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New Mills Restaurant Crowned UK's Best Pasta at 2026 Italian Awards
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A Hidden Gem No More: New Mills Restaurant Crowned the UK's Best Pasta |
A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana takes the top prize at the 2026 Italian Awards - and it's right here in the High Peak. |
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A small but extraordinary restaurant tucked away on Albion Road in New Mills has just been named the best pasta restaurant in the entire United Kingdom. A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana - a Sicilian restaurant that has quietly built a devoted following in the High Peak, was crowned Best Pasta Restaurant at the prestigious 2026 Italian Awards, beating competition from across the country.
The win has sent ripples well beyond the Peak District, with coverage appearing in the Manchester Evening News, the Daily Express, the Mirror, and the Derby Telegraph - all of them pointing their readers towards this unassuming market town in the High Peak.
A Little Slice of Sicily in New Mills
A Tavola was founded by award-winning chef Alessio Muccio, who trained in Sicily before bringing his culinary craft to the north of England. The restaurant, whose name translates simply as "at the table", is the third restaurant from Muccio, and it has become the jewel in his crown.
Everything at A Tavola is made from scratch on the premises. The fresh pasta, gelato, pastries and cakes are all produced in-house using traditional Sicilian recipes, with ingredients sourced directly from Sicily, including produce from the island's famous larder. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that every dish is built around the finest ingredients available at the time.
The restaurant's interior is warm and intimate, adorned with Sicilian artefacts and décor that transport guests to the Mediterranean the moment they step through the door. It seats just a small number of diners, which gives every visit the feel of a private occasion rather than a restaurant meal.
Word of Mouth to National Recognition
A Tavola's rise has been built almost entirely on word of mouth. Glowing reviews from customers who made the journey to New Mills, many from Manchester and Sheffield, spread steadily, earning the restaurant a listing in the Good Food Guide and a string of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. The Italian Awards 2026 recognition is the culmination of years of quiet, consistent excellence.
The Italian Awards celebrate the best of Italian food culture across the United Kingdom, recognising restaurants, chefs, and producers who demonstrate authentic quality and passion for Italian cuisine.
A Boost for New Mills
The win is a significant moment for New Mills, a market town that has increasingly been recognised as one of the High Peak's most vibrant and characterful communities. The town sits at the confluence of the River Sett and the River Goyt, and is well known for its dramatic Torrs Gorge, its independent shops, and its strong community spirit.
For visitors planning a trip to the Peak District this spring or summer, a table at A Tavola is now firmly on the must-do list.
A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana is located at 67, Albion Road, New Mills, SK22 3EH. For reservations and menus visit:
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