Tasty Awards Recognize Behind-the-Scenes of Haverhill Restaurant Week

(Additional photographs below.)

Haverhill’s restaurant week concluded this weekend, but it was Monday night’s Sixth Annual Tasty Awards that put the spotlight on those who made it a success.

Destination Downtown Haverhill, G4 Tequila and the Greater Haverhill Chamber presented awards at downtown’s Joseph’s Trattoria, celebrating owners, chefs, bartenders, servers and local establishments.

“The Tasty Awards are about more than great food—they recognize the people, relationships and community spirit behind Haverhill’s restaurants,” said Jimmy Carbone, founder of Destination Downtown Haverhill and the Tasty Awards. “Our restaurants create gathering places, support local causes, employ our neighbors and help make Haverhill a vibrant and welcoming destination. The record response this year demonstrates how deeply the community values them.”

Dave Schultz of HC Media and North of Boston, served as master of ceremonies of the awards night that recognized 27 winners and runners-up across categories ranging from Best Chef and Best Pizza to Best Vibe, Favorite Cultural Restaurant and Bar Stool Hero. This year’s awards generated record participation, with more than 650 votes cast by members of the community.

The Tasty Awards were established in 2021 as part of L’Arche Boston North’s The Longest Table and as a way to elevate Haverhill Restaurant Week, presented by the Greater Haverhill Chamber.

“Every restaurant, nominee, winner and community partner contributes something meaningful to Haverhill,” Carbone added. “They do much more than serve food and drinks—they create experiences, foster connections and continually step forward to support the community.”

Organizers recognized Deanna Gaiero and the entire Joseph’s Trattoria family and team for hosting the celebration and providing continued support to Haverhill’s restaurant and nonprofit communities. Event photographer Derrick Brown captured the award presentations and special moments throughout the evening.

Tasty Award Winners

Most Amazing Restaurant Owner

• Deanna Gaiero, Joseph’s Trattoria
• Runner-up: Mags and Michael Conneely, Peddler’s Daughter

Best Chef

• Chris Kole, The Tap
• Best Pizza: Solid Slice
• Runner-up: La Pizza di Forno

Favorite Bartender

• Daniel Gomez, Casa Blanca

Best New Restaurant

• The Lasting Room
• Runner-up: Solid Slice

Best Longest Table Menu

• The Phoenician, recognized for a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring stuffed mushrooms, seasonal salad with homemade dressing and a surf-and-turf entrée of lobster, lamb chops and fragrant rice pilaf
• Runner-up: Peddler’s Daughter

Most Creative Menu

• The Tap

Favorite Cultural Restaurant

• Casa Blanca
• Runner-up: Dam Geuda

Favorite Takeout Restaurant

• Solid Slice

Best Breakfast

• Duffy’s Diner

Tastiest Dessert

• Joseph’s Trattoria

Best Vibe

• Peddler’s Daughter

Most Memorable Staff Personality

• Veronica Aubin, Essex Street Grille

Best G4 Cocktail

• Casa Blanca

Best Signature Cocktail

• The Espresso Martini, The Hill

Best Beer Selection

• The Tap

Best Barista

• Paris Kyriakou, Drop Café

Farmers Market Favorite

• Saturday’s Child
• Runner-up: Wally’s Vegetables

Bar Stool Hero

• Jon Locke
• Runner-up: Al DiSalvo

Best Community Supporter

• Peddler’s Daughter