The Italian eatery has won the prize two years in a row.
The restaurant specialises in authentic Italian cuisine(Image: Google Maps)
Scotland’s “best restaurant” has been crowned at a prestigious award ceremony. The popular eatery received the accolade for the second year in a row, beating out competition from top spots in bigger cities.
On June 18, the winners of the annual Scottish Hospitality Awards were unveiled at a ceremony in Glasgow. The awards recognise the top businesses in Scotland across a range of categories, including restaurants, hotels, bars, and spas.
The winner of the coveted Restaurant of the Year prize went to Mamma Mia Restaurant in Stirling. The eatery previously won the title at the 2024 Scottish Hospitality Awards.
Mamma Mia is a traditional Italian restaurant that specialises in authentic dishes inspired by the southern Italian region of Puglia. The venue was founded by Saverio Santoro in 2010, who was born in the Puglia city of Bari.
According to the Mamma Mia website, dishes on its a la carte menu include spaghetti carbonara, classic lasagne, gnocchi, and a fish of the day. There is also a separate pizza menu, which includes pizzas such as Margherita, pepperoni, and vegan options.
In a post shared onto their official Facebook account, staff at Mamma Mia stated that they were “beyond proud and grateful” to receive the Restaurant of the Year award. They also expressed gratitude for “another fantastic year”.
In addition to being crowned the top restaurant in Scotland, Mamma Mia has also earned rave reviews from the public. On Google, the restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of five based on 560 reviews.
One recent customer posted: “We visited Stirling Castle and our bus broke down so we had to find food and came across this gem! Everything was sooo delicious.
“I think about the house pasta often! The desserts were wonderful and to date the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted!”
Another agreed: “Nestled in the charming heart of Stirling, Mamma Mia delivered one of the most unforgettable dining experiences of my travels in Scotland. As a traveler who seeks out local gems over tourist traps, this cozy Italian spot instantly won me over.
“I ordered the sea bass, and let me just say—wow. Perfectly cooked, delicately seasoned, and plated with finesse, it was hands-down the best sea bass I’ve ever had.
“Every bite was buttery, fresh, and full of flavour. It’s the kind of dish that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
A third wrote: “Food, service and atmosphere was impeccable. I was so impressed by the quality and standard of food. I have not had Italian food like it since being in Italy.
“Also if you have young children, the staff are so fun and helpful to make your experience enjoyable. I will definitely be back in the future!”
READ MORE: Inside award-winning Scottish Highlands lodge overlooking Loch Ness for sale
Elsewhere in Stirling, The Orangery received an Outstanding Achievement award at the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards. The fine dining restaurant serves up evening meals, with dishes on offer including Guinea fowl and venison, as well as lunches and traditional afternoon teas.
Meanwhile, The Mexican in Perth was ‘Recognised for Excellence’. The independent family-run restaurant and bar serves up fajitas, buffalo wings, chilli, and more.
The full list of winners at the Scottish Hospitality Awards can be found on the Oceanic Awards website.