The Italian restaurant has been open in Guildford since the 90s
Awards have come locally, national and international for the Guildford Italian(Image: Olivo)
One of Guildford’s most renowned family-run restaurants is getting recognition on a national stage this month, but it is far from the first award you’ll find on their display.
In fact, it is not even the first award that Olivo has won this year. In April, the Italian received an international award straight from the motherland.
This month, the praise came much more locally. Guildford’s very own was handed the Italian Restaurant of the Year award at the London & South East England Prestige Awards 2027.
Olivo has been based on Quarry Street in Guildford town centre for the best part of thirty years, having opened back in 1997.
While many long-time residents would consider it to have been one of the town’s best for decades; more recent times have seen official accolades come through the door too.
The building itself dates back to the 17th Century and is right next to the Castle grounds(Image: Olivo)
In April, Olivo was recognised internationally with an ‘Italian Excellence’ award by Eccellenze Italiane, a platform which celebrates Italian businesses across the world.
Local appreciation for the Italian eatery came in 2025. Olivo was voted as the Best Business, Best Restaurant and “most meaningful of all” to the owners; the People’s Choice. A memorable performance at last year’s Experience Guildford Business Awards.
In terms of food, you’ll find a lunch menu, an a la carte menu, and even a vegan menu. Olivo is known equally for its Mediterranean cuisines and its wine offerings. The list has seven pages worth of choice; from sparkling, to red, white and rose.
Being named as the 2027 ‘Italian Restaurant of the Year’ at the London & South East England Prestige Awards is an award which “belongs to every guest,” the owners have told Surrey Live.
The Prestige Awards aims to recognise outstanding small and medium-sized businesses across all sectors in the capital and South East.
So it is fair to say that, given the popularity of Italian eateries across the country, Olivo has had to beat many restaurants to take the award home.
Owners Nunzio (right) and Diana (centre) holding new latest award alongside manager, Tom (left)(Image: Prestige Awards / Olivo)
Celebrating the award, Olivo owners, Diana and Nunzio told Surrey Live: “Today is a truly special day for the Olivo Ristorante Italiano family.
“With great joy and gratitude, today we proudly collected the Italian Restaurant of the Year – London & South East England Prestige Awards 2026/27.
“But this award isn’t just ours. It belongs to you too. It belongs to every guest who has walked through our doors, to those who return time and time again, to everyone who has recommended us to friends and family, and to all of you who have supported us and believed in what we do over the years.
“As a heartfelt thank you for your loyalty and continued support, we proudly accepted this prestigious award for you, and today we want to share this wonderful moment with all of you.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every visit, every smile, every recommendation, and for being part of the Olivo story. Without you, this achievement would not have been possible.”
You’ll find Olivo at 53 Quarry Street in Guildford town centre. It is open from 12pm until 10.30pm from Monday to Saturday, closing at 9.30pm on Sundays.
