Paolo’s Clarkston won Best Restaurant Manager at the recent ceremony at the DoubleTree Hilton in Glasgow.
The eatery was also nominated for Scotland’s Best Newcomer and Scotland’s Best Restaurant in the West.
The awards celebrate the best in Italian dining across the country, from traditional trattorias to modern newcomers.
Lifetime achievement and outstanding contribution awards were presented to Enzo Durante and Eufemio Perella, who were honoured for their long-standing impact on the Italian culinary scene in Scotland.
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Warren Paul, director of the Scottish Italian Awards, said: “We’re proud to once again recognise the very best of Italian food, drink and culture here in Scotland.
“It’s always interesting to see which areas do best in the awards each year, with incredible places opening up all the time.
“Malocchio has done sensational things this year while a lot of amazing places just missed out in categories like Pizza and Pizzeria, two of the biggest and most exciting awards.
“The new places are the ones that excite me as they are the future of Italian food and hospitality, but the old guard keep the fires and passion burning too.
“But every winner, every highly recommended business or person here should be proud as the competition for these honours is intense.”
Elsewhere, Da Vinci Italian Restaurant in Aberdeen was named Best Restaurant in the North, with Firemill Pizzas in Aberdeen earning the title of Scotland’s Best Pizza.
La Balena in Stornoway took home Best Tiramisu and Best Team. In the Central Belt, Bar Aldo’s in Alloa was named best restaurant, while Trattoria Roma in Johnstone won the West and Gigi’s Italian Restaurant in Midlothian was crowned best in the East.
Glasgow claimed several key titles, with Malocchio named Best Newcomer and Trattoria 47 winning Best Family-Run.
Bella Vita was named Best Trattoria, and Paolo’s in Clarkston took the award for Best Restaurant Manager.
In Edinburgh and the East, Otto was named Best Deli/Café, Vittoria on the Walk won Best Pasta, and The Cavaliere Restaurant & Wine Bar in Dalkeith was named Best Pizzeria.
Divino Enoteca earned the award for Scotland’s Best Antipasto, and Gio’s in Edinburgh was named Best Chef.
Other winners included Renaldo’s Old Fashioned Ices in Ayrshire, which took home the title of Scotland’s Best Gelateria.
The ceremony was attended by 600 industry leaders, including the Lord Provost of Glasgow and the Italian Consul General.
Paul added: “I say it time and time again – we’re lucky to be able to help give a platform to the amazing ambassadors we have here in Scotland.
“That’s what they are – these Italians of all generations who showcase the most incredible food and the beautifully welcoming culture of Italy in cities, towns, villages, and tiny country streets all over Scotland.
“From the finest trattorias to the freshest gelaterias, the awards bring together a huge cross-section of businesses, people, and teams all united in their love of what they do and what they serve.
“It’s about honouring every one of them for their contribution and passion.”
Dining and Cooking