Categories
Restaurant of the Year sponsored by 
This category will recognise the very best of the best within the Scottish Restaurant trade and all restaurants are eligible for entry. Key features that the judges will consider in this category will include:
• Customer service
• Imagination in menu creation
• Use of Local Produce
• Value for money
• Ambience
Chef of the Year sponsored by 
Nominations for this category must come from restaurateurs, who wish to nominate their senior chef for this coveted award.
Best Italian/Indian/Chinese Restaurant
As the customers' best loved speciality restaurants, these 3 each deserve a category in their own right. Nominate for the best Italian, Indian or Chinese Restaurant.
Best Speciality Restaurant
This category recognises a restaurant which specialises in the preparation of a particular type/style of cuisine. This includes fish/seafood, vegetarian, oriental and organic restaurants.
Fine Dining Experience
Awarded to the restaurant offering customers the ultimate sophisticated dining experience. Restaurants considered will be trend-setters as opposed to followers, and will offer clients the best of inventive gourmet food.
Best Rural Restaurant
Fine restaurants are no longer found only in Scotland's largest cities. Today, top class restaurants are opening up across the country attracting customers from all over the world. Nominations are welcomed for this category from all restaurants out with the major Scottish cities.
Best Pub Grub
A pint and a bag of peanuts no longer satisfies the demanding Scottish market, which has lead to the introduction of many good-value, top quality gastro pubs. Nominate your favourite within this category.
Health Conscious Restaurant of the Year sponsored by 
As demand for healthier eating grows, judges will be looking for a restaurant that offers healthy and delicious options across the menu, focusing on ingredients, preparation and cooking methods. Nominations are welcome for all restaurants, including workplace catering, that show a passion for making it easier for their customers to eat more healthily.
Best Hotel Restaurant
With ever increasing numbers of business travellers and tourists arriving in Scotland, hotel restaurants are becoming an important feature of the hotel business. Nominations for this category must be for restaurants which are run in conjunction with the hotel.
Best Family Friendly Restaurant sponsored by 
In this category judges will be looking for a restaurant which aims to make a restaurant visit as enjoyable for children as it is for adults. Specifically considering menu options, restaurant environment and value for money.
Best Customer Service sponsored by 
Whilst all finalists in the 2008 Restaurant awards will have to show good levels of customer service, this category will recognise a restaurant which goes above and beyond to ensure that diners enjoy their time spent in their establishment.
Best Restaurant Design
All finalists should show that some thought has gone into the design and layout of the restaurant, however, this award will go to the restaurant which has given particular consideration to its design in the eyes of both its customers and staff.
Best Family Friendly Restaurant
In this category judges will be looking for a restaurant which aims to make a restaurant visit as enjoyable for children as it is for adults. Specifically considering menu options, restaurant environment and value for money.