The Guardian’s food critic Jay Rayner has headed back up north for his latest restaurant review as he visits Zucco in Meanwood.
Having opened a decade ago in the friendly suburb of Meanwood, Zucco has been a firm favourite amongst the Leeds foodie scene ever since.
Boasting a menu of small plates that changes daily depending on the season, customers can expect dishes made with only the freshest of ingredients inspired by "the thigh to the heel of Italy’s boot" as Rayner describes.
Zucco was opened by Rosario Leggiero who used to work alongside acclaimed British restaurateur and chef Russel Norman, who sadly passed away at the end of last year.
Images: Zucco
Jay Rayner focuses his review on Norman's everlasting influence on Leggiero and subsequently Zucco, explaining that just sitting down for lunch caused him to start "thinking about the brilliance of Russell Norman all over again."
Often referring to Norman's famous restaurant Polpo in Soho which is famed for starting the fashionable small plates movement, he says "it struck me that Zucco could not have existed, could not have looked like this, without Polpo first having been born."
When describing the food Rayner says it reminds him of the cooking at Salvo's, a restaurant in Headingley that is nothing short of an institution, "The kitchen is overseen by Rosario’s brother Michael who, for many years, cooked at Salvo’s in Headingley."
He goes on to say "the thing is, amid the 21st-century Polpo reference points, there is also more than a touch of the 20th-century Salvo’s about the food here."
Delving into a range of small plates from arancini and fritto misto to white risotto with ox cheek that he says is "quite simply perfect", Rayner comes to the conclusion that Zucco is a "note-perfect Italian".
A restaurant in which "all the essentials are attended to."
"It was pure coincidence that I had lunch at Zucco in the same week as I attended the lovely memorial event for Russell Norman. But as I sipped my dark-roast espresso and looked about the room, I concluded it was exactly the right place to be."
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Clementine Hall -
12th February 2024 
