An unassuming restaurant in Hendon has beaten competitors in Knightsbridge and Notting Hill to the award for the best restaurant in London.

The Gourmet Garden, a family-run Malaysian restaurant in Watford Way, won the Best Restaurant category of the Visit London Awards 2007, which celebrate the finest tourist attractions in the capital.

Restaurants were nominated first by the public, according to three criteria: consistently good food, excellent service, and standing out from the crowd.

Visit London judges then shortlisted five finalists and went incognito to taste dishes at each of them before making their decision.

Albert Lee, owner, manager, and head chef at the Gourmet Garden, said: "I thought someone was pulling my leg because they got our name wrong when they called to tell us we'd been shortlisted. I've still got the message on the answer machine."

The winners of the 14 categories were presented with their awards in front of more than 1,000 guests on Thursday at indigO2, part of the O2 arena. Mr Lee and his wife, Sue, were there to accept their gong.

Mr Lee, 50, said: "It was a grand occasion. I'm still in a dream. I haven't woken up from it."

Mr Lee started the business five years ago. He speaks passionately about food, and considers his work his hobby.

He said: "I had an interest in food before taking on this restaurant. I work eight days a week, but when I see the customers enjoying their food, it's most satisfying."

The award is now proudly on display in the restaurant. Mr Lee said: "It's here and it stays here. It's an award for the customers.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to all our customers. I'm looking forward to their continuing support. The award is for them as well as us. They voted for us, so without them we wouldn't have it."

Mr Lee said he had already noticed an increase in bookings since the winners were announced.

Asked what dish he recommends, he said: "The battered king prawn or the lobster noodles, but let the customer judge it."

Clodagh Ward, consumer development director at Yell.com, which sponsored the Best Restaurant award category, said: "We are delighted Gourmet Garden has been announced as the winner. It is great to see a unique, family-run business in Hendon deservedly gaining such an accolade."