People are invited to cast their votes for their favourite, pubs, restaurants and market stalls for food awards.
Voting is open for the St Albans Food and Drink Festival awards with 13 prizes up for grabs and 350 nominations to choose from.
The poll will be open until August 28, after which judges will make surprise visits to decide who will be crowned at the awards ceremony at Sopwell House on October 2.
The festival steering group, who make the final judgements, is made up of food and drink experts.
Cllr Beric Read, who leads business and the community at the council, said: "Our food and drink sector has grown rapidly in recent years, making the city an even more enjoyable place to live while generating many jobs and career opportunities.
"These awards have grown in prestige over the years and are always keenly contested.
"They recognise the talent and hard work that goes into providing us all with a fantastic range of dining venues and food and drink products."
The festival, now in its tenth year, runs from September 27 to October 7 and includes a range of activities such as cookery demonstrations and wine tastings, with the main event of a street festival of 80 food vendors in the high street taking place on October 1.
Mr Read added: "We have everything here from craft beer breweries and street food to fine dining establishments. All will be showcased at the festival later this year.
"I urge people who use food and drink businesses in the district to show their appreciation by voting for the ones that have impressed them the most."
For details on how to vote go to the Enjoy St Albans website.
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