Courtyard in Great Yarmouth reaches Italian Awards finals

Courtyard has been named a finalist in five categories at the Italian Awards, beating its record of three nominations in 2023.

This year, the spot described as a "hidden gem" is up for Best Chef, Best Family Business, Best Pasta Chef, Best Restaurant in the South and East and Best Restaurant Manager. 

The pair won two awards in 2023 (Image: Courtyard)

Its owners, Daniel Boulton and brother-in-law 'Chef Andy', bought the restaurant in Howard Street South in 2022 and have strived to make it an authentic experience.

"I have connections to Italy and eating out over there is so different," Mr Boulton said.

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"The Italians start eating at about 10am and they graze throughout the day - they'll take a couple of mouthfuls and then put their fork down to chat so a meal could take them most of the evening.

"The English aren't like that - we tend to stop talking when our meal comes and get stuck in."

The restaurant offers an authentic dining experience (Image: Courtyard)

He added that to mimic this culture, Courtyard allows each table to stay for the entire evening and take their time with their meals.

All the food is made fresh so takes longer to be served, encouraging people to chat and enjoy their time out.

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"Everyone lives busy lives - if you have found time to go out for dinner with your friends, your family or a partner, who are we to put a time frame on your trip just because we need the table back?," Mr Boulton said.

He added he and his chef are "blown away" to be recognised and help put Great Yarmouth on the culinary map. 

It has been shortlisted in five categories (Image: Courtyard)

"The town has some absolutely fantastic eateries, we just fail to shout about it," he added. 

"I love Yarmouth - we have so much to offer."

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in October.