Some of Scotland's most talented chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs descended on Glasgow at the weekend to find out who would be crowned best at this year's Scottish Italian Awards.
Taking place at the Doubletree By Hilton on Sunday (November 27), the annual awards celebrate the special links between Scotland and Italy and aim to recognise the hard work of local Scottish businesses across several hard-fought and coveted categories including Best Pasta, Best Pizza and Best Newcomer.
In its ninth year, the 2022 awards saw entrants from across Scotland, judged by a panel of expert independent judges including celebrity Italian chef Aldo Zilli.
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And businesses from around Edinburgh and the Lothians took home some of the biggest awards including Best Pizzeria, Best Newcomer and Best Family Run Business.
Crolla's Italian Kitchen & Bar in Musselburgh was named Scotland's Best Family-Run Business, while John Donnelly and his team at La Bocca in Stockbridge were delighted to be named 'Best Newcomer'.
Speaking about the win, owner John said: "We’re absolutely delighted to have won the coveted Best Newcomer Restaurant at the prestigious Scottish Italian Awards.
"After trading for only five months to win this award against extremely stiff competition from across the country is truly rewarding and vindicates our vision to deliver an innovative Italian dining experience born out of and inspired by the best Osteria, and to be distinct, unique and innovative in the Scottish market.
"It's a magnificent achievement, a huge thanks to all our supporters, friends and guests.”
Other winners included The Cavaliere Ristorante & Wine Bar in Dalkeith, which was named Best Pizzeria, and Osteria in North Berwick which was named not only 'Best Restaurant in the East' it also took home the title of Scotland's Best Pasta.
Both Piccolino and Vittoria on the Bridge came Highly Recommended as runners-up in the Best Restaurant in the East award.
The full list of winners are (Edinburgh winners first):
Scotland's Best Family-Run Business:
Winner: Crolla's Italian Kitchen & Bar, Musselburgh
Scotland's Best Restaurant in the East
Winner: Osteria, North Berwick
Highly Recommended: Piccolino Edinburgh, Vittoria
Scotland’s Best Pizzeria
Winner: The Cavaliere Ristorante & Wine Bar, Dalkeith
Scotland's Best Pasta
Winner: Osteria, North Berwick
Scotland’s Best Newcomer
Winner: La Bocca, Stockbridge, Edinburgh
Lifetime Achievement Award: Natalino Celino, Celino's, Alexandra Parade
Scotland's Best Barista
Winner: Celino's Partick
Scotland's Best Trattoria
Winner: Bella Vita, Glasgow
Highly Recommended: Trattoria 47, Trattoria Roma Johnstone
Scotland's Best Fish and Chips
Winner: Tony's chip shop, Shawhead (Coatbridge)
Scotland's Favourite Italian Business
Winner: La Vita Spuntini Gordon Street
Scotland's Best Restaurant Manager
Winner: La Fiorentina, Glasgow - Massimilliano Camerada
Scotland's Best Pizza
Winner: Celino's Partick
Scotland's Best Wine Selection
Winner: La Sicilyana, Perth
Scotland's Best Deli
Winner: Deli il Cardo, Largs
Ambassador Award
Winner: Giuseppe Dell'Anno
Asacert ITA0039 Award
Winner: Da Vinci Italian Restaurant Aberdeen
Outstanding Achievement - Marco Acari
Scotland's Best Team
Winner: Andiamo, Milngavie
Scotland's Best Family-Friendly Restaurant
Winner: Trattoria Roma, Johnstone
Scotland’s Best Gelateria/Dessert Cafe
Winner: Renaldo's Ices, Ayr
Scotland's Best Restaurant in the West
Winner: La Lanterna Glasgow
Highly Recommended: Andiamo Milngavie, La Vita Spuntini Gordon Street
Scotland's Best Restaurant in the North
Winner: The Copper Oven
Highly Recommended: Da Vinci Italian Restaurant Aberdeen, Mamma Mia Banchory
Scotland's Best Restaurant in the South
Winner: La Dolce Vita
Highly Recommended: Bruno's Restaurant, Casa Mia Restaurant
Scotland's Best Restaurant in the Central Belt
Winner: Liberta Restaurant
Highly Recommended: Chianti Falkirk, Ciro's at Glenbervie
Scotland’s Best Chef
Winner: Ciro's at Glenbervie
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