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.Â
Stuzzi, short for stuzzichini, are small plates of delicious Italian cuisine similar to tapas, best eaten shared and in-between drinks.Â
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.
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.Â
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.Â
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.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Clementine Hall -
4th April 2024 
