La Bottega is the only restaurant on the island of Ireland to hold this recognition by the Italian Chamber of Commerce
The restaurant was established in 2021 and almost everything — bar the meat and fresh vegetables used — are imported directly from Italy, even the crockery used throughout and the music played during service.
Owner Francesco Iaquinta said he wanted to “bring a bit of Italy to Belfast”.
He said that being awarded the Ospitalita Italiana quality seal for 2025-2026 is “nothing short of a dream come true.”
“After years of dedication and hard work, the Italian Government has officially recognised La Bottega as one of the most authentic and traditional Italian restaurants in the world — the only one on the island of Ireland and the 17th in the entire UK,” he said.
In its four years, La Bottega has also been awarded Best Wine Experience in Ulster by the Irish Restaurant Awards.
In 2023, it also won Italian Restaurant of the Year in Ulster and Best Italian Restaurant of the Year in Ireland, both awarded by YesChef Awards. Francesco, who is originally from Calabria in the south of Italy, has been living in Belfast for 11 years.
He said that after moving to Northern Ireland he quickly noticed that many Italian restaurants here had “adapted recipes” and “lacked authenticity.”
He wanted to share the “true Italian experience” so he created La Bottega where everything is Italian, from the menu and wine list to the crockery and the music — all crafted in Italy.
La Bottega
From pizzas, pastas and pastries — customers are “immersed in the full Italian experience”, according to Francesco.
“From the moment guests walk in, they’re surrounded by Italian sights, smells, sounds,” he said. “I personally greet each customer, adding to the warmth and authenticity.
“The restaurant also hosts a monthly Cucina Regionale night, where a specific Italian region is celebrated through its food and wine — offering guests a deeper understanding and connection with the local culture of Italy.” He added that “quality control” is key to maintaining authenticity.
“All ingredients are certified under DOP (Protected Designation of Origin), IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), and wines carry DOC and DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin),” he said.
“Every step of the supply chain respects Italian quality standards — one of the reasons La Bottega was awarded the Ospitalità Italiana mark.”
Francesco previously worked as a personal trainer before he decided to pursue his passion for Italian food and culture.
He worked in hospitality management for large companies in London, Bologna and Belfast before launching La Bottega as his first business venture.
Francesco would like to express his gratitude to every customer, from all over the island, who has “supported his dream and embraced his culture” after his most recent accolade.