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.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Clementine Hall -
11th May 2023 
