Several restaurants and cafes in Croydon won awards in 2023 for their food quality and atmosphere.

Awards included the London Curry Awards and the Good Food Awards.

The London Curry Awards recognises the achievements of the Asian curry sector in London, and highlights the talent and dedication of chefs, restaurants, managers, and takeaways.

The Good Food Awards recognises the inside atmosphere of restaurants as well as their food quality.

So, we’ve compiled a list of five award-winning restaurants in 2023 that you should try in 2024.

Sabor Domincano

Sabor Dominicano, on 41 Whitehorse Road, is a Dominican restaurant.

In 2023, it won a national award that labelled them as the best Latin American Eatery at the UK Caribbean Food Awards.

A Google reviewer said that the restaurant had: “Absolutely delicious food, amazing customer service, lovely ambience.

Another said: “It was such a wonderful atmosphere when I came to this restaurant and the service given by the staff was phenomenal.

“The food I tried was delicious and cooked to perfection”

Sabor Dominicano is open between 12pm and 9:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

 

Navaratna South Indian Restaurant

Next on the list is Navaratna South Indian Restaurant on 60 South End.

The South Indian restaurant won Dining Experience of the Year at the London Curry Awards 2023.

A happy TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This is proper South Indian food with great dosa, vada, incredible bread and fabulous mushroom rice.

“A testament to how good this place must be, is the presence of many Indian families dining there.

“Highly recommended.”

Another described it as: “A small restaurant but the food was amazing, full of flavour and left us wanting to go back the next day for more.

“If you like real curries bursting with flavour then this is for you.”

The restaurant is open from 12pm to 3pm, then 6pm to 11pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays, and 6pm to 10pm on Sundays.

 

Amera Rani

Amera Rani also made an appearance on the London Curry Awards list.

The restaurant, on 248 Brighton Road, holds the title Curry Restaurant of the Year Southeast from the Curry Awards.

Reviews have praised the restaurant in many areas, with one customer saying: “The food is absolutely delicious.

The lamb was so tender and cooked to perfection.

“London standards with local pricing.”

Another customer summarised the restaurant as: “Great staff, lovely food and not expensive.”

The restaurant is open from every day, except Tuesdays, from 5:30pm to 10:45pm.

 

Karachi Cuisine

Karachi Cuisine is a Pakistani restaurant on 1113-1115 London Road.

The restaurant holds the title of being the Pakistani Curry Restaurant of the Year in the London Curry Awards.

Reviews have praised Karachi Cuisine for its food and flavour, with one reviewer saying: “Went to Karachi Cuisine with family ordered butter chicken, nihari and sooji halwa.

“Believe me when I say this food is the real deal, all bang on point, flavour and spice level spot on.”

The restaurant is open from 12pm to 12am on weekdays, and 10am to 12am on weekends.

 

The Ludoquist

Finally, the Ludoquist – a board game café.

The Ludoquist, on 63-67 High Street, won the Blue Ribbon from the Good Food Awards.

The Good Food Awards recognise quality food, exceptional service, and great value.

The Good Food Awards gave The Ludoquist the blue ribbon due to its “friendly staff and warm ambience.”

Reviews back up the award with one reviewer saying: “First time visiting but definitely not the last!

“Great service, lovely cocktails and simple but good food.

“The amount of games makes it difficult to pick but really fun to be able to try something new.

“The staff were knowledgeable and friendly - 10/10.”

The Ludoquist is open from 3pm to 10pm between Monday and Thursday, 3pm to 11pm on Friday, 11am to 11pm on Saturday, and 11am to 8pm on Sunday.