The Double Tree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
The 12th Annual Scottish Italian Awards will once again bring together the very best of Scotland’s Italian community, as businesses across the country compete for titles such as Best Chef, Best Pizza, Best Family Restaurant and more. Regional awards ensure talent from every corner of Scotland has the chance to shine.
Our coveted Best Restaurant award will be judged by an expert panel, featuring celebrity chefs and leading figures from Scotland’s Italian-influenced culinary scene.
The journey culminates in our Gala Final Dinner, a spectacular celebration of the unique ties between Scotland and Italy. Winners will be announced in front of an audience that includes international brands, celebrities, and businesses from across the UK—an unmissable opportunity to network, showcase excellence, and honour the strength of Scotland’s Italian community.
You’ve got to be in it to win it! Registration ensures we have the correct contact details for your business (and so your finalist certificate gets to the right place!).
Once registered, it’s time to rally your supporters! The businesses with the most votes will move forward to become finalists.
Discover if you’ve made it to the Gala Final!
Our judges will be out visiting and experiencing your business first-hand.
Attend the sparkling Gala Final & celebrate your success. (Please note: all finalists must have a representative at the Gala Final).
Scotland’s Best Deli
Celebrating authentic Italian flavours, this award recognises delis offering the finest cured meats, cheeses, oils, and artisan produce. It honours businesses that bring a true taste of Italy to Scotland, combining quality, tradition, and a passion for food.
Scotland’s Best Family Run Business
This award highlights the heart of Italian heritage in Scotland—family. It celebrates businesses passed through generations, where values, passion, and togetherness shape exceptional food and warm hospitality, keeping tradition alive while adapting to modern dining.
Scotland’s Best Newcomer
Honouring rising stars in Scotland’s Italian food scene, this category shines a spotlight on new businesses making a big impact with fresh ideas, authentic flavours, and a commitment to excellence. It’s about exciting beginnings and future success.
Scotland’s Best Barista
Recognising the artistry behind a perfect espresso, cappuccino, or latte, this award celebrates Scotland’s most talented baristas. Judges look for skill, creativity, and consistency, bringing Italian coffee culture to life with every cup.
Scotland’s Best Fish and Chips
A Scottish favourite with an Italian twist, this category honours the finest fish and chips. From golden, crispy batter to perfectly cooked fish, it rewards businesses keeping this much-loved tradition alive with flavour and quality.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant in the North
Celebrating the top Italian dining experiences in northern Scotland, this award recognises restaurants delivering authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and memorable dining. It highlights establishments that bring a true Italian touch to the Highlands and beyond.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant in the East
This award honours outstanding Italian restaurants across eastern Scotland. It celebrates places that deliver unforgettable meals, blending authentic recipes, creativity, and warm service, ensuring diners experience the best of Italian culture and cuisine in the East.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant in the West
Highlighting Italian dining excellence in the west of Scotland, this award recognises restaurants that combine tradition, quality, and atmosphere. It rewards those that bring families and friends together over authentic Italian dishes and exceptional hospitality.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant in the Central Belt
Focusing on the vibrant heart of Scotland, this category celebrates the Central Belt’s finest Italian restaurants. From traditional trattorias to modern dining experiences, it honours establishments that capture the essence of Italian cuisine and culture.
Scotland’s Best Team
Behind every great restaurant is a great team. This award honours collaboration, passion, and dedication, recognising the staff who work seamlessly together to deliver unforgettable Italian dining experiences across Scotland.
Scotland’s Best Pizzeria
Celebrating the art of pizza, this category honours Scotland’s best pizzerias. From wood-fired classics to creative modern toppings, it recognises those who bring Italy’s most famous dish to life with passion, authenticity, and flair.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant Dessert
Italian cuisine is famed for indulgence, and this award celebrates the finest desserts on Scotland’s menus. From panna cotta to cannoli, it honours restaurants that turn the sweet finish into something unforgettable.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant Manager
Leadership, passion, and excellence are at the heart of this award. It celebrates managers who ensure smooth service, happy staff, and memorable guest experiences, embodying the professionalism behind Scotland’s top Italian restaurants.
Scotland’s Best Gelateria/Dessert Cafe
This award recognises gelaterias and dessert cafés bringing Italy’s sweetest traditions to Scotland. From creamy gelato to indulgent pastries, it celebrates businesses offering irresistible treats with quality, authenticity, and flair.
Scotland’s Best Pasta Chef
Celebrating culinary craftsmanship, this category honours chefs who elevate pasta into an art form. Whether hand-rolled or perfectly sauced, it recognises Scotland’s finest Italian pasta makers who bring passion and authenticity to every dish.
Scotland’s Best Chef
This prestigious award recognises the most talented chef in Scotland’s Italian dining scene. It celebrates creativity, dedication, and mastery, honouring a chef who inspires with their cooking and embodies the very best of Italian cuisine.
Scotland’s Best Pizza
Pizza perfection deserves its own spotlight. This award celebrates the finest individual pizzas in Scotland, judged on dough, toppings, flavour, and authenticity, rewarding chefs who craft truly outstanding slices of Italy.
Scotland’s Best Trattoria
Trattorias embody the soul of Italian dining—casual, welcoming, and full of flavour. This award recognises Scotland’s best, where tradition, warmth, and authentic home-style cooking create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Scotland’s Best Family Friendly Restaurant
This award honours restaurants where families feel most at home. Combining authentic Italian cooking with a welcoming environment, it celebrates establishments that cater to all ages while keeping food quality and service exceptional.
Scotland’s Best Antipasto
Antipasto sets the tone for a meal, and this category rewards the very best. From cured meats and cheeses to vibrant vegetables, it honours restaurants that elevate starters into works of art.
Scotland’s Best Tiramisu
Italy’s most famous dessert deserves special recognition. This award celebrates Scotland’s finest tiramisu—perfectly layered, indulgent, and authentically Italian. It honours chefs who master this classic, delighting diners with every spoonful.
Johnstone
‘We’ve been involved in Paramount’s Events for 10 years. It’s a great night out, great for the business, and keeps us very busy.’
Rutherglen
‘Staff morale has been great. Business has been exceptional since we won the awards.’
Glasgow
‘It’s been a really beneficial tool for our business. The staff are all involved as well and they all give their best.’
