A cosy eatery has been crowned best pizzeria at the Italian Awards 2026, with diners praising its ‘quality hand-picked ingredients with generous toppings and a perfectly oven-fired base’
They also serve salads and sides(Image: Stable Hearth Neapolitan Pizzeria & Enoteca/Facebook)
Italian cuisine is a firm favourite for most families when dining out, and a delicious pizza never fails to please – so you might be astonished to discover some of the finest examples are right on your doorstep.
In what has evolved into something of an Oscars for the Italian hospitality industry, the Italian Awards 2026 took place, celebrating the very best establishments showcasing the cuisine throughout the UK.
From traditional cafes, restaurants, pizzerias and exceptional dishes – everything received its well-earned recognition at the highly prestigious ceremony.
Emerging victorious as the winner for best pizzeria in a category featuring five rival establishments was a charming eatery nestled in the town of Darlington in the North East.
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Housed within an old Victorian-style building with dark brickwork, in a softly lit environment, it creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic pizza.
It’s an unexpected location to discover delicious, genuine Italian pasta, hidden away in a market town, but it’s absolutely worth the detour during your travels around the Peak District.
The restaurant in New Mills, High Peak, roughly eight miles south-east of Stockport, and merely 13 miles from Manchester.
While it sits somewhat away from your typical culinary hotspots, it impressed Italian food experts sufficiently that it warranted acknowledgement for bringing genuine flavour to the town.
A recent customer raved on TripAdvisor: “Without a doubt the best pizza we have ever had. Quality hand-picked ingredients with generous toppings and a perfectly oven-fired base. I like the pepperoni lover the best.
“Simple but a full slice of quality pepperoni in every bite; you don’t run out halfway through as so often I find at other restaurants. Nick and his friendly relaxed team make this a dining experience to savour. P.S. The arancini are not to miss.”
Another delighted diner shared: “Fabulous pizza restaurant! Stable Hearth has such a lovely atmosphere. Really smart and classy decor, incredibly friendly staff and owners (so wonderful with our young children) and amazing pizzas.
“The chips are incredible with a fab choice of seasonings. The pizza menu offers great choices too. A really wonderful restaurant.”
The establishment clearly takes pride in serving authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, featuring both traditional and contemporary styles.
According to TripAdvisor, this isn’t their sole achievement either; the compact yet impressive restaurant has secured the Best Pizzeria English Italian Awards in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
You’ll discover this delicious gem tucked away at 33-35 Duke Street, Darlington DL3 7RX. While there’s no dedicated car park on site, street parking is readily available, and it’s just a brief stroll from both Winston Street West Car Park and Abbott’s Yard Car Park.
Awards Director Warren Paul, discussing the launch of Italian Awards for 2026, expressed his delight in showcasing the efforts of “passionate people”.
He continued: “That’s why we do what we do. It’s to make sure the hard-working inspirational people and businesses get the recognition they deserve.
“Everyone jumps to criticise and leave a negative review or complaint over the tiniest thing, but very few rush to praise good service, food and experiences. That’s where we come in. So congratulations to our winners.”
Highly Recommended Pizzerias in the same category included:
- Best Pizzeria Amico Mio (Clitheroe)
- Best Pizzeria Osteria V2.0 (Shrewsbury)
- Best Pizzeria Primavista Bury St Edmunds (Bury St Edmunds)
- Best Pizzeria Scaramantica Pizzeria (Cardiff)