MORE than a dozen businesses in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd have been named finalists for the fourth annual Food Awards Wales 2018.

A black-tie awards ceremony to announce the winners takes place tonight (Monday, 23 April) at Cardiff’s Exchange Hotel.

Mañana Restaurant in Abersoch has been shortlisted for Best Mexican Establishment, while Aberdyfi’s Seabreeze Restaurant with Rooms is up for the Best Seafood Establishment award. Shortlisted for Best Mediterranean Establishment is Tafarn y Gader Tapas, Bistro & Bar in Dolgellau, and Plas Bodegroes in Pwllheli is nominated in the Traditional Welsh Restaurant of the Year category.

South Caernarfon Creameries Limited based in Pwllheli have been nominated for Dairy Food Provider of the Year, with fellow Pwllheli business Pysgod Llyn Seafood shortlisted for the Seafood Supplier of the Year award.

The Mermaid Fish Bar in Barmouth and Castle Fish & Chip Shop in Criccieth are both up for Takeaway of the Year North, while Cadwaladers in Criccieth are nominated for Dessert Outlet of the Year

In the Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Vita Dolan of The Gatehouse Steakhouse in Dolgellau has received a nomination.

Tafarn y Gader Tapas, Bistro & Bar in Dolgellau, and Whitehall in Pwllheli have both been nominated for Gastro Pub of the Year North.

Nominated for Restaurant of the Year North is Plas Bodegroes in Pwllheli, while The Gatehouse Steakhouse in Dolgellau has received a nomination in the Restaurant of the Year Mid Wales category. Hugh Bracegirdle of Plas Bodegroes in Pwllheli has been shortlisted for the Chef of the Year award.

Up for the main award of the night, the Outstanding Restaurant of the Year, is Castell Deudraeth Brasserie in Portmeirion.

The Food Awards Wales organised by Creative Oceanic, aim to recognise and reward the best of the Welsh food industry from those who produce the ingredients to those who serve them, including restaurants, takeaways, hotels, cafés and bistros amongst others.

Irfan Younis, CEO of Creative Oceanic said: “The tremendous amount of nominations received from the Welsh public, is a testament to the hard work of all those working within the food sector.

The Welsh food industry is worth an estimated £4.5 billion and as a result employs at least 240,200 people across Wales, making it extremely important to the Welsh economy.

“Through this awards ceremony, we hope to acknowledge this and celebrate the very best individuals and organisations in the sector.”

As well as the awards, the event will also help raise funds for the official charity partner, Cardiff Foodbank that provides emergency food parcels to local people in crisis.