Nominations for the first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards have just closed and now we get to the really exciting part – revealing your top picks.

Celebrating the area’s rising stars, industry trendsetters and unsung food heroes, the awards, sponsored by Café Nucleus, have already been a massive success.

We have been inundated with your nominations and, ahead of sharing the names of the finalists next week, we can now reveal the shortlist for Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield.

This was one of our most popular categories and you nominated these 10 restaurants for their exceptional food, creative menus and great customer service.

We will announce the Pub/Bar of the Year's shortlist tomorrow, so check back to see if your local made the cut.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: TOP 10

Castellum Pizzeria, Whitstable

“The best pizza in Whitstable and always such a lovely atmosphere.”

“Great place to have an Italian dish. Amazing pizza and pasta.”

Curry Mecca, Gravesend

“They make the best Indian food I’ve ever had in my life, and the service is incredible - you are waited on hand-and-foot in their restaurant.”

“Two friends, my wife and I spent some time visiting a number of restaurants in Gravesend. We all agreed that Curry Mecca was by far and away the best.”

Ela Kendro, Gillingham

“The manager and all the staff are so welcoming and friendly and really make your night special!”

“Authentic fresh Greek food, all cooked over charcoal. As good as our holiday food in Greece.”

Kebbells, Broadstairs

“This is my go to restaurant for any occasion and I have recommended it to so many friends and family.”

“Wonderfully ever-changing inventive dishes of local food.”

The Plough Inn, Langley

“Amazing establishment with great food and superb, friendly service!”

“Food is outstanding and great value for money with amazing portion sizes.”

The Garden Room Restaurant at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, near Hythe

“We ate in the Garden Room Restaurant and had Sunday lunch, this was probably the best roast we have eaten and the restaurant itself is stunning.”

“The Garden Room is stunning and the chef's work is delicious.”

Rosemont, Folkestone

“Delicious food, amazing cocktails and beautiful interior.”

“Their service is absolutely impeccable. The staff were friendly and it felt like a real family restaurant.”

Stubbs, Kennington

“Absolutely fantastic food, something for everyone and the staff are great too.”

“I have visited many places to eat and this will be my No.1 pick for dining out in Kent.”

Thackeray's, Tunbridge Wells

“My absolute favourite restaurant that has the most amazing European food.”

“Amazing restaurant and outstanding food. I have recommended this to so many people based on my experience.”

Vesuvius, Maidstone

“Have been dining there for years, never fails to impress.”

“Off the beaten track but a total crowd pleaser. Incredible, dedicated staff who are welcoming, kind and professional, not to mention the incredible handmade Italian food.”

We will announce each category's three finalists online from Wednesday, January 17, so keep an eye out to see if your foodie favourite could be in with a chance of winning at the first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards.