The 2026 Italian Awards UK
Recognising & rewarding the UK’s best Italian businesses
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.
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).
Best Deli / Café
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.
Best Family Run Business
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.
Best Newcomer
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.
Best Pizzeria
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.
Best Chef
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.
Best Pasta
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.
Best Family Friendly Venue
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.
Best Trattoria
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.
Best Team / Front of House Manager
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.
Best Dessert / Tiramisu / Gelato
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.
Best Wine List
Celebrating thoughtful curation, this award honours restaurants that showcase exceptional Italian wines. It’s about pairing passion and knowledge to elevate every dining experience.
Best Cocktail/Mixologist
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.
Best Italian Restaurant in London
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.
Best Restaurant in North East England
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.
Best Restaurant in North West England
Honouring the finest Italian restaurants in the North West, this award recognises those combining authenticity, creativity, and warm service to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Best Restaurant in Wales
Celebrating Italy’s spirit in Wales, this award recognises restaurants that bring authentic flavours, heartfelt service, and family warmth to every plate.
Best Restaurant in Midlands
This award honours exceptional Italian restaurants in the Midlands — where passion meets precision, and every meal captures the essence of Italian dining.
Best Restaurant in East of England
Celebrating the region’s top Italian restaurants, this award recognises establishments known for culinary excellence, inviting ambience, and genuine Italian hospitality.
Best Restaurant in South West England
From coastal escapes to city trattorias, this award highlights Italian restaurants that bring the warmth, flavour, and joy of Italy to the South West.
Best Restaurant in South East England
Honouring outstanding Italian dining in the South East, this award celebrates authenticity, service, and unforgettable cuisine inspired by Italy’s heart and soul.
Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland
This award celebrates the best of Italian dining in Northern Ireland — restaurants that combine local charm with authentic Italian spirit and flavours.
Best Restaurant in Scotland
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.
Best Restaurant in Yorkshire
Recognising the region’s top Italian dining experiences, this award celebrates Yorkshire restaurants that deliver excellence through tradition, creativity, and heartfelt service.
Best Business
This prestigious award honours overall excellence — recognising Italian businesses that set the benchmark for quality, innovation, and leadership within the hospitality industry.
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.’