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 Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Clementine Hall -
30th January 2025 
