Pranzo Italian is coming to Church Street, York

Next spring, Yorkshire’s Pranzo Italian will expand their offering of an authentic taste of Italy to Church Street in York.

There are already three established restaurants in Ilkley, Harrogate and Horsforth.

In conversation with Pranzo Italian’s Chef-owner, Marco Greco

“Opening in York has been a goal since 2018 when I opened my first restaurant,” comments Chef-owner Marco Greco. “Recently, the right location came up in the city, and it has all fallen into place – the timing is right.

“We will be a stone’s throw from York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre and Theatre Royal, it’s a great location right in the heart of this beautiful city.”

Guests will have a few more months to wait before trying Marco’s much-loved dishes inspired by his family’s heritage in Calabria, Southern Italy.

Pranzo York will open its doors in spring 2025. “The whole team are excited to be part of the York dining scene. We’re looking forward to introducing more people to the homemade pasta and traditional Calabrese food I grew up with.

“Opening a restaurant in York will take our employment tally to over 150 people. The new restaurant alone will employ 50 local people. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of a great team, many of whom have been with us from the beginning.”

Marco also expresses gratitude to Pranzo’s customers over the last six years. “They keep coming back time and time again for our homemade pasta and imported wines. Our Nduja Paccheri is unique, it’s a dish I created with my father.

“We place a lot of focus on the quality of the ingredients we use and the level of service, I think that’s what stands us apart from other Italians in the region.”  

Pranzo takes its inspiration from Marco’s family heritage in Calabria, Southern Italy, where he watched his Nonna (grandmother) make homemade pasta mixed with ingredients picked from their garden.

“I wanted to offer something truly authentic, a real taste of home in Yorkshire. We make everything in-house, our pasta is made fresh daily, as are our bread, sauces, and desserts. We import wine from single estate, family-run vineyards, and we drench ourselves in knowledge to offer excellent food and wine pairings.”

When we hear from Chief Operating Officer Stephen Peace about Pranzo’s expansions, relocations and renovations over the last six years, it’s clear the new venue in York will be a popular eatery with locals, families and tourists alike.

“In addition to our homemade pasta menu, the restaurant in York will have a tasty and good value small plates lunchtime offering, this menu is ideal for a quick bite at lunch or a feast with friends.

“At the core of our values is family, it’s important to us that families can gather at Pranzo and enjoy time together with great food, its why we recently added a Sunday roast and a new kid’s menu to our offering. These menus will be available at Pranzo York.”

Pranzo Italian, coming to York in Spring 2025

The new restaurant will be open seven days a week from 12pm, serving homemade pasta and authentic Italian dishes.

Hungry for more? We’ve collated a list of the best Italian restaurants in York for you to peruse whilst you wait!

Pranzo Italian, York, 15-17 Church St, York, YO1 8BE