RESTAURATEURS across Glasgow are vying for votes in the race to be crowned the city's top eateries.

More than 6000 people have voted so far in the second Glasgow Restaurant Awards.

But time is running out for food lovers to have their say on the city's dining scene.

The awards, which are organised by the Glasgow Restaurant Association (GRA) in association with Glasgow: Scotland with Style, were launched in 2010, when more than 16,000 people voted.

Mother India, in Westminster Terrace, which opened 1996 and specialises in spicing up the freshest and finest Scottish produce, took the top prize at the inaugural awards hosted by Evening Times columnist Michelle McManus at the Citizens Theatre.

And singer Michelle will host the event again this year in the Glasgow theatre on December 10.

This year's awards are set to be the biggest yet, with 19 awards.

A total of 11 are voted for by the public, including Best New Restaurant, Best Italian and Best Breakfast.

There are eight new categories, including Outstanding Maitre D', Family Dining and Posh Nosh and the Spirit of Glasgow award, which will recognise individuals or teams who go the extra mile to keep their customers happy.

GRA Chairman Ryan James said the awards recognised the city's "extraordinary and exciting restaurants".

Last year the city was named as the best and most eclectic dining out city in Europe by industry travel bible Lonely Planet.

Mr James said: "Glasgow has a lively restaurant scene, representing countries from all over the world.

"Despite difficult economic times, Glasgow continues to open new restaurants each week.

"These awards are important in recognising the high quality of venues, food and staff that are abound in the city."

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "Glasgow, which is home to a cosmopolitan café culture by day and a vibrant, dynamic restaurant scene by night, enjoys an enviable reputation as a centre of dining excellence."

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

TO VOTE:

Members of the public have until a week on Monday to cast their vote by visiting www.glasgowrestaurantawards.com

The three venues with the highest votes in each category will be visited by members of the judging panel and the winners will be announced on December 10.

WHAT GOES AROUND DINES AROUND ...

The Glasgow Restaurant Association joined the city's business elite club by hailing its very own branded cab.

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson joined Rogano head chef Andy Cumming and association chairman Ryan James to feast their eyes on the new taxi.

The cab's new look was funded by Glasgow Taxis Ltd, to support the association's new Glasgow DineAround booking site – at www.glasgowdineraround.com – and free restaurant guide booklet, which received funding from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.

The taxi firm also waived the usual £3000 a year ad fee for the cab for the next two years.