TheFork Awards 2026 recognize top new Italian restaurants

The 2026 TheFork Awards, held at the Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber in Milan, have announced the winners of Italy’s best new restaurant openings. The awards, organized in collaboration with Identità Golose, involve nominations from 74 international chefs followed by a public vote from nearly 30,000 users.

In Northern Italy, 142 Restaurant in Milan won both the national title and the regional award for the North. Led by Sandra Ciciriello and chef Federico Zappalà, the establishment was nominated by chef Paolo Griffa and is noted for its focus on seasonal ingredients and seafood.

For Central Italy, the People’s Choice Award was granted to Antesi at the Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence. Led by chef Alessandro Cozzolino and nominated by chef Ariel Hagen, the restaurant is situated in a 15th-century convent setting.

In Southern Italy and the Islands, the award went to Baccanti in Matera, managed by Sergio Guanti.