In honour of World Pasta Day, we've rounded up five spots in Leeds where you can get your hands on a steaming hot bowl of Italian goodness.
This Saturday 25 October it's one of the best days of the year...it's World Pasta Day.
Whether you're a spaghetti fanatic, a rigatoni lover or partial to a simple penne - we're spoilt for choice in Leeds for great spots to get your pasta fix.
So, we've rounded up five spots so you can get twirling like the Italians do. Forks at the ready and keep reading.
La Piola
2 Park Square E
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Be transported to the bustling streets of Italy in this family-run, authentic delicatessen and eatery. Run with Fabio at the helm, La Piola serve coffee and fresh ciabattas and lunch options by day, and a small home-cooked seasonal menu by night.
The fresh pasta is not to be missed, made with fresh and simple ingredients following recipes from Fabio's hometown, Cuneo, in the Northwestern region of Italy.
Emporio Italia
Railway Road, Ilkley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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. 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 pasta specials of the day.
But whatever you order, you can guarantee it'll be delicious.
Pranzo
Town Street, Horsforth
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This might just be our favourite seafood pasta in the city, all homemade and topped with lots of delicious breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch..
Livin' Italy
Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Livin' Italy on Granary Wharf has been our go-to Italian for quite some time. Dubbed ‘the best Italian Restaurant in Leeds’, their fresh menu has come straight from their motherland and consistently brings authentic Italian flavours to the city centre.
Whether you're after a classic Carbonara, a beautiful mushroom ravioli or a lobster spaghetti, it's all freshly made and goes perfectly with an Aperol Spritz or two.
Stuzzi
Grand Arcade, 7 Merrion St
Image: Stuzzi
There's no doubt that Stuzzi is a firm Leeds foodie favourite. Serving 'Stuzzichini', small Italian plates of traditional cuisine, it's the perfect spot to sample a range of their delicious pasta dishes, so don't worry if you're struggling to pick just one dish from the menu.
The menu is ever changing with the season and the pasta is made fresh in house, every single day. You must order a portion of their arancini too, as it wouldn't be a trip to Stuzzi without them.
Sarto
Munro House, Duke St
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a restaurant whose main focus is fresh, homemade, delicious pasta. So if you're looking for an authentic bowl, then this really is the number one choice in the city.
Kick things off with a plate of their moreish, springy, salty focaccia and make sure to keep some for your plates of pasta so you can mop up all of that saucy goodness. Their pork and 'nduja ragu with homemade Campanelle is a standout dish which they shower with lashings of parmesan, and of course you've got to finish things off with a Tiramisu to share.
Riva Blu
11-12 Park Row
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Right in the middle of Park Row you can’t help but notice the iconic blue interiors when you’re walking past, and as you step through the doors you'll be transported to the streets of Sicily.
Their entire menu is delicious, but their pasta is truly something special. We highly recommend the Linguine Frutti Di Mare’, perfectly al dente pasta jam packed with wild red king prawn, mussels, clams and calamari – all accompanied with a white wine, tomato & chilli sauce. Utter perfection.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Clementine Hall -
20th October 2025 
