Tom Kitchin’s Michelin-starred restaurant was voted by readers to be the best in the country for its “consistency and quality in customer service” and local, seasonal menu.
Kitchin said: “Our greatest achievement is happy diners so this award, as voted by the public, is really special. Our team work incredibly hard to make sure each and every diner at our restaurant has the best possible experience and I’m proud to be taking this award back to Scotland in recognition of what the team has achieved.”
Readers' choice
Now in its seventh year, the awards combine votes from the newspaper’s readers with those from a panel of judges, including Jay Rayner, Nigel Slater, Thomasina Miers and Mariella Frostrup.
Other reader-voted award winners included 69 Colebrooke row for Best place to drink, and Hawksmoor for Best Sunday Lunch.
Jamie Oliver was recognised as being the Food Personality of the Year, while the judges named River Cafe chef Stevie Parle as Young Chef of the Year.
The winners of the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010 are:
Reader voted award winners:
Best restaurant
The Kitchin, Edinburgh
Best place to drink
69 Colebrooke Row, London
Best independent local retailer
Fodder, Great Yorkshire
Food personality
Jamie Oliver
Best Sunday lunch
Hawksmoor, London
Best food blog
Salad Club
Best cheap eat
Thali Cafe, Bristol
Best ethical restaurant
Riverford Field Kitchen
Judges' award winners:
Best newcomer
Sipsmith, London
Best producer
Trealy Farm
Reader's cocktail recipe
Will Parry Brown
Reader's recipe
Maya Glaser
Lifetime achievement
Prue Leith
Young chef of the year
Stevie Parle
Outstanding contribution
Sheila Dillon
Highly Commended:
Best newcomer
Paul Wayne Gregory
Best producer
TruFoods
Clarence Court
Best food blog
Eat Like a Girl
Cheese and Biscuits