SERENE comforts and quality food could see a fine dining experience recognised as the best restaurant in town.

Cilantro, based at Madejski Stadium, is in the running to win the Restaurant of the Year accolade at this year’s Reading Retail Awards.

The jewel in the crown of this establishment is the luxurious variety of dishes, which continue to be recognised with 2AA Rosettes.

Ruraigh Whitehead, who has been in charge of Millennium Hotel since it opened in 2000, said local praise is vital to the success of the business.

He said: “The Reading Retail Awards are a very important part of the culture of Reading.

“Sometimes you can get distracted by that is happening further afield, but at the end of the day a lot of our clients and guests come from the local area and it is important to receive good feedback from them and win local awards.

“These awards celebrate what our neighbours are saying about us and that is a strong indication of where we are at and where we can improve.”

Paul Martin, who made the nomination for Cilantro, described it as ‘the best value fine dining’ he had experienced and said the restaurant was a benchmark for others to follow.

As well as accommodating hotel guests and passing trade, the dedicated team at Cilantro welcome private bookings, such as birthday parties and business clients.

Mr Whitehead added: “It is an exciting and modern European food experience.

“We know that there are other established award-winning businesses out there, so we wanted to offer something very unique to local residents and guests.

“It might not be the sort of place you go to eat on a regular basis, but when you arrive you are greeted with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

“We are very proud of our 2AA Rosettes and work hard to maintain it. We have held that for the last 18 years.

“It is all about the technical expertise of the kitchen staff and we like to use a delicate combination of fresh local ingredients.”

Nominations for this year’s Reading Retail Awards are still open and entry forms are available from The Oracle and Broad Street Mall.