This cosy eatery has been serving the people of Ilkley for 20 years.
If you’re a local to the beautiful spa town of Ilkley, or you’re clued up on fantastic restaurants in the area, then there’s no doubt that you’ll have heard of Emporio Italia.
This family-run spot with Luigi at the helm is about as authentic as it gets.
Adorned with black and white family portraits on the walls, bags of pasta stacked neatly on shelves and bottles of Aperol standing proudly behind the bar, it’s alike to a trattoria you’d find in one of Rome’s bustling neighbourhoods.
There’s no physical menu, instead after you’ve been served a complimentary plate of antipasti and your chosen drink by his daughter Fabrizia, Luigi will come out from the kitchen and talk you through the specials of the day.
Every day is different, meaning every thing is fresh.
On our particular visit Luigi had cooked up his famous lasagna, which we knew was famous as the announcement was met with ruptures of applause.
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We ordered this alongside their house special, the Penne alla Montanara, and both were absolutely delicious.
The lasagna was made using Luigi’s traditional family recipe, using sliced boiled eggs, pork sausage and beef. It was probably the best lasagna we’ve ever had.
The house special featured a glossy sauce made up of Calabrian sausage, porcini mushrooms, red onions, tomato and basil.
Also on the menu was fresh gnocchi with salmon, tagliatelle with pesto and more tempting dishes that we definitely could’ve devoured.
As we ate we started chatting to the tables around us, many of whom explained they honour the same booking week in, week out. And it’s not hard to see why.
Emporio Italia is everything you want from a neighbourhood Italian restaurant. Good food, a good atmosphere and good people.
They’re open Wednesday-Saturday for two lunch sittings, and on Saturday evenings.
Bellisimo!
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Featurd image – The Hoot Leeds
