12 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Leeds

Italian restaurants in the Leeds area

Trattoria Il Forno

Head just slightly northwest out of the city centre and you’ll find Trattoria Il Forno in Horsforth. Happiness is at the heart of this family-run business, which has a consistent homemade approach to delicious Italian food and wine.

Head chef and owner Vitalij has nearly 20 years of experience under his belt cooking great Italian food from scratch; ranging from pasta to meats and fish and, of course, delicious desserts, all from his open kitchen.

Comparing all the best Italian Restaurants in Leeds, it’s hard to say no to visiting Trattoria Il Forno.

85 Town St, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5BP 

Salvos

Breathing history and passion, Salvo’s restaurant was originally launched in 1976 by Salvatore Dammone and is today recognised as a beloved and authentic Italian eatery.

Situated in Headingley, Salvo’s has a reputation as one of the most innovative Italian restaurants in Leeds, with customers coming back in their droves for more of its contemporary Italian food and a relaxed atmosphere.

The 2nd and now 3rd generation of the Dammone family are continuing this impeccable service while also still serving great-quality food and drink.

115 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PX

CULTO

With a bright, light interior and spacious patio perfect for warm-weather dining, we bring you CULTO to our list of the best Italian Restaurants in Leeds.

This Italian situated in Meanwood just outside of the city centre promises to introduce a completely new approach to casual dining, with a combination of highly experienced chefs, the best ingredients imported directly from Italy and a passion for food.

Operating on a strict first-come, first-served seating approach with no reservations, get there quickly to enjoy one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

97 Stainbeck Rd, Leeds, LS7 2PR 

Amici

Another one of the best Italian Restaurants in Leeds sits just on the north side entering Moortown. Its stylish and elegant settings are definitely a draw when visiting this restaurant, but the passionate team behind their many sophisticated plates is what makes it a must.

Amici’s  Italian chefs make great Italian food the traditional way, with homemade pasta and pizzas cooked up in their specialised pizza oven.

If you’re lucky, you may even catch their opera-singing chef in full song…

592-596 Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 8DP 

Napoli nel Cuore

Adding another Horsforth option to the scene of Italian Restaurants Leeds, we bring you Napoli nel Curore. A spot where you can bring your loved ones and feel like you are walking the streets of Napoli, it’s certainly not one to be missed for authenticity.

This family-run restaurant updates its blackboard specials weekly with staples including meat and fish main dishes, plus plenty of seasonal starters, pizzas and pasta.

Sink your teeth into mouth-watering lobster ravioli or white base pizza topped with gorgonzola cheese, and thank us later.

30 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4RJ 

Zucco

Another family-run business on our list, Zucco is up there as one of the best Italian restaurants just outside of Leeds. A favourite for authentic Italian cuisine, Zucco specialises in serving freshly prepared small plates to share.

The quality of the ingredients and flavours here is unmatched, with frequent menu changes reflecting the best seasonal produce from local suppliers.

Check back regularly to try out their latest seasonal favourites. If you love the small plate approach to sharing with a group, then there is no better place to dine than Zucco.

603 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, Leeds, LS6 4AY

Poco Sicilian Street Food

The Poco brand was set up by the team behind Culto, opening their first branch in Burley in 2018. You can also find Poco in 2 other locations across Leeds, with a branch in Headingley and a smaller takeaway-only branch in the city centre.

Catering to the popular takeaway scene, Poco Sicilian offers an array of street food specials such as arancini, all kinds of pasta and fried calzone as well as a range of sweet, crisp cannoli.

City Centre – 24a Lands Ln, Leeds, LS1 6LB

LIVIN’ITALY

Located just behind Leeds Train Station, Livin’ Italy is in the perfect location for all city goers. With scenic views overlooking the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, this city centre gem opened up in 2012 and has been welcoming the people of Leeds to their family business ever since.

Their whole approach is centred around giving guests a taste of Italian living with a focus on homemade, authentic cuisine, ranging from breakfasts in the morning to cocktails and honest Italian dinners in the evening.

They use only the most genuine products, showcasing ingredients that reflect their homeland from the best Italian artisan food makers.

Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4BR 

Italian inspired brunching in Leeds’ City Centre

Sarto

Sarto is a bar and restaurant, centred around all things fresh and handmade with a focus on elevating classic pasta dishes using mouth-watering ingredients and flavours. Expect dishes such as lamb shoulder ragu or stuffed cappalleti with lemon and thyme ricotta.

Sarto is yet another establishment catering to all Italian foodie lovers, being one of the best Italian restaurants in Leeds.

Munro House, Duke Street, Leeds, LS9 8AG 

Stuzzi

Located on the popular spot of Merrion Street is Stuzzi. If you fancy a bite to eat before heading next door to check out the street’s endless bar options, this is the place for you.

Short for Stuzzichini, Stuzzi’s vision has always been to serve small plates of Italian cuisine that are traditionally eaten by hand to keep people going in between drinks.

As they use only the best seasonal ingredients from Italy and local suppliers, their menu changes every couple of days – so expect something different every time you visit.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Leeds.

7 Merrion Street, Leeds, LS1 6PQ 

Rudy’s Pizzeria

Just down from the station, Rudy’s follows the traditions and artistry of pizza from its birthplace in Naples, with dough freshly made on site every day and a wide variety of fresh toppings to choose from.

You’re even spoilt for choice with location, as Rudy’s also has satellite branches in the suburbs of Headingley and Chapel Allerton.

City Centre – 2 New Station St, Leeds, LS1 5DL
Headingley – Unit 6-8 Arndale Centre, Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2UJ 
Chapel Allerton – 10-12 Stainbeck Ln, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3QY

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