The competition that asks the public to help reveal the best city dining and drinking places, and can bring some high profile publicity to your business, is firing up again for 2010.

Nominations are now open in the Citysearch Best in the City Awards which asks Australians for their favourite haunts in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. They close 5pm, 17 September.

There are ten different categories including Best bar with a view, Best vinyl spinner, Best service to make you smile, Best Friday night drinks, Best queer night out, Best chef at your local, Best cheap and cheerful, Best place to catch a movie, Best festival in Town, and Best place to catch a gig.

Citysearch managing editor Cath Pope said one of the great aspects of the Best in the City Awards is that it recognises businesses that may not be well known.

“What I love about the Best in the City Awards is that we’re able to put the spotlight on a bunch of well-loved local haunts that may have otherwise gone unnoticed,” she said.

The Best in the City finalists will be announced on 4 October.

Citysearch will then call on the public to vote for who they think should take home the top award in each category.

Last year’s winners included Melbourne’s Movida (Best Service with a Smile, Melbourne), Sydney’s The London (Best Sunday Session, Sydney), and Brisbane’s Cloudland (Best Bathroom).

To nominate go to Citysearch.com.au/awards

Voting closes 22 October and the Best in the City winners will be announced on 22 November 2010.