La Sicilla, at 8a Station Parade, was rebranded earlier this year, replacing its former name, Spaghetti Tree.
The rebranded restaurant has been shortlisted to win an award at the Time and Leisure Food and Culture Awards 2025 in the #LoveSuttonBiz award.
Manager Andi Vogli told YourLocalGuardian: “It’s really nice to hear that we’ve been nominated for this award.
“I’m very happy, because even when it was Spaghetti Tree, we won the Best Family Friendly Award in the area.
“It’s great to see that effort recognised, no matter the name on the sign.
“We’ve had a lot of support from the local community over the years, and that means a lot to us.”
La Sicilla offers a diverse menu, ranging from pizzas and risottos to steaks and classic Italian dishes like lasagne and linguine marinara, which is Andi’s personal favourite.
Andi said diners are spoiled for choice with the variety available.
He said: “The restaurant is very lively.
“The atmosphere is really nice in the evenings.
“We have Italian music playing in the background.
“At the end of the month, we have some live singers so customers can enjoy their meals with entertainment.
“It really brings everyone together.”
During the week, La Sicilla opens from 12pm to 2.30pm before closing and then reopening again at 6pm to 10pm.
One of the reasons behind the decision to open twice is to serve those who would like to come for lunch as well as dinner.
Andi said: “We wanted to open all the way through lunchtime to dinner, but at a certain time, it gets very quiet.
“So, it’s not worth it to keep La Sicilla open all the way through when people are working or rushing to get home.
“After we close at 2.30pm, the kitchen is preparing meals and desserts for the evening.”
The relationship between staff and customers is a core part of La Sicilla.
La Sicilla is committed to keeping its customers and diners happy and making sure they leave with a good impression of the restaurant.
Andi explained: “All my staff are friendly with the customers.
“If there are special occasions, like birthday parties, we try our best to make it special.
“We’ll sing Happy Birthday and give them a complimentary shot.
“We’ll do anything to make sure they’ve had a great time.
“We do our best to keep customers happy.”
Since the rebranding, La Sicilla has seen customers come and return to the Italian.
Andi was the manager of Spaghetti Tree too but says that running La Sicilla is easier to run in terms of quality, food, and customers.
The awards, run by Time & Leisure Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, brings together the best of the culture and hospitality industry across south west London and North Surrey, with categories ranging from Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year to Best Pub or Bar.
Casa Nostra was one of 10 businesses in Sutton shortlisted as finalists to win at this year’s awards, with the winners across 19 categories set to be announced on June 23.
Andi added: “My favourite thing about being the manager at La Sicilla is dealing with the customers.
“When you build a relationship with them in the span of a few hours, it feels like they’re family, as if you’ve been serving them for a long time.
“It’ll be amazing if we win.”
