Silver's Deli in Leeds named UK’s best takeaway at Uber Eats Awards 2025

Silver's Deli in Leeds has been named the UK and Ireland’s best takeaway at the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Awards 2025, announced in London on Tuesday evening. The Headingly-based sandwich shop, known for its stacked fillings and wraps, won £100,000 to accelerate in-store and delivery growth and maximise the diner experience.

Founded in 2023 by Chris Riley — who set out to create "something timeless" — Silver's Deli has become a local favorite. Uber Eats credited its stacked salt beef sandwiches, inventive specials and community-driven ethos with helping it win over a panel of judges. More than 130 restaurants were nominated, and the field was whittled to 12 regional finalists, with Silver's Deli ultimately crowned the UK's best. Each finalist will receive £5,000 and tailored support from Uber Eats.

The judging panel included Uber Eats General Manager Matthew Price, 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. Uber Eats described Silver's Deli as standing out for its "big flavours" and its compelling story of entrepreneurship, noting its impact on the local community.

Matthew Price, Uber Eats General Manager for the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, said independent restaurants are the beating heart of the food scene. He added that Silver's Deli embodies creativity, resilience and a commitment to serving its community, and that the prize will help the business grow.

Levi Roots, entrepreneur and Uber Eats judge, praised the restaurant for heart and soul, saying Silver's had "real fire" in both its offerings and its story. He said the prize could propel the small business to new heights and inspire other independents.

Chris Riley-Smith, founder of Silver's Deli, called the win a dream come true. He said the award recognizes the effort of the entire team and the support of the community. He added that the £100,000 prize would fund a refurbishment of the current site, improve in-store operations and expand sales, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

In addition to Silver's Deli, 11 other finalists were named, including London-based Japanese eatery Sanjugo; Sushi Me Rollin' in Newcastle; Burg N Ice in Northwich; Taqi's Grill in Birmingham; Low & Slow in Bristol; and Umami Street Food in Portsmouth. Other shortlisted establishments included YAYAS in Glasgow; Sharkbite Burgers in Cwmbran; Wok & Grill in Leicester; Seed in Belfast; and Urban Health in Dublin.

Alongside the Restaurant of the Year prize, Uber Eats honoured several restaurants for outstanding contributions to the industry with the Trailblazer Award. Each Trailblazer winner received £7,000 to fuel growth, plus a bespoke marketing campaign and in-app support. The Women in Food Award went to Laura’s Pizzas in Bristol; the Climate Impact Award to The Hogless Roast in London; and the Healthy Eats Award to Eat Clean in Whitley Bay. The Social Impact Award went to Piatto in Glasgow, and the Next Gen Award was awarded to Aros Kitchen in Warrington.

Uber Eats notes the platform works with more than 70,000 merchants in the UK, most of them small or medium-sized businesses. Past winners have seen transformative growth; Natty’s Jerk from Portsmouth, the 2024 victor, has since opened a new site in Bournemouth and built a national profile. The 2025 awards marked the fourth edition, created in 2022 to spotlight the UK and Ireland’s diverse and exciting small-restaurant scene.