Two restaurants in Norwich have been listed as finalists for a major national food award.

Benedicts is in the running to be named 'Restaurant of the Year (South & East)' while Jorges Restaurant is hoping to be called the 'Best Mediterranean Establishment (South)' at the Food Awards England 2024.

The finalists were revealed today, with the winners set to be announced on October 7 at an event in which some of the country’s top professionals will come together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and the food industry as a whole.

Jorge and Eleanor Santos of Jorge's RestaurantJorge and Eleanor Santos of Jorge's Restaurant (Image: Victoria Pertusa) Jorge's is a Portuguese restaurant situated in Orford Yard off Red Lion Street.

The eatery offers a modern Portuguese menu including charcoal-grilled meats, tapas and wine. 

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It was opened in 2018 by Jorge and Eleanor Santos and has previously been a finalist in the Food Awards England 'Restaurant of the Year' in 2023 and 2022. 

Chef Bainbridge won BBC2's Great British Menu in 2015, and since opening, Benedicts has been named in The Times Top 100 Restaurants in the UK, the EDP's Best Restaurant in Norfolk and was awarded three AA Rosettes in 2018.

Richard Bainbridge won BBC Two's Great British Menu in 2015Richard Bainbridge won BBC Two's Great British Menu in 2015 (Image: Danielle Booden) Food Awards England looks to honour talent, dedication, and passion displayed by those working in the industry across the country.

A spokesman for Food Awards England said: “It’s exciting for us to once again shine a spotlight on the top establishments and businesses that have managed to stand out in such a busy food scene.

"This year’s finalists have all been distinguished as the real masters in their field due to their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction.

"We would like to congratulate all of our finalists and wish them the best of luck.”