Where to Get Authentic Italian Food in Yorkshire
Get ready to ciao down
Sarto
Sarto is Leeds’s go-to for fresh, handmade pasta – think pan-fried gnocchi, rigatoni with lamb shoulder ragu, and fettuccini with wild mushrooms. They even offer their own-brand lager brewed by Leeds’s own Anthology Brewing Company. With a relaxed and laidback, modern interior, a team of friendly staff, and an extensive menu, this is a great place to come for an authentic taste of Italy. For a cheeky tipple with dinner, try their Sarto Mule, made with cividina grappa instead of vodka.
Munro House, Duke Street, Leeds LS9 8AG
0113 345 2074
sartopasta.uk
Cresci Pizzeria
With a passion for southern Italy, Armando Imparato and Berardo Caggiano opened Cresci Pizzeria in the heart of York in 2020 and now diners flock there for their famous authentic Neapolitan pizza. We love the salsiccia e porcini – sautéed porcini mushroom, fennel-flavoured sausage and pecorino Romano cheese.
Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU
01904 639395
crescipizzeria.com
Delrio’s Restaurant
Owned and managed by Giovanni Delrio and his family since 1992, this quirky cellar restaurant has a strong Sardinian influence. Cosy and comforting, the chefs use traditional methods with locally-sourced and fresh Italian produce. Expect a range of seafood, poultry and meat dishes, as well as pasta and rice dishes, and vegetarian options. The desserts here are made in-house by Delrio’s own pâtissier, so make sure you save room for the tiramisù.
Blossom Street, York YO24 1AE
01904 622695
delriosrestaurant.com
Domo Restaurant
This award-winning, family-owned restaurant prides itself on serving delicious, authentic Sardinian food. With ingredients sourced from local producers (and for an added touch of authenticity, speciality ingredients imported directly from Sardinia) try the tartare di manzo – a beef tartare made with shallots, capers and rocket pesto. For the main event, we love the carbonara di mare, a classic pasta dish with tuna, swordfish and caviar from Lake Como.
Cotton Mill Walk, Little Kelham, Sheffield S3 8DH
0114 322 1020
domorestaurant.co.uk
Stuzzi
Short for Stuzzichini, the small plates of food eaten between drinks in Italy, these restaurants serve modern Italian cooking, street food essentials and traditional Italian options, creating a delightful mix of
dishes best shared in a manner similar to tapas. Stuzzi’s homemade tagliatelle pasta
tossed with beef brisket and ‘nduja ragu is a must-try.
King’s Road, Harrogate HG1 5JW
01423 705852
Merrion Street, Leeds LS1 6PQ
0113 245 5323
stuzzi.co.uk
Aldo’s Italian
This family-run Italian is a go-to for locals in the know, due in part to the quality of its dishes. Think classic pizza, pasta, fish and meat dishes, as well as a superb range of antipasti for grazing on. We recommend the ravioli aragosta, lobster-filled pasta in a delicious prawn and cream bisque.
Harrogate Road, Greengates, Apperley Bridge, Bradford BD10 0RB
01274 270802
aldositaliangreengates.co.uk
Vivace Bistro
Taking its inspiration from true Neapolitan cuisine, Vivace Bistro aims to bring a real taste of the Mediterranean to the heart of Hessle – think classic pizzas and rich meat and pasta dishes. Their freshly made calzones, all finished with San Marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, are a must-try.
Hull Road, Hessle HU19 9NR
01482 644199
vivacebistro.com
La Piola
Though not strictly Italian, Piola is the word used to describe a welcoming family eatery in Italy, which is exactly what you can expect from La Piola in Leeds. From your early morning coffee, to light bites for lunch and hearty, rustic dishes in the evening, this charming café-bistro has something to suit everyone. For those who like their cheese strong, we recommend the strozzapreti gorgonzola e noci, fresh pasta with gorgonzola blue cheese, walnuts and parma ham.
Park Square East, Leeds LS1 2NU
07809 126 111
lapiolaleeds.co.uk
Zucco
A popular fixture in Leeds for more than 10 years, Zucco is a family business with southern Italian roots. Opened by siblings Rosario and Michael in 2013, the restaurant is passionate about serving delicious Italian cuisine and has garnered some very loyal customers over the years. The restaurant has a regular change of specials and promises that there will always be something new to try when you visit.
Meanwood Road, Leeds LS6 4AY
0113 224 9679
zucco.co.uk
Paesani Deli and Pizzeria
This casual, family-run restaurant serves an incredible range of delicious, wood-fired pizzas and specialty pucce bread. Try the monopoly pucce, made with grilled aubergine, grilled courgette, stracciatella creamy cheese and rocket salad, but be sure to leave room for dessert, as their traditional torta della nonna is to die for.
Crookes, Sheffield S10 1TF
0114 3278 241
paesanisheffield.com
Proove
Proove offer proper artisan pizzas, with sourdough bases, leopard-spotted crusts and authentic Italian toppings. Made with the freshest ingredients possible, they come just like they do in Napoli – wood-fired and delicious. Sample the San Daniele – San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, Prosciutto di San Daniele, rocket, shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano & extra virgin olive oil. For those with a sweet tooth, they do great sweet options too. Try the nocciola cheesecake, made in-house with plenty of hazelnuts.
Fulwood Road, Broomhill, Sheffield S10 3BD
0114 294 5185
proove.co.uk
Felice’s Bella Roma
When he took over the restaurant in 2012, owner Felice had a simple vision: serving good, honest Italian food in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The restaurant has achieved just that and has long been a favourite with locals. From the olive oil they use to the flour that makes the pizza, the team are committed to getting the tiniest details right and the proof is in the pudding (and pasta). We love the linguine gamberoni, with succulent tiger prawns, chorizo and a kick of chilli.
Northgate, Wakefield WF1 3BP
01924 371059
bellaromawakefield.co.uk
La Vecchia Scuola
Based in a 300-year-old building, La Vecchia Scuola brings modern Italian cooking to York with recipes handed down from generation to generation. Previously York College for Girls, there’s school memorabilia dotted throughout as a nod to its past. Pasta, risotto, salads, pizzas and a whole range of main courses make up the menu and we love the sound of the slow-cooked lamb shoulder rillette and grilled lamb chop served with crushed potatoes, green beans, red wine jus and crispy oyster mushrooms.
62 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HZ
01904 644600
lavecchiascuola.co.uk
Salvo’s
A staple on the Leeds food scene, Salvo’s has been welcoming visitors since 1976. Run by second and third generations of the same family that opened the restaurant, you can expect a warm welcome and delicious, authentic Italian food. With an extensive menu, we would recommend the linguine vongole, made with fresh clams, olive oil and chilli.
Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PX
0113 275 5017
salvos.co.uk
