12 best Italian restaurants in Leeds

Hungry for the best Italian restaurants in Leeds? We hear you. There’s rarely an occasion when we don’t fancy a creamy bowl of carbonara topped with a mountain of parmesan, or a tasty selection of antipasti with a glass of wine. If you've landed on this guide, then we assume you feel the same. Luckily, there are a wealth of Italian restaurants in Leeds suited to your every possible want and need, from rustic trattorias to glamorous special occasion spots, and everything in between. Keep on scrolling to find out where to eat truly delicious Italian food in Leeds.

It goes without saying that we’re a nation of Italian food lovers. However, not all Italian restaurants are built the same. Some prefer the authentic ambience of a traditional osteria, serving tasty small plates and local wines. These spots are often more relaxed in atmosphere, where the food is cheap, the menus short, and the ingredients ultra fresh. If this is more your vibe, you’ll find plenty of casual Italian restaurants in Leeds down below, including a bright and modern pasta bar, a traditional neighbourhood gem, and everyone’s favourite pizza chain (Franco Manca, we’re looking at you).

Others might look to an Italian restaurant to indulge, and for that, you can find a wealth of places in Leeds more suited to special occasions. Whether it's glamorous interiors you’re after, or menus with a modern twist, Leeds boasts its fair share of decadent dining spots.

Finally, and for no apparent reason, you’ll also find an incomprehensible number of places beginning with the letter ‘S’: Sarto, Stuzzi, Salvo’s and San Carlo, to name a few.

Ready to start your search? Take a look through our list of the best Italian restaurants in Leeds the next time you’re in need of a heavy dose of carbs. You’re guaranteed to leave these places with a smile on your face.

Gusto

What: Gusto’s spacious dining room brings plenty of retro-glamour to Greek Street in Leeds. Wooden parquet flooring, studded leather booths and warm lamp lighting create a luxurious vibe, and you’ll find a mixture of booths, banquets and tables for groups of all sizes. On the food front, there are menus that span every occasion, from a la carte to set offerings, brunch, lunch and a Sunday roast. Dishes tend to lean towards the decadent end of the spectrum, from Prosecco risotto to truffled mushroom fettucine. It also offers a steak experience, which includes chateaubriand with a range of sides, plus a bottle of red to share. A new date night spot, perhaps?
Where: 10 Greek Street, LS1 5RU
Book now: Gusto

Salvo’s

What: Salvo’s is a highly respected restaurant in Headingley on the Otley Road, and has been serving its authentic Italian dishes since 1976. The menu is as about as classic as it gets, comprising a selection of antipasti, pasta, mains and pizzas. Start with pan-fried king prawns with lemon and chilli, followed by linguine vongole and rose veal with parma ham and fontina cheese. Those with dietary requirements are taken care of with dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus too.
Where: 115 Otley Road, LS6 3PX
Book now: Salvo’s

San Carlo

What: For Italian fine dining with a splash of glitz and glamour, look to San Carlo. This modern Italian restaurant boasts a 140-cover dining room decorated with contemporary touches, from a bespoke hand-carved stone bar to a three-metre iced display. A fitting spot for dates and special occasions, the menu features luxurious dishes like monkfish and prawn pasta (for two), veal cooked in cream and brandy, and Tomahawk steak. Don’t skip the Italian pistachio cake for dessert.
Where: 6-7 South Parade, LS1 5QX
Book now: San Carlo

Piccolo by Piccolino

What: Experience a slice of southern Italy in Leeds at this family-friendly all-day joint. Located at The Springs retail centre, it's a great place to enjoy everything from a post-shopping bite to eat, to a special occasion with friends and family. Relax with a cocktail at the bar, enjoy a decadent bowl of pasta in its stylish dining room, or kick back on the alfresco terrace when the sun is shining. The menu features antipasti, pasta, pizza, mains and grills, from paccheri with pork cheese guanciali, chilli and basil to roasted sea bream with tomatoes, olives and rosemary potatoes. There's also a kids' menu for bambini, if you have little ones in tow. 
Where: Unit 32, Thorpe Park Approach, LS15 8ZB
Book now: Piccolo by Piccolino

Da Vito Ristorante

What: Originally launched in 2020, this central Italian spot offers relaxed dining for locals to eat, drink and socialise with loved ones. The menu comprises classic and contemporary dishes, but examples of more adventurous dishes we like the sound of include deep-fried taleggio cheese with a berry compote, smoked haddock risotto, and fresh monkfish with minted potatoes and caper sauce.
Where: 3 York Place, LS1 2DR
Book now: Da Vito Ristorante

Amici

What: Amici, meaning 'friend' in Italian, is a welcoming neighbourhood spot that takes pride in serving, authentic, well-executed Italian food in a warm and stylish setting. Dishes include both classic and contemporary options, from calarami and bruschetta, to tempura prawns and baked goat's cheese with walnuts. You'll find a wealth of sourdough pizzas to keep everyone at the table happy, but more elegant mains include pan fried duck breast with a honey and cherry sauce, and grilled salmon with pea puree, asparagus and sun dried tomatoes. 
Where: 592-596 Harrogate Road, LS17 8DP
Book now: Amici

Zucco

What: A neighbourhood spot designed for locals, the seasonally-changing menu of classic dishes makes Zucco a popular haunt in the suburb of Meanwood. It’s refreshingly affordable too, with most pizzas costing less than £10 and meat dishes barely exceeding £13. Look out for traditional options, like rabbit cooked in white wine, pancetta and lemon, seafood stew with saffron cream, and Parmesan breaded chicken.
Where: 603 Meanwood Road, LS6 4AY
Book now: Zucco

Sarto

What: Pasta aficionadas - this one’s for you. Sarto serves up fresh, handmade pasta in a bright, modern space in Leeds city centre. Guests can either pull up a stool at the bar or the window, or opt to sit on one of its wooden benches for a laid-back, communal vibe. Pasta forms the crux of the menu, with the likes of fettucine with wild mushrooms and marsala cream, and rigatoni with lamb shoulder ragu, mint and sheep’s cheese. Whet your appetite with a selection of snacks to start, such as marinated white anchovies with blood orange and fennel.
Where: Duke Street, LS9 8AG
Book now: Sarto

Stuzzi

What: Stuzzi is the abbreviated term for ‘Stuzzichini’, which refers to small plates served in osterias and bars across Italy – a bit like tapas. Locals love sampling a selection of different dishes at this popular spot, from meats and cheeses to the likes of pea, mint and taleggio arancini, and onglet steak with n’duja roast potatoes and sautéed spring greens. The sweet dishes are just as fun: think Negroni cannolo and choux buns filled with gelato!
Where: 7 Merrion Street, LS1 6PQ
Book now: Stuzzi

Franco Manca

What: An oldie but a goodie, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Franco Manca for really decent sourdough pizza, reasonably priced wine and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Keep your eye out for seasonal specials every month – you'll find them written up on a chalkboard on the wall.
Where: 1 Trinity Street, LS1 6AP
Book now: Franco Manca

Bibis Italianissimo

What: Set inside a stylish, 20s-style dining room, Bibis Italianissimo is a restaurant and cocktail bar that is guaranteed to show you a good time. A notorious destination for dinner, a show and dancing, the restaurant hosts an ever-rotating line-up of acts and performances every month, from an Adele tribute act to a 90s Rewind night. What of the food? Choose from a wide selection of regional Italian classics, spanning both fancy and casual options. Highlights include pan fried chicken breast with hot and spicy n’duja salami, Fior di Latte mozzarella and skin-on-fries, a wagyu beef burger and creamy salmon mafaldine with asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
Where: Sovereign Stree, LS1 4AG
Book now: Bibis Italianissimo

LIVIN'Italy

What: This uber-friendly spot finds its home in the heart of Leeds, a stone’s throw from the station and directly underneath the railway arches. It’s available for dining any time of day, from breakfast through to dinner and late-night cocktails. Kick off the day with an Italian twist on eggs Benedict, or bring a friend and share one of its traditional boards, featuring cured meats, cheeses and traditional Sardinian crispy thin bread.
Where: Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach, LS1 4BR
Book now: LIVIN'Italy

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