Castello Italia in Carrickfergus has been named the best Italian restaurant in Northern Ireland, scooping five top awards at one of Ireland’s top hospitality events.
The restaurant was awarded the accolades at the YesChef Awards, which were held on 31 May in the Limerick Strand Hotel.
The team was presented with Best Italian for Ulster, Best Italian for all of Ireland, Best Front of House for Ulster Manager – David Long, GM, Castello Italia, Best Front of House for Ulster Manager John McGhee, Assistant GM and Best Front of House for all of Ireland.
Speaking to industry colleagues and friends at the annual award event, Shane Smith, Managing Director of NI Media, the company which organises YesChef Awards said it’s wonderful to see an industry that was decimated, bounce back so quickly.
“People in the hospitality industry have proved themselves to be innovative, resilient and creative and the passion they have for what they do shone through tonight.”
Commenting on the five award wins and thanking the team for their commitment and dedication, David Long General Manager said these are industry awards, so to win Best Italian Restaurant in Ulster and Ireland is a major achievement.
“Similarly, for John McGhee and I to have won Best Front of House for Ulster Manager and Best Front of House for all of Ireland, that’s a real honour.”
David added: “These awards recognise the commitment of our entire team to service excellence. Our kitchen, waiting staff and management all share the same goal – to make each Castello Italia diner’s experience unique and special. We have extremely talented, dedicated staff who have a wealth of experience and I believe that this shines through in terms of the standard of service we deliver to customers. I want to thank the team and congratulate them on these wins.
“I also want to say thank you to our loyal customers. Thank you all for sharing in our journey and for giving us the pleasure of your company – you make Castello Italia a wonderful place to be.”
Castello Italia, which opened in 2017, was born from a passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Its goal is to offer classic flavoursome dishes synonymous with Italy in a relaxed pizzeria and restaurant environment set across two floors and overlooking Belfast Lough.