Family-run Italian restaurant Pranzo are serving up deliciously authentic Calabrian cuisine to the hungry people of Leeds' suburbs.
Sometimes only a steaming hot bowl of pasta can really hit the spot, and Pranzo Italian are dishing up some of the best in the area.
Opening their flagship restaurant in Ilkley back in 2018, they quickly opened another location in Harrogate after Pranzo became a smash hit with locals and tourists alike.
Inspired by founder Marco's Italian heritage and his Nonna's traditional Calabrese cooking, you can really taste the authenticity in the cooking and homely dining experience.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
On an early weekday evening, the cosy restaurant was already filling up and inviting smells were wafting out from the kitchen.
The menu offers a wide range of Aperitivo, Starters and Homemade Pasta as well as a seasonal list of specials which they change regularly.
After kicking things off with an Aperol Spritz (because when in Rome), we opted for the Special Sharing Antipasto Platter and the Bruschetta with mushrooms, gorgonzola, parma ham and homemade basil pesto.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
To the table came a plate overflowing with delicious Italian produce. We’re talking freshly baked focaccia, nduja butter, olives, sun dried tomatoes, a selection of cured meats and huge hunks of cheese which we dove into immediately.
The bruschetta was rich, creamy and herby in equal measures - the perfect way to start off an amazing meal.
Now onto the pasta, this is all made in house and almost all of the dishes can be made Gluten Free on request.
The Seafood Bigoli was the star of the show, it was absolutely outstanding and any seafood lover’s dream.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Perfectly al dente pasta was jam packed with fresh mussels, juicy tiger prawns, anchovies and calamari in a white wine sauce, topped with a seasoned pangratatto which gave it that perfect bite.
The Mafalde in 4 hour braised beef shin ragù also deserves a special mention, the sauce had such a depth of flavour with meat that melted in the mouth - showing it was made with bundles of love.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If we had enough room left, we would have absolutely ordered a side of toasted focaccia to mop up all of the delicious goodness left in the bowl.
With locations in Ilkley and Harrogate, Pranzo is well worth the trip out of the city centre next time you're craving an authentic taste of Italy.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at their website.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Clementine Hall -
11th May 2023 
