From charcoal-grilled lamb and sizzling skewers to loaded gyros and late-night wraps, the East Midlands has quietly become one of Britain’s most underrated destinations for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food.
Now the region has some national recognition to prove it.
The semi-finalists for the 2027 British Kebab Awards have been revealed, with restaurants from Nottingham, Leicester, Market Harborough, Lincoln and West Bridgford all making the cut across a range of categories. From established Turkish institutions to beloved neighbourhood favourites, a dozen East Midlands venues are now in contention for one of the industry’s biggest prizes. [britishkeb…ards.co.uk]
And if you’ve spent the last few years watching Nottingham and Leicester’s food scenes go from strength to strength, this shortlist won’t come as much of a surprise.
Nottingham leads the way
Nottingham picked up some of the region’s biggest nominations.
In the fiercely competitive Best Kebab Restaurant – North of England category, both Anatolian Palace and Temola Turkish Cuisine secured spots among the semi-finalists. The former has become renowned for its huge sharing platters and lavish Turkish feasts, while Temola has quickly established itself as one of the city’s standout spots for authentic Turkish cooking.
The city also appears elsewhere on the shortlist. Marmaris Turkish Restaurant in Radford is in the running for Best Value Restaurant, while much-loved Greek eatery Yamas Greek Cuisine has been recognised in the Best Greek Restaurant and/or Takeaway category.
Across the river, Alaturka Meze Mangal in West Bridgford has landed a nomination for Customer Satisfaction, highlighting its reputation for consistently keeping diners happy.
Leicester and Leicestershire are bringing serious competition
Leicester’s food scene has long flown under the radar nationally, but the 2027 shortlist suggests that could be changing.
Konak, one of Leicester’s best-known Turkish restaurants, features in the Best Kebab Restaurant – North of England category, alongside Delight Turkish and Mediterranean Cuisine in Market Harborough.
Elsewhere in the county, Lara Restaurant in Anstey has earned a place in the Best Kebab Restaurant Regional category.
Leicestershire also boasts two semi-finalists in the takeaway awards, with Chris’s Fish & Chips in Barwell and Gyro Guys in Lutterworth both shortlisted for Best Takeaway – North of England.
Lincoln is flying the county’s flag
Lincolnshire’s representative comes in the form of Topkapi Kitchen, which has secured a place in the Best Kebab Restaurant – North of England category. Located on Lincoln High Street, the restaurant will now go head-to-head with contenders from major food cities across the country.
The East Midlands semi-finalists in full…
Best Kebab Restaurant – North of England
- Anatolian Palace, Nottingham
- Temola Turkish Cuisine, Nottingham
- Konak, Leicester
- Delight Turkish and Mediterranean Cuisine, Market Harborough
- Topkapi Kitchen, Lincoln
Best Kebab Restaurant Regional
- Lara Restaurant, Anstey, Leicestershire
Best Greek Restaurant and/or Takeaway
- Yamas Greek Cuisine, Nottingham
Best Value Restaurant
- Marmaris Turkish Restaurant, Nottingham
Customer Satisfaction
- Alaturka Meze Mangal, West Bridgford
Best Takeaway – North of England
- Chris’s Fish & Chips, Barwell
- Gyro Guys, Lutterworth
Whether you’re after a towering mixed grill in Nottingham, a charcoal-cooked feast in Leicester or one of Lincolnshire’s best-loved Turkish kitchens, there’s never been a better time to embark on an East Midlands kebab crawl. And judging by this year’s British Kebab Awards shortlist, some of the country’s very best might be closer to home than you think.
The winners of the British Kebab Awards will be announced after the semi-final voting stage. The full shortlist can be viewed on the British Kebab Awards website.
