A FURNESS restaurant has been recognised for its quality at an annual competition that celebrates the best of Italian hospitality across the UK.

Dodona House in Barrow was selected as the finalist for the 2023 Italian Awards for the category of Best Restaurant in the North West.

Among the finalists for the award's seventh edition were over 15 restaurants from Liverpool, Blackpool and Manchester.

The Italian Awards aims to recognise excellence and pick out the very best restaurants in categories from Best Pizzeria to Best Barista.

Owner of Dodona House Horizont Pllanna said he was 'overwhelmed' when he found out his restaurant was amongst the finalists. 

Mr Pllana said: "To be the finalist and among the best restaurants in the North West is a great achievement for all here at Dodona House.

"It’s very important for me and for the amazing staff we have here at Dodona.

"For the business it is a massive achievement as we are getting recognised for the high-quality food we do.

"For myself as the owner, I am humbled to have received this award.

"We believe it's a big achievement for us and we can't thank enough everyone. 

"Massive thanks to our amazing customers."

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The restaurant offers traditional Greek, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisine, as well as authentic Italian pizzas.

In two years of business Dodona House has received six awards, including an award for Best BBQ in Barrow and a recommendation badge from Restaurant Guru.

The Italian Awards give initial voting power to the general public allowing the award to generate finalists who truly are the nation's favourites, battling it out to become the best of the best.

The restaurants that make it to the finals will be visited by the awards panel of independent judges and scored. The winner will be crowned at their final gala.

For more information about the Italian Awards visit their website.