11 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Leeds
There’s no shortage of good Italian restaurants in Leeds, from proper Neapolitan-style pizza and handmade pasta to the kind of neighbourhood spots where the menu is built around a handful of things done very well.
The city’s Italian restaurant scene spans everything from family-run kitchens and long-standing favourites to more contemporary spots putting their own spin on Italian classics. Expect crisp-edged pizzas, plates of pasta made from scratch, arancini, rich ragùs and plenty of tiramisu.
Here are the best Italian restaurants in Leeds to know, whether you’re after a relaxed midweek dinner or somewhere a little more special.
Italian Restaurants in Leeds City Centre
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
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 cappelletti 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
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
La Piola
Tucked away on Park Square, La Piola is a cosy Italian café-bistro bringing the food and easygoing spirit of northern Italy to Leeds.
The family-run restaurant focuses on rustic, home-style cooking, with regional Italian ingredients taking centre stage alongside produce sourced from local Yorkshire suppliers.
Expect handmade pasta, slow-cooked ragù, arancini and seasonal specials, with a menu that feels rooted in tradition rather than overly polished. It’s the sort of place that works just as well for a relaxed lunch as it does for a long dinner over a bottle of Italian wine.
2 Park Square E, Leeds LS1 2NE
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 restaurants in the Leeds area
San Carlo Flying Pizza
Up next is San Carlo Flying Pizza, situated in Roundhay, Leeds. This spot is instantly recognisable for its lush interiors, with studded olive trees and an open rooftop.
Their food menu has fresh seafood, moreish antipasti to pair with a cold glass of rosé, delicious Neapolitan pizzas and pastas.
If you know your wine, you will be right at home at San Carlo. Their wines are selected from across Italy and will pair perfectly with your dishes.
Don’t forget to save room for a dessert, a traditional affogato or creamy, chocolate-dusted tiramisu – delicious.
60 Street Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2DQ
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
Amici
Another one of the best Italian Restaurants in Leeds sits just on the north side entering Moortown. Its stylish and elegant setting is 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 in Leeds, we bring you Napoli nel Cuore. 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
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Written by
09/09/2026