A little taste of Italy in Leeds

Casa Mia at the Millennium Square

If you dream of Tuscany on your tongue, crispy, crunchy pizza and oozing garlic bread – you’re in luck. Leeds has plenty to offer those with a taste for all things Italian. If you’re after the epitome of what Leeds does well – the modern, slick, shiny chandelier-type Italian, check out Mio Modo or Primo cafe bar and restaurant.

Independent Italian restaurants

Both independent restaurants, Mio Modo offers a dining room with simply hung works of art and authentic food served to the tinkling of a live piano player. Primo, as well as an extensive menu of Italian served the real way (pasta is a primi piatti, not a main in itself although you can of course have it for a main too), has a counter of homemade Italian chocolates just ready to be taken home.

Art deco surroundings at Bibis’

Arguably the most famous Italian in Leeds, Bibis Italianissimo, gorgeously art deco surroundings and white linen clad waiters (a draw in itself), worthy of Frank Sinatra or Grace Kelly, perfectly complements the gorgeous food on offer. Steaks and seafood nestle next to more traditional options.

Although you do pay a little more for the sumptuous surroundings, the early bird menu, which changes weekly in a reflection of the local, seasonal ingredients Bibis loves to use, is worthy of a peek.

Modern Italian food

A relative newcomer to the scene, and provided you can forgive it its slightly gimmicky name, Ciao Bella serves up a modern interpretation of Italian – think chicken goujons. They have a special ‘taste of Italy’ section of their menu which offers everything from shank of lamb to veal escalope – suitable for those whose tastes extend beyond the standard pizza and pasta fare.

Although service can be a little slow, the food is worth the wait.

Quality Italian dishes

Proving that chain restaurants don’t have to have a derivative of ‘pizza’ in their name, Casa Mia and Brios both offer imaginative, quality Italian dishes in friendly, busy atmospheres. With multiple restaurant locations throughout Leeds, there are plenty of opportunities to sample their delights.

Casa Mia even offers a takeaway service – absolutely perfect for those cold, wet Yorkshire nights you don’t want to go out in but when you still deserve more than a greasy pizza.

Italian restaurants a little further afield

A little further afield but most definitely worth the effort, the Flying Pizza offers 12 inches of crispy dreaminess in its pizza menu which deserves to be sampled and is rightly famous for. Additionally, Salvo’s (last spotted on Gordon Ramsey’s The F Word where it won best neighbourhood Italian restaurant) is an absolute must visit.

The menu is incredibly comprehensive and authentic, with a high class edge. As well as your standard lasagne and pizzas, you can tuck into pan roasted king scallops, grilled sardines and venison meatballs. The fondue dessert is particularly fantastic – and if it’s good enough for Gordon.

An overlooked gem

If you prefer your Italian ambience more authentic (washed wood furniture, checked tablecloths and candlelight) try Viva. Nestled in an inconspicuous place on Leeds bridge, it’s a well overlooked gem. With a hands-on Italian owner, friendly service, extensive menu and tasty limoncello, it’s the real Italian job.

Listen closely and you’ll notice most of its customers are Italian themselves – could there be a higher recommendation.

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