THE cream of the Italian food and drink industry was celebrated at the Scottish Italian Awards last week.

Renfrewshire restaurants were recognised in several categories, with awards going for wine, pasta, pizza, fish and chips and ice-cream being dished out.

Restaurateurs and staff from Italian businesses came from all over the country to the ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, for the fifth annual awards.

Two prizes went to Renfrewshire, with Trattoria Genova, in Paisley, delighted to take home the award for best Trattoria.

Amaretto, in Bridge of Weir, scooped the best marketing team prize and also came as a runner up for best pasta.

Toni’s Pizzeria, in Giffnock, and Sandro’s in Johnstone also came in close in the best pizza category, as runners-up.

Aldo Zilli, ambassador for the Italian Awards, said: “Italian communities across the UK are a vital part of the hospitality industry and the Italian Awards provide opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contribution.

“I am proud to be a part of it.”

This year was the biggest yet with more than 80,000 votes counted to create a list of 85 businesses representing the best of Italian hospitality in Scotland.

Glasgow restaurants scooped top prizes in several categories with Mediterraneo winning the best pasta award, La Lanterna, took the best newcomer prize and Singl-End, won the healthy dish of the year award.

The top prize, best restaurant, was won by Osteria in North Berwick.

Giovanni’s in Edinburgh won the best fish and chip shop while Scottish Italian Chef of the Year went to Little Italy at Il Fume in Dumfries.

Warren Paul, CEO and founder of the awards, added: “The Italian hospitality trade boasts some of the most innovative and committed individuals and some of Scotland’s most talented chefs.”