Eats

Stuzzi Leeds – an authentic celebration of Italy in the heart of the city

What a place.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 4th April 2024

Now celebrating five years in Leeds' Grand Arcade, Stuzzi is the brainchild of four English guys ‘obsessed’ with Italy and their passion really shines through. 

Stuzzi, short for stuzzichini, are small plates of delicious Italian cuisine similar to tapas, best eaten shared and in-between drinks. 

And they're serving some of the best stuzzi you can get your hands on at, well, Stuzzi.

It's been almost a decade since the restaurant was founded in Harrogate, but this year marks five years since Stuzzi opened its second site right here in Leeds City Centre.

Pasta from Stuzzi in Leeds.
Food and drinks from Stuzzi.
Images: The Hoot Leeds

The Grand Arcade eatery has survived a global pandemic, Brexit and the cost-of-living-crisis, and is only maintaining its reputation as one of the city's best Italian restaurants.

And don't just take our word for it, because the Good Food Guide has just awarded them a spot in the UK's top 50 best Italian restaurants for 2024.

An accolade undoubtedly very well deserved.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

In Stuzzi's beautiful space on Merrion Street complete with vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and red leather accents, you’ll find the perfect blend of traditional recipes alongside modern Italian cooking using only the very best ingredients. 

Jimbob Philips, Tom Pearson, Brett Lee and Nick Harvey founded the restaurant, a group of visionaries fondly named the 'Stuzzi Boys'.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Using inspiration from their numerous trips around Italy, Stuzzi is a real love letter to the world's greatest food country and is ever-evolving with new discoveries as they fit jaunts to Venice, Naples, Tuscany and beyond into their busy schedules.

They make their pasta fresh, in-house every single day, utilising unique ingredients like spinach and beetroot in the dough to present the diner with something a little bit different.

A standout dish we sampled on our last visit was the beetroot cavatelli with walnut, cardamom, espresso cream and whipped goats curd.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

A dish with a beautiful purple hue that had an incredible depth of flavour, yet let the homemade and perfectly al dente pasta do the talking.

With a menu that changes weekly with the seasons, you might not be able to sample this dish on your next visit but there'll undoubtedly be something just as delicious on offer. And that's what makes Stuzzi so special.

This is the place to go for dinner amongst friends who adore food and love trying new things, Stuzzi encourage a social style of dining with their array of imaginative small plates that'll have you glancing back to the menu after each plate is scraped clean.

Neapolitan lasagna fritti, Tuscan soup, Roman street food - each dish seamlessly combines traditional recipes with innovative, modern flair and it is nothing short of exceptional. 

And don't forget to kick things off with an Aperol Spritz, we'd go as far to say that it's the best one you can find in Leeds - and quite possibly anywhere outside of Italy.

To find out more and to book a table at Stuzzi, take a look at their website.

Read more: The organic Leeds restaurant and natural wine bar with a hidden green grocers inside of it

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.

Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.

Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering. 

The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage. 

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.

The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.

Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality. 

Image: Supplied

“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here. 

“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.” 

Read more:

Featured image - Supplied

Eats

This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.

Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.

Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.

From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.

Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Whitelock's Ale House (@whitelocksalehouse)

Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.

And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.

The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.

You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.

This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.

You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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