Derby’s food and drink scene has plenty to celebrate, with the winners of the 2026 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards officially crowned.
From independent cafés and international flavours to brilliant pubs and restaurants, there are plenty of reasons to plan your next foodie adventure.
trentbarton was proud to sponsor the Best Overall Experience category this year, and we were happy to vote for the winner, Yassou Greek in Little Eaton. We highly recommend you book in!
We thought we’d shine a spotlight on this year’s amazing winners and show you how easy it is to hop on the bus and pay them a visit.
Restaurant of the Year: Lorentes, Darley Abbey
If you're planning a special meal, this award-winning restaurant is one to add to your list.
You can catch the sixes to Darley Abbey from Derby. The route runs along Duffield Road and stops in Darley Abbey, making it a useful option for visiting the area.
Best Café: Nourish at No.44, Belper
Fancy a coffee stop or a catch-up over something tasty? Nourish at No.44 in Belper took home the Best Café award.
Belper is a lovely place to spend a few hours, with independent shops, riverside walks and plenty to explore.
Hop on the sixes from Derby towards Belper, travelling via Duffield and Milford, and make a visit to this award-winning café part of your day out.
Best Curry: Lotus Indian Kitchen, Mercia Marina
For a curry night with a difference, Lotus Indian Kitchen was named Best Curry winner.
The V3 runs between Derby and Burton via Willington, making it a great option when planning a trip to Mercia Marina.
Best Newcomer: The Spirit Run, Derby Market Hall
A new name making its mark, The Spirit Run took home the Best Newcomer award.
You'll find it at Derby Market Hall, in the heart of the city. Catch a bus into Derby and head into the city centre to enjoy this award-winning newcomer. It's easy to combine your visit with a spot of shopping or a wander around Derby.
Best International: La Burrata, Darley Abbey Mills
La Burrata was crowned Best International, giving us another reason to celebrate Derby's food scene.
Set within Darley Abbey Mills, it's one to add to your list if you're looking to try somewhere special.
You can catch the sixes to Darley Abbey from Derby. The route runs along Duffield Road and stops in Darley Abbey, making it a useful option for visiting the area.
Best Country Pub / Restaurant: The Palfrey
The Palfrey took home Best Country Pub / Restaurant.
Hop on the 'scenic' sixes and enjoy a countryside trip before tucking into a well deserved meal.
Best Overall Experience: Yassou Greek, Little Eaton
This is a particularly special one for us. trentbarton sponsored the Best Overall Experience category at this year's awards, and we were happy to vote for Yassou Greek, which went on to win.
Fancy a Greek feast? Hop on the comet and make your way to Little Eaton for a taste of this award-winning restaurant.
Congratulations to the team at Yassou on a very well deserved win!
Best Bar: Belong Bar, Derby
Belong Bar took home the Best Bar award, making it one to remember when planning your next evening out.
Located in Derby's Cathedral Quarter, it's well placed for a city centre visit. Catch a bus into Derby and enjoy an evening out without needing to drive home.
Best Pub: The Exeter Arms, Derby
The Exeter Arms was named Best Pub winner, adding to the city's impressive selection of places to eat and drink.
It's close to Derby city centre, making it a good choice for your next catch up over food and drinks. Travel into Derby by bus and check the short onward walk to the pub.
Innovation Award: Bustler Market, Derby
The Marketing Derby Innovation Award went to Bustler Market for its vibrant new location at St James Yard and its unique offer, helping to bring people into the city centre.
With a changing selection of street food and a lively atmosphere, it's a great option when you're after something a little different.
Catch a bus into Derby and make a visit part of your next city centre adventure. Just a short walk from Derby Bus Station.
Outstanding Achievement Award: Bistrot Pierre, Derby
Bistrot Pierre was recognised with the Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating 30 years in Derby city centre.
A familiar name on the city's dining scene, it's another option to consider for your next meal out. Catch a bus into Derby and enjoy everything the city has to offer before or after your visit.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who make Derby and the surrounding area such a brilliant place to eat and drink.
Ready to plan your trip? Check our journey planner and timetables before travelling.
Find out more about the fantastic winners and runners up here.
photo credit - Marketing Derby