A QUARTET of businesses are hoping to raise their glasses and say “Saluti” at the Scottish Italian Awards.

Osteria and Alanda's Gelateria, in North Berwick have both been nominated for different awards while Dino's, Haddington, will be up against Musselburgh's Dal Patino, as finalists in the Best Pizza category.

Dino's is also in the Best Fish and Chips category while Dal Patino has been nominated for the Best Newcomer award.

Osteria, on North Berwick's High Street, is one of ten finalists in the Chef of the Year section and is also hoping to lift a prize in the Best Wine Selection.

Meanwhile, Alanda’s Gelateria, on Quality Street, in the town is in the running for Best Gelateria.

More than 1,500 restaurants have been whittled down to just 93, with the awards judges now facing the difficult task of visiting venues, scrutinising menus and tasting delicious dishes to search for the best in Scotland.

The winners will be announced at the Glasgow Hilton on November 12.

Warren Paul, CEO of The Italian Awards, looked back with pride on the journey of the Italian Awards from its conception in 2013.

He said: “The Italian Awards was born from a realisation that the contribution of Italian restauranteurs to the Scottish hospitality industry was grossly overlooked; the Italian hospitality trade boasts some of the most innovative and committed individuals and some of Scotland’s most talented chefs.

“Five years on, we see the industry in a time of true strength with new establishments opening across the country; we are delighted to introduce new businesses to the competition as well as welcome back competitors, who have taken part since the inaugural event, and see how they have grown alongside the Italian Awards.”