THERE is more than just a good feed on the menu at a restaurant singled out for praise.

According to Peter Gaylor, who nominated Mya Lacarte for the Restaurant Of The Year prize in this year's Reading Retail Awards, the service is always delivered with a smile.

Putting forward the British restaurant in Prospect Street, Caversham, Mr Gaylor said: "These guys understand the meaning of seasonal, local food, well prepared in a friendly, customer centric environment. Quality food, quality service with a smile."

Owner Matthew Siadatan, who employs a team of 15 including chefs, waiters and kitchen porters, said the nomination was amazing news especially because it came from a customer.

He said: "Any type of nomination for an award is always really humbling and when it's like this that means a lot because that's who our customers are and to get reaction from people on a day-to-day basis is really good.

"The best feedback is from our customers and their support for the restaurant as a whole."

He described Mya Lacarte as a destination restaurant and a great place to hold a meal for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. All the ingredients are sourced from the UK and the menu changes on a seasonal basis.

Mr Siadatan, who set up the business in 2007 with his sister Yasmina - who won the fifth The Apprentice television series - added: "We are a small restaurant with just 11 tables, but the people who work here are massive foodies who care passionately about where they work. Our customers often come for special occasions so they have been looking forward to their time here for a couple of months. They are really happy to be here so that makes our job even easier."

Reading Retail Awards are organised by Broad Street Mall and The Oracle, supported by The Event Crew and The Chronicle to reward and honour traders in the borough of Reading for their commitment to business, the town, the community and their customers.

Find out more about Mya Lacarte at www.myalacarte.co.uk or call 0118 946 3400.