The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants in Malta & Gozo survey was launched recently with the added incentive of prizes for participants who vote for the largest number of restaurants.

Sponsored by HSBC & Global Payments, who have provided their support to demonstrate the importance of customer feedback in every successful business venture, this publication will shortly be launching its 19th edition.

The public were invited to rate their favourite contenders, which will in turn determine which restaurants will ultimately be published in the upcoming publication and portal. Diners were also asked to vote for the overall winner in most of the categories, from Family Friendly to Best Restrooms, Most Romantic to Best Business Entertainment. They were even asked to name the Best Pet-friendly restaurant.

The awards, in fact, are not a reflection of the best critically-acclaimed restaurants of the year, but an unbiased compilation of those most loved by the people who actually eat there.

The response was overwhelming, with 3,153 surveys cast. Winners include Chris Sultana who won a luxury two-night stay at the fortress hotel on the water’s edge, Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour; Maria Grech Gerada, who won a one-hour ride in a Route 66 Hummer Limousine with free-flowing prosecco; Massimo Abela, who was awarded a herb garden trolley from Dical House; and Loredana Falzon and Doryne Abela who both won a voucher from Mirachem to spend on wines and Riedel glassware.

Not all restaurant winners were selected by the public. Sponsors will decide on the Wine Awards, the Restaurant most dedicated to supporting local produce and Most popular offering vegetarian option Awards. All results will be revealed during the Restaurant Awards gala dinner on December 3 at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands.

One may pre-order their copy or register on  www. restaurantsmalta.com for online access.