Wirral has enjoyed a taste of victory in this year’s Which Good Food Guide 2010, published this week.

Michelin-starred restaurant Fraiche, in Oxton Village, has not only risen from six to seven, it is now listed as the 30th top restaurant in the country and was presented with the Editor’s Award for best wine list in the UK.

Chef/owner of Fraiche, Marc Wilkinson, said: “It makes me proud to put a Wirral restaurant on the map and achieving the top 30 in the UK has opened the door for others to believe in Merseyside and see that it can have food as exciting as anywhere in the country. I also have to thank Gemma and my team for their support.”

The qualities the Which Guide was looking for was a conscientious eye to the best growers, clearly comprehensive presentation and fair value.

It is described as having “flavour-filled, mind-expanding menus.”

The best new entry for 2010 for the whole of the country was Da Piero, a small restaurant in Irby, with a score of five, and described as ‘food that fills you with joy”. This is run by husband and wife team, Piero and Dawn Di Bella.

Stephen Maddox, Wirral Council chief executive, said: “This is tremendous news, particularly in the lead up to our Wirral Year of Food next year, and shows that the peninsula is continuously raising the quality of its food and tourism offers. Congratulations again to Marc at Fraiche and Piero and Dawn at Da Piero, for their commitment and dedication. This recognition proves that they are leading the way in Merseyside.”