Lancaster and Morecambe restaurants reach finals of Italian Awards

Two restaurants from the Lancaster and Morecambe area have been listed as nominees for the Italian Awards for England and Wales.

Buccelli's in Lancaster and Miaitalia in Morecambe are among the finalists in the eighth national awards which celebrate Italian food and businesses across the country.

Buccelli's, run by Bruno Buccelli, have been nominated for Best Chef, Best Pasta and Best Italian Restaurant in the North West.

The Church Street restaurant won Best Chef and most Authentic Italian in 2022 and finished second in Best Pasta and Best Chef last year.

The restaurant has reached finals in different categories at the Italian Awards since 2017.

"I am delighted to represent Lancaster again in this great competition," said Mr Buccelli (pictured below).

"Thank you to our staff, customers and supporters. Grazie!"

Miaitalia, run by David Waddington (pictured below with his wife Katy), has been nominated for Best Pizza, Best Pizzeria, and Best Team.

A post on the Queen Street restaurant's Facebook page said: "Lovely to be nominated in three categories at the @italian_awards this year!

"We’ve been finalists before, and won ‘Best Pizzeria’ back in 2016, so here’s hoping for this year!

"Thank you to all who voted, wonderful recognition for a hardworking team."

The awards finals will take place in Chester on September 11 (including a cook-off for Best Pasta and Chef) and in Leeds on October 6.