Just one month after opening, Trattoria Maria in Sheffield city centre has made it onto the coveted Good Food Guide.
When it was announced last year that the masterminds behind Bench and The Pearl, two award-winning Sheffield venues, were setting their sights on opening an Italian trattoria in the city centre we couldn't believe our luck.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage.
It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
Images: The Sheff
And magic really is happening, because the food is nothing short of brilliant.
But it's not just us who think so, as Maria has got the attention of The Good Food Guide - an established guide to the very best pubs, cafes and restaurants across the UK.
Getting a spot on the guide just four weeks after opening is truly an impressive feat, here's what the guide had to say about Maria: "The quaint name (and Nonna namesake) contrasts the very urban setting of this new arrival from the team behind beloved Bench.
Images: The Sheff
"On a particularly uncharacterful street in Sheffield's 'Heart of the City' development, the exterior is all flat walls and fogged windows, while inside it's one big room which gets buzzy and loud of a weekend evening.
"There are real gems to be found among the antipasti - stracciatella and caponata with very soft focaccia for dunking or superb saffron and cuttlefish ragu arancini - while the southern Italian sunshine dominates the pastas and secondi."
Announcing the news to Instagram, Maria said: "we are delighted to announce, after just four weeks, we have been listed in the good food guide.
"we are super proud of the whole team for this achievement after such short period of time. congratulations to you all."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves, congratulations Maria and the team - an accolade very much deserved.
Sheffield has been shortlisted to be the UK City of Culture 2029.
It's great news for Sheffield, as the city has made it into the final four to be considered as the UK City of Culture for 2029.
Sheffield is included alongside Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Wrexham.
All four cities will now receive £125,000 to move forward with their bids, with £10 million going to the overall winner.
The title is currently held by Bradford, and is awarded every four years.
The brilliant news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.
Image: The Sheff
Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage and reputation as a place where creativity thrives.
The next step? Each shortlisted city will welcome the expert panel of judges and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.
"Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.
"This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place."
Surriya Falconer, Chair of Sheffield Culture Collective, said: "Sheffield has the expertise, capability and ambition to deliver a programme that engages and benefits all communities.
"Our city has immense cultural capital and a rich heritage spanning the full spectrum of creative endeavour, making a significant contribution to our economy, our wellbeing and the quality of our lives."
An all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant with no menu is opening in Sheffield this month
Clementine Hall
A restaurant where you can dive into unlimited pizza is opening in Sheffield very soon.
Like pizza? Then you're going to love this.
Introducing Slice Club, a brand-new restaurant concept that's opening in Sharrow Vale this month.
The idea has been 14 years in the making, and it's unlike anything you'll find in the city.
For £17.50 per person, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, with fresh pizzas circulating around the room and served straight to the table.
There’s no menu or individual ordering, you simply take what you fancy, and a light on the table lets the team know when you’d like to pause or have more.
Image: Slice Club
And it doesn't stop there as there’s no fixed sitting time, either. You simply eat until you're full and then the team will let the next group of hungry punters in, so you don't have to feel rushed.
Dips, drinks and desserts are extra and can be ordered separately.
As for the pizzas, there's plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available so nobody has to miss out on the slice action.
Teasing the opening on Instagram, The Slice Club said: "No choosing a pizza and regretting it when someone else’s turns up. We make them. We bring them round. You take what you fancy. Drinks and desserts work normally."
"You’ve watched the window go up. You’ve watched us get the place ready. Now, you can finally book a table. We’re bringing bottomless pizza to Sharrow Vale, with slices coming to you until you decide to hit pause."
Sounds like a pretty good concept if you ask us, and we don't have long to wait as The Slice Club will be opening on Sharrow Vale Road on Friday 30 October.
Bookings are now open, and you can book your table via their website here.