The venture, which specialises in Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, won the title in the UK-wide competition organised by Spice Times, the quarterly magazine for the South Asian restaurant and catering trade. In October it was named Best Bangladeshi Restaurant in Scotland and Northern Ireland by the Bangladeshi Caterers' Association. Itihaas is also one of four finalists in the Best Indian category of the 2011 Scottish Restaurant of the Year Awards. Director Matin Khan said: "It has been a remarkable year for us with so many positive comments coming our way. We are particularly pleased because, unlike many other restaurants taking part in these awards, we are a relative newcomer, having been open for only three years." Khan added: "Customers are coming to eat here from far and near and our team is grateful for the enormous support they have kept giving us." The venture will now go forward for consideration as the best South Asian restaurant in the whole of the UK. The awards will be presented in Romford, Essex, on Sunday (12 December) when entertainers will include a Bollywood troupe.