The 2026 Italian Awards UK

Recognising & rewarding the UK’s best Italian businesses

Gala Final – Monday 30th March 2026

Marriott Grosvenor Hotel, Mayfair

The 9th Italian Awards UK are coming home to London!

After eight successful years in Leeds and Manchester, we’re moving to the very heart of the Italian community in the UK. As part of our global expansion, the next stop for the Italian Awards will be the prestigious Marriott Hotel, Mayfair, London.

This year’s event will see businesses from across the UK, competing for titles such as Best Chef, Best Pizza, Best Mixologist and more. Regional awards will give the whole country a chance to shine, while London-specific categories will be judged by our expert panel, including several celebrity Italian-influenced chefs.

The Gala Final Dinner will take place on Monday, 30th March 2026, at the Marriott Grosvenor Hotel, Mayfair. On this special evening, we will celebrate everything that makes us proud of our unique ties with Italy. Expect international brands, celebrities, and businesses from across the UK coming together to network, celebrate, and showcase the strength of the Italian community—a fantastic PR opportunity for everyone involved.

Seats for the Gala Dinner will be available soon through our online shop.

How it works

REGISTER

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!).

PUBLIC VOTE

Once registered, it’s time to rally your supporters! The businesses with the most votes will move forward to become finalists.

Finalists Announced

Discover if you’ve made it to the Gala Final!

Judges Process

Our judges will be out visiting and experiencing your business first-hand.

Celebration

Attend the sparkling Gala Final & celebrate your success. (Please note: all finalists must have a representative at the Gala Final).

UK Award Categories

Celebrating the finest Italian delis and cafés across the UK, this award recognises those that bring a slice of Italy to every counter and table — from artisanal produce and cured meats to espresso perfection and warm, personal service.

This award honours the heart of Italian heritage — family. It celebrates businesses built on generations of passion, pride, and tradition, where love for authentic food and togetherness create unforgettable dining experiences.

Spotlighting fresh talent in the Italian dining scene, this category recognises exciting new restaurants making waves with creativity, authenticity, and energy. It’s about bold beginnings, strong vision, and promising futures.

From wood-fired Neapolitan classics to inventive gourmet creations, this award celebrates the art of perfect pizza. It honours pizzerias where craft, authenticity, and passion meet to create a true taste of Italy.

This award recognises exceptional culinary talent — chefs who elevate Italian cuisine with creativity, mastery, and devotion to flavour. It celebrates those whose dishes tell a story of passion, skill, and heritage.

Honouring the soul of Italian cooking, this category celebrates chefs and restaurants who turn simple ingredients into extraordinary pasta dishes — crafted with love, tradition, and a touch of innovation.

Italian dining is about bringing people together. This award recognises restaurants that make families feel at home — where children are welcomed, and meals are shared with laughter, warmth, and care.

Recognising the charm and authenticity of Italy’s beloved trattorias, this award celebrates those that combine relaxed atmosphere, homemade dishes, and heartfelt service to create truly memorable dining.

Behind every great meal is a great team. This category honours collaboration, leadership, and outstanding hospitality — recognising those who make guests feel part of the family from the moment they arrive.

From the first grind to the final pour, this award celebrates baristas who embody Italian coffee culture. It honours craftsmanship, consistency, and the passion behind every perfect cup.

A tribute to Italy’s sweetest traditions, this award recognises mastery in desserts — from the perfect tiramisu to authentic gelato. It celebrates creativity, balance, and indulgence done right.

Celebrating thoughtful curation, this award honours restaurants that showcase exceptional Italian wines. It’s about pairing passion and knowledge to elevate every dining experience.

Recognising innovation behind the bar, this award celebrates the artistry of Italian-inspired mixology — from classic Negronis to bold new creations that capture la dolce vita in a glass.

London’s Italian scene is vibrant and diverse. This award honours the restaurant that stands out for excellence in flavour, service, and atmosphere — bringing authentic Italy to the capital.

This award celebrates Italian dining excellence across the North East — from coastal trattorias to city gems — where quality, passion, and hospitality shine through every dish.

Honouring the finest Italian restaurants in the North West, this award recognises those combining authenticity, creativity, and warm service to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Celebrating Italy’s spirit in Wales, this award recognises restaurants that bring authentic flavours, heartfelt service, and family warmth to every plate.

This award honours exceptional Italian restaurants in the Midlands — where passion meets precision, and every meal captures the essence of Italian dining.

Celebrating the region’s top Italian restaurants, this award recognises establishments known for culinary excellence, inviting ambience, and genuine Italian hospitality.

From coastal escapes to city trattorias, this award highlights Italian restaurants that bring the warmth, flavour, and joy of Italy to the South West.

Honouring outstanding Italian dining in the South East, this award celebrates authenticity, service, and unforgettable cuisine inspired by Italy’s heart and soul.

This award celebrates the best of Italian dining in Northern Ireland — restaurants that combine local charm with authentic Italian spirit and flavours.

From the Highlands to the cities, this award honours Scottish restaurants that bring the magic of Italy north of the border, pairing quality ingredients with true Italian hospitality.

Recognising the region’s top Italian dining experiences, this award celebrates Yorkshire restaurants that deliver excellence through tradition, creativity, and heartfelt service.

This prestigious award honours overall excellence — recognising Italian businesses that set the benchmark for quality, innovation, and leadership within the hospitality industry.

Businesses Love Our Awards…

Trattoria Roma

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.’

McGoldricks Sportsbar

Rutherglen

‘Staff morale has been great. Business has been exceptional since we won the awards.’

La Lanterna

Glasgow

‘It’s been a really beneficial tool for our business. The staff are all involved as well and they all give their best.’

Official Partners