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.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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.
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.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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.
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.Â
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.Â
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
30th January 2025 
