On March 2, in the spaces of the Italian Embassy in Berlin, the Istituto 100% Italiano, a non-profit cultural association committed to promoting and protecting authentic Italian supply chains around the world, presented the “100% Italiano” awards to businesses in the German capital that stand out for their authenticity and commitment to spreading the true culture of Italian gastronomy: restaurants, pizzerias, specialty shops, delicatessens and personalities that represent key reference points for Made in Italy in the local area.
The ceremony took place as part of The Italian Show, the international format created by I Love Italian Food, which chose Berlin and the institutional setting of the Embassy to launch its 2026 tour. It was a day of meetings, training and discussion that brought together chefs, restaurateurs, distributors, importers and industry professionals, with the aim of strengthening professional dialogue between Italy and Germany through gastronomic culture.
The 100% Italiano recognition was created to highlight those who, outside Italy’s borders, choose to represent Italian cuisine and products with seriousness and awareness. It is not only about preparing a good dish or selling an authentic product, but about safeguarding and passing on a heritage made up of territories, production chains, family traditions and artisanal expertise.
During the ceremony, Silvia Meloni, Vice President of I Love Italian Food, recalled the cultural significance of this commitment:
“When a dish reaches a customer’s table, it does not simply tell a recipe, but carries with it the work of Italian producers, the traditions of local territories and the artisanal knowledge that makes our cuisine unique. Restaurateurs and professionals who choose authenticity become true ambassadors of our gastronomic culture around the world.”
Alongside the recognitions awarded in the 100% Italian Restaurant and 100% Italian Pizza categories, the Istituto 100% Italiano also presented three 100% Italian Ambassador Awards, dedicated to personalities who, through their professional careers, significantly contribute to the promotion and protection of Italian gastronomic culture in Germany.
Among the awardees was Angela Matarrese, a historic figure of Italian gastronomy in Berlin. Now ninety-one years old, for more than thirty-five years she has been a point of reference for the Italian community and for the German public, and she still personally oversees the restaurant’s kitchen together with her son. Her story reflects a generation of Italians who, through work and passion, brought their home cuisine beyond national borders, helping to spread the true Italian culinary tradition.
The recognition was also awarded to Andrea D’Addio, founder of the True Italian platform, one of the most influential projects promoting authentic Italian dining in Germany. Through events, initiatives and communication activities, True Italian has built over the years a network capable of promoting the quality and identity of Italian cuisine, involving restaurateurs, professionals and the local public.
The third award went to Antonio Viani, founder of Viani Importe, a company that for decades has been one of the main reference points in Germany for the import and distribution of high-quality Italian gastronomic products. His work has played a decisive role in spreading authentic ingredients within the restaurant sector and specialty gastronomy, creating a solid bridge between Italian producers and the German market.
The selection of the awarded businesses was curated by the Istituto 100% Italiano with the support of its Made in Italy Ambassadors, Italian professionals living abroad who have in-depth knowledge of the local market and the value of gastronomic authenticity.
The 100% Italiano project will continue its international journey in the coming months: the next recognitions will be presented in Paris on April 1, continuing to highlight restaurateurs, professionals and businesses that every day contribute to representing and spreading the true culture of Italian gastronomy around the world.
Below is the complete list of the businesses that received the recognition, along with the gallery featuring the awardees present at the Berlin ceremony.
100% ITALIANO AWARD
Ambassador Category
Antonio Viani
Andrea D’Addio
Angela Matarrese
Pizzerias and Restaurants
Ammazza che Pizza
Gemello Berlin
Malafemmana Prenzlauer Berg
Malafemmena Schöneberg
Mamida
Partenope 081
Sanpietrino Berlin
Selecta Modern Pizza
Standard Serious Pizza
ZeroStress Pizza
Zola Berlin
60 seconds to Napoli
Ristorante A Mano
Al Contadino
Amici Amici
Antichi Aromi
Amon
babbo bar
Bocca di Bacco
Bocca Felice
Bruderherz Restaurant
Calice d’Oro
Cali Bocca
Cecconi’s Berlin
Cento Molliche
Coccodrillo Big Mamma
Domu Nosta
Enoteca L’Angolino
Francucci
La Lupa Cucina Romana
Mine Restaurant
Ristorante La Sardegna
Lagalante Cucina Italiana
Luardi
Pascarella
Petrarca
Ristorante Nuova Italia
Ristorante Leo e Pepe Kreuzberg
Sapori di Casa
Sicula Bar
Spazio Italian Bistro
Talea Botanisches Bistro
Trattoria A’ Muntagnola
Trattoria Portofino
Trattoria Senza
Vino e Cucina
Vino e Basilico
Zum Heiligen Teufel Cucina Italiana
100% Italian Businesses
Balera Weine
Bottega Alimentare Portami Via
Cento Passi Vino e Specialità
Centro Italia
Dolci & Salati Berlin
Giomecca Pastry
Facciola Wine Bar Specialità e Vino
Let Enzo Out
Mani in pasta
Modì Salumeria & Bistrot
Olio costa
Terra Verde
The Sanctuary
Bar Milano
Cuore di Vetro
Cicala Caffetteria Italiana
Kuchen von Gaia
Sironi
Focacciando
Altrovino
Amore Store
Viani Schöneberg
