The Oman Today Restaurant Awards 2009 launched

An annual event launched in 2002, the awards have come to be considered the ultimate recognition of the best and most popular restaurants in Oman. Over a 100 restaurateurs attended the event among other invitees.

The categories for the Oman Today Restaurant Awards 2009 are:
1. Buffet
2. Café
3. Far Eastern
4. Fast Food
5. Indian
6. International (includes steak houses, continental and Mexican cuisines)
7. Italian
8. Middle Eastern
9. Newcomer
10. Pub Food
11. Ambience
12. Restaurant Manager
13. Service
14. Food Hygiene.

The Oman Today Restaurant Awards was instituted eight years ago to provide an opportunity for the public to recognise, appreciate and reward the best among the restaurateurs and hospitality industry. Since then, these awards have become a benchmark of excellence for the sector.

Public voting is from October 10 to December 10. Voting forms are available at all the participating restaurants, hotels and sponsors' outlets. The three finalists in each category will be announced in January 2010 based on public voting.

A panel of judges takes over at that point and they will individually visit all the restaurants that have made it to the final list incognito and rate them. The winners will be presented the coveted awards at a black-tie gala on March 24, 2010 at Shangri-La's Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa.

Bank Sohar is the main sponsor and the event is supported by African & Eastern.