchester, 4 from Sunderland, 8 from Northern Ireland, single entries from Dubai, Gibraltar, Istanbul, Madrid, and Edinburgh; 4 from Preston and 10 from London including Colonel Saab in Holborn, Benares and Madhu’s in Mayfair, Kahani in Sloane Square, and Darjeeling Express in Soho - renowned for its all-female kitchen team.
Chair of the Asian Catering Federation, Yawar Khan said: “I am delighted to announce this year’s shortlist at a time when we welcome Andy Burnham to No.10. Manchester is a city that welcomes international cuisine and is host to some of the very best Asian restaurants and takeaways in the UK."
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