Nando’s winning Restaurant of the Year in the Preston Smiles Better Awards became a ‘national scandal’.

Many London-based media outlets ate up the opportunity to put a sneering, negative spin on the story of a chicken chain winning the award. But as Blog Preston argued, Preston’s dining scene is miles better than it’s been in a long time.

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To celebrate this fact we’ve put together a list of the top 10 independent restaurants in Preston according to TripAdvisor users.

Let us know in the comments below if you agree or disagree.

10. Wings and Beer Co

Branded as a sports bar, this spot on Cannon Street has nevertheless garnered 246 reviews of its American-inspired menu.

Of the 246 reviews, 215 (87 per cent) are Excellent or Very Good. The overall rating is four-and-a-half out of five, but in the food category Wings and Co gets five stars.

Five-star reviewer big_woolyback said: “I visit here often with both work colleagues and family. Never had a bad meal and staff are always superb. Wide selection of beers are also available. It is my go to place for a hassle free meal at lunch or in the evening.”

Taste Test: Wings and Beer Co – friendships forgotten as relationships formed with food

9. Theatre Street Bar and Grill

This seafood and steakhouse restaurant in Preston’s city centre appears popular for special occasions and business meetings.

Scoring four-and-a-half out of five, the Theatre Street eatery has 490 out of 571 reviews (86 per cent) marked as Excellent or Very Good.

However not all recent reviewers have been as generous, with ratings varying from two stars to five in the past couple of weeks. Sue D said: “The meals were disappointing and overpriced”. But Prestonfoodie111 said: “The food is delicious and looks beautiful on the plate and the cocktails are always made fresh and taste amazing.”

8. Tang

Tang is an authentic Chinese restaurant with a karaoke service, located on Fylde Road towards Ashton.

It’s by far the most reviewed restaurant in the top 10, with 773 reviews giving a rating of four-and-a-half out of five. Over 88 per cent of reviewers (684) have scored Tang as Excellent or Very Good.

Reviewer Anthony F titled his review “Authentic dum sum and sichuan food” and said: “As a frequent traveller to China I am quite particular about Chinese food. This place has very authentic food and great service. Would highly recommend.” Norma1968 said: “Can highly recommend the karaoke rooms for something different and fun.”

Read more: Ten of the highest rated places for a Chinese in Preston

7. We Don’t Give A Fork

This Guildhall Street burger bar is the first of Mark O’Rourke’s restaurants to make Preston’s top 10.

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There are 280 reviews on TripAdvisor – 251 of which (90 per cent) are Excellent or Very Good – giving an overall rating of four-and-a-half stars out of five.

While the latest reviewer marked We Don’t Give A Fork as three out of five, others mention excellent food, friendly staff and good prices. One reviewer who approved was hroberts532: “I ordered the Chilli Chilli Bang Bang burger and it was absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t normally be able to finish a big burger but I ate every scrap! Finished off with the mudslide boozeshake. Delish!”

Taste test: How We Don’t Give A Fork will stand out in Preston

6. Winedown

This deli and wine bar is situated in the basement of 16-18 Lancaster Road.

Winedown actually scores five out of five but has fewer reviews than other restaurants that are ranked higher. From its 148 reviews, only five (four per cent) rate it less than Excellent or Very Good.

Reviewers describe the eatery as a “quirky wine bar” that’s “definitely worth a visit”. DawnRay said: “If you are looking for a cosy night out with fabulous deli platters and tapas then look no further than here. The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxing, with a great wine and cider list. It’s well worth a visit!”

5. Totto’s

A stalwart of Preston city centre, Totto’s has been serving up mediterranean fare for many years now.

Described as warm and cosy by reviewers, the Fleet Street eatery has garnered 4-and-a-half stars out of five from 497 reviews. Of these, 450 (90 per cent) are Excellent or Very Good.

According to Maaz A, Totto’s serve the best pizza in the north west, while leahswaymyway said: “Totto’s is a little gem – fresh, cheap, nice atmosphere”. EggBertNoBacon said: “This excellent establishment has good old fashioned service with a smile, and good old fashioned prices too!”.

4. Fino Tapas

Only open since summer 2018, this modern Spanish tapas restaurant has quickly become a popular spot with Prestonians.

Situated on Wilfrid Street and owned by Mark O’Rourke, the restaurant is sitting on four-and-a-half stars out of five after 145 reviews – 100 of which (89 per cent) were Excellent or Very Good.

Reviewer courtneyh179 went for an early tea with the three tapas for £9.99 deal: “The food was delicious, couldn’t fault it at all. Highly recommend the cheese croquettes, patatas bravas, chorizo con frijoles, chicken thighs, pan con tomate! Lovely food, lovely wine, lovely service!”

Taste test: We try Fino Tapas – Preston’s newest independent restaurant

3. The Silk Route

This Indian restaurant is located on Strand Road, and is the only curry house to feature in Preston’s top 10.

Scoring four-and-a-half stars out of five with reviewers overall, the restaurant also notches up this mark across each category of food, service, value and atmosphere. From 585 reviews, 524 (90 per cent) are Excellent or Very Good.

Recent reviewers have all left five star reviews with titles including “Never disappoints”, “Impeccable”, “First visit – most certainly will be back”, and “Best curry EVER!”.

Read more: Ten of the highest rated places for a curry in Preston

2. Coco’s Soul Food

Coco’s has had 501 reviews on TripAdvisor, with 421 (84 per cent) rating the eatery as Excellent or Very Good.

Serving up the likes of hot wings, goat curry and jambalaya, the compact Friargate eatery scores five stars out of five with reviewers for food and value, and four-and-a-half stars overall.

A recent review from davebrom1 seemed to sum up a lot of reviewers’ thoughts: “The food is amazing! The staff are friendly. The prices are good… I just wish it was bigger as it can get busy in there! Worth it though!”

1. Jaffa

This mediterranean/middle eastern restaurant on Friargate is a long-term firm favourite with Prestonians.

With four-and-a-half stars out of five from 258 reviews, the most recent review from Diane4141 said: “If you like authentic charcoal barbecue grilled food and eastern salad food this place is always good.”

Of the 258 reviews, only 12 (five per cent) are anything other than Excellent or Very Good. Other reviewers mention good variety of choice, generous portions, tasty food, friendly staff, and value for money.

Takeaway review: Trying out Jaffa’s in Friargate