The 2026 Italian Awards UK
Recognising & rewarding the UK’s best Italian businesses
London Marriott Grosvenor Square, 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 Cafe
Celebrating the Italian café that delivers outstanding coffee, food, atmosphere and everyday hospitality.
Best New Restaurant (opened since January 1st 2024)
Awarded to an exceptional Italian restaurant opened since January 1st 2024 that has made an immediate impact.
Best Pizzeria Restaurant
Honouring a restaurant that excels in authentic pizza, from dough and toppings to technique and consistency.
Best Chef
Recognising an outstanding chef who demonstrates creativity, leadership and excellence in Italian cuisine.
Best Pasta Restaurant
Awarded to a venue that showcases exceptional pasta dishes, from traditional classics to innovative creations.
Best Front of House
Celebrating excellence in service, professionalism, warmth and the overall guest experience.
Best Barista
Recognising a barista who demonstrates skill, consistency and passion for Italian coffee culture.
Best Tiramisu
Awarded to the restaurant or café serving the finest tiramisu, judged on flavour, balance and authenticity.
Best Wine List
Honouring a carefully curated wine list that complements Italian cuisine and showcases quality and knowledge.
Best Mixologist
Recognising creativity and technical skill in Italian-inspired cocktails and classic mixology.
Up & Coming Chef
Celebrating a rising talent showing exceptional promise and ambition in Italian cooking.
Outstanding Achievement
A special award recognising long-term contribution, leadership or influence within the Italian food industry.
Best Restaurant in London
Awarded to the Italian restaurant setting the benchmark for excellence in the capital.
Best Restaurant in North East of England
Recognising outstanding Italian dining in the North East.
Best Restaurant in North West of England
Celebrating the finest Italian restaurant in the North West region.
Best Restaurant in Wales
Honouring excellence in Italian cuisine across Wales.
Best Restaurant in Midlands
Awarded to the standout Italian restaurant in the Midlands.
Best Restaurant in East of England
Recognising the best Italian dining experience in the East of England.
Best Restaurant in South West of England
Celebrating exceptional Italian cuisine in the South West.
Best Restaurant in South East of England
Awarded to the leading Italian restaurant in the South East.
Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland
Recognising excellence in Italian dining across Northern Ireland.
Best Restaurant in Scotland
Celebrating the finest Italian restaurant in Scotland.
Best Restaurant in Yorkshire
Honouring outstanding Italian cuisine in Yorkshire.
Best Italian Range in a Supermarket
Awarded to the supermarket offering the highest quality and most authentic Italian food range.
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.’