A family-run restaurant that has been on the high street for 26 years is “proud” after receiving five industry accolades in recent months.

St James Restaurant in High Street, Bushey, was included in The Good Food Guide 2023 as a Local Gem on October 13.

Local Gem entries are chosen due to serving “the best local food and drink at affordable prices”.

Watford Observer: Head chef, Marco Angelilli (left), and his uncle Alfonso Lacava (right) who owns the restaurant. Head chef, Marco Angelilli (left), and his uncle Alfonso Lacava (right) who owns the restaurant. (Image: St James Restaurant)

At the end of September, the restaurant was informed by Tripadvisor that it has received the 2023 Travelers’ Choice award.

Based on reviews and ratings around the world collected over the past years, it places the eatery in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide, Tripadvisor said.

Watford Observer: The award sent to the restaurant.The award sent to the restaurant. (Image: Tripadvisor)

It was also given a certificate of achievement for Harden’s 2023 Diner Survey in the category of ‘High Quality Food’.

Watford Observer: From Harden'sFrom Harden's (Image: Harden's)

In addition, it was named as being one of the best restaurants in Bushey by Restaurantji on September 11.

The recent recognitions follow being awarded a Recommended Restaurant on Guru 2023 on March 1, 2023.

Watford Observer: From Guru.From Guru. (Image: Guru)Head chef Marco Angelilli said: “Winning all these awards – it wasn’t expected.

“We are very busy and to be recognised was satisfying. It is the best thing to happen to a chef.”

He added: “I’m proud to take this restaurant to where it is. I always thought is deserved it. The secret is down to work hard.”

Watford Observer: St James Restaurant exteriorSt James Restaurant exterior (Image: St James Restaurant)

Marco went to work at St James Restaurant in 2019 with his uncle Alfonso Lacava who owns the restaurant.

Marco said: “We are Italian and care about family. Lots of the staff here are Italian and from the same region."

Over the years, Marco has worked as a chef in Italy, Cuba, India, and has included some of these influences in the menu, but it is still predominantly a British cuisine menu with some contemporary twists.

Watford Observer: Some meals served at St James Restaurant Some meals served at St James Restaurant (Image: St James Restaurant)Part of the restaurant’s success is down to its customers, Marco said.

He added: “Having been here for so long, the customers are regulars, we have got to know them and shown them all we can do.”

The restaurant serves, brunch, lunch, evening meals, as well as a Tea Room options.