The reasons why readers' favourite restaurants made the People's Choice shortlist at this year's Oliver Awards

Last week we revealed the shortlist from hundreds of nominations as suggested by food loving readers across Leeds, and this week - with just a few days of voting left - you told us why these six places are your favourite.

Cha Lounge is a place that is good for the soul. Trying to create a place of well-being and escapism from the world for a while, the cafe at Dock Street, looks to be as ethical and carbon neutral as possible.

Margaret Church said: "Where do I begin on my love affair with Cha Lounge? It’s so much more than a café. The beating heart of our building and our community, where neighbours find each other and friendships form. Each time I step through the door, welcomed by Mandeep’s huge smile and staff who take all the care in the world to make you feel you belong. At once transported to a warm place where you trust only good things can happen.

"The food is simply great. I’ve not found anywhere in Leeds that serves a better brunch and knowing the care that’s taken over the provenance of ingredients and how it’s prepared somehow makes it more delicious.

"It’s my go-to place for quiet reflection over a cup of green tea in the day, my ‘sigh of relief’ glass of wine on a Friday after work, my hangover sausage bap, and my lazy weekend breakfast. The authentic values of Cha Lounge shine through in everything they do and that makes it a very special place."

Fika North is a quirky and cosy coffee shop on Otley Road in Headingley that has been mixing Swedish vibes with Yorkshire spirit ever since it opened in 2018.

Chris Hird has staked the claim for Fika by telling us: "Fika North has brought a sense of community to the area surrounding it. The two owners are lovely and welcoming and have introduced fairly priced, delicious coffee and snacks, in a lovely contemporary setting. The addition of supporting local artists helps spread the creativity of Leeds and the upcoming evenings will further support this."

Grumpy's is anything other than the name suggests. This family friendly pizza restaurant took Farsley by storm when it opened a few years ago by two sisters who named the place after their dad.

Michelle Curran loves it because of how the team cater for her daughter who has special needs.

She said: "Amazing family restaurant and very inclusive of SEN. Always made time for my autistic daughter and allow her to bring her own food into the restaurant to eat."

Also flying the flag for Farsley, and last year's winner of the People's Choice award, is Olive and Feta. It was opened six years ago by Hakan Ulke and serves Turkish and Mediterranean food.

Nicola McGill was one of many people getting on touch to tell us why Olive and Feta should take home the prize for a second year running.

She said: "Amazing local restaurant with the friendliest staff and fabulous food. We love Olive and Feta and they are so welcoming to families, there’s not a lot of restaurants you can take three kids under seven and feel totally comfortable and at ease, the staff are brilliant with our kids. The prices are good as is the quality of food. 100% per cent our favourite restaurant."

Lupes Cantina opened in 2016 in Headingley and serves up Mexican street food in a basic but colourful, vibrant and arty space. No frills or flair - just food to keep you coming back for more.

Iain Thompson nominated Lupes for this award as he says it is Michelin food but without the price tag.

He said: "One of the best, if not THE best, genuine Mexican restaurants we’ve ever been to and we’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants. It’s almost Michelin quality for a lot less money. Both Rudie and Tansey (owners) work ridiculously hard at all hours to reach this standard of food."

And last but by no means least is Santonio Osteria and Pizzeria at Keighley that gives an insight into the food and produce from all regions of Italy.

Regular customer Frank Bailey said: "Family owned consistently produces high quality out of the ordinary Italian food. The menu changes monthly and takes account of customers' comments and suggestions. Indeed customer involvement in all aspects of the restaurant is a key part of the restaurant's appeal to me.

"Quarterly events with special tasting menus and wine pairings provide further interest. The food is produced from high quality ingredients, the wine list changes regularly and contains a good range of carefully selected quality Italian wines.

"Add to this very well informed and friendly staff, an excellent ambience and a commitment to provide the best experience for all age groups and you have a restaurant that in my opinion deserves to win the People's Choice Award."

How To Vote

Text your vote by starting your text with PEN (followed by space) EAT (followed by space) followed by the number of the restaurant you wish to vote for, exactly as it appears, then your name and email address, and send to 85100. Texts cost £1 per vote plus your standard network rate. For example, PEN EAT 1 Joe Bloggs [email protected] Closing date for voting is MIDNIGHT Tuesday March 3 2020.

1 Cha Lounge

2 Fika North

3 Grumpy's Bar & Wood Fired Pizza

4 Lupes Cantina

5 Olive & Feta

6 Santoni Osteria