"They were so attentive and very concerned about whether you were enjoying your food.
"They wanted to know that you weren't finding it too hot or too spicy."
They were ready to whisk the food away and bring it back more to your liking, Ms Goodge said.
"Our judges who went there two or three times were so impressed they came back each time raving about the place, the food and the staff.
"If there was one downer it was that there was a TV in the corner."
But the judge found that eating in or taking away, the food was delicious and very good value for money, she said.
The businesses were judged out of a total of 160 points, she said.
If a business scored over 100 after one visit, the judges (the secret shoppers) would return and look at it again, she said.
"This year, so many of them scored over the 100 that we had to raise the bar to 120. Which shows just how good businesses in Wanganui are."
The Bike Shed in Ridgway St was named Best Service Retail.
Ms Goodge said the judges said found the staff and shop friendly and welcoming.
"They found the store layout exceptional and use of window space and street signage was extremely effective, and they said they had received excellent service."
Best Service Professional Service went to AMI Insurance.
"The staff were all so friendly, had great local knowledge and a high level of product knowledge," Ms Goodge said.
Three runners up were also announced at a ceremony on Friday night, attended by 70 local business owners.
Runners up: Hospitality, Element Cafe and Bistro and Dotto Crepes; retail, Just Jeans; professional services, House of Travel.