Stuzzi

Located on Merrion Street in Leeds city centre, this Italian restaurant specialises in the tapas-style cuisines of Italy, aptly called ‘Stuzzichini’. In a blend of traditional and modern cooking styles, it embodies the eclectic lifestyle we live today, giving us plentiful variety while also anchoring us to the present moment in each delicious mouthful. Pick between snacks such as focaccia, cannellini beans, or even deep-fried ox tongue if you fancy pushing the boat out.

Salvo’s 

With over five decades of experience in Italian dining, Salvo’s is the go-to option when deciding on where to find your Italian fix. Their restaurant is family-run, using recipes and dishes that’ve been passed down from parent to child over three generations. That’s a lot of collective knowledge! They’ve even been given Gordon Ramsay’s stamp of approval, having won his reality-TV show ‘The F Word’ and being voted as the best independent Italian restaurant. These accolades speak for themselves, and so next time you’re near Headingley, make sure to stop in at their restaurant on Otley Road to see what the hype is all about.

Da Vito Ristorante

Offering up dishes inspired by simple, honest cooking, Da Vito’s is a must-try restaurant in the centre of Leeds. It boasts a robust menu full of pastas, pizzas, fish and poultry in all kinds of indulgent variations, and its homely red-brick exterior encourages you to feel transported from your English postcode to the heart of the Mediterranean. It also has the benefit of convenience, being located just a stone’s throw from the train station. So next time those pesky trains are cancelled again, don’t fret! Simply wander over to York Place, get yourself seated in Da Vito’s, and treat yourself to a beautiful Italian meal that’ll melt all the stress away.

Livin’ Italy

Under the famous Granary Wharf arches sits Livin’ Italy, a quirky Italian restaurant with great values and even greater food. Serving up the likes of antipasti, Neapolitan pizzas, pastas and more, this lovely eatery is the perfect place to catch up with a friend or impress a date. Or, if you’d rather just treat yourself to a top-notch lunch, you can do that too! Their friendly staff are always on hand to recommend their favourites, and with an impressive drinks selection also available, there’s really no craving that Livin’ Italy won’t be able to satisfy.

Da Sandro’s Pizzeria and Ristorante 

Da Sandro’s is a staple of the Huddersfield restaurant scene, and for good reason. Their dining standards are, quite frankly, unbeatable. With a modern yet rustic interior, attentive staff, and a carefully curated menu designed to embody all the most delightful elements of Italian cuisine, you’ll struggle to find a better place to eat than their restaurant on Halifax Road. The chef prepares a daily specials board which incorporates the freshest and most seasonal produce into each dish. Plus, there’s gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan menus all on offer, which means you can book your table knowing that everyone will be accommodated for. With all this in mind, it’s safe to say that an evening at Da Sandro’s is nothing short of blissful.

Emporio Italia 

This intimate restaurant in Ilkley is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for quality Italian restaurants in the area. It has developed a firm following of foodie lovers within the local community, who regularly stop by to see what exciting new options have been added to the ever-rotating menu. Their chef will personally walk through all the dishes with you, and the passion of the entire place makes every bite even more delicious. No matter what, you’ll leave the restaurant feeling like you were – for a brief moment – living and eating in Italy. Just make sure to book ahead! With only a handful of tables available in this popular restaurant, the slots will be highly sought-after. 

Images- @devourdyehouse, @stuzzileeds, @livinitaly