All of best places in Leeds to enjoy an authentic bowl of pasta
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Featured image – The Hoot Leeds