Harden's survey result
Summary
“Possibly the most authentic Italian food in the north of England, and with no compromise to British ideas of what Italian food is” – this converted old cottage on the A59 is “somewhat reminiscent of an agriturismo, but casting its net over Italy, serving various cuisines rather than just one”. Maurizio Bocchi is the chef, while his wife Cinzia runs front of house, and “their knowledge of oils and wines is amazing” (“olive oil is a speciality verging on obsession and the all-Italian wine list is full of excellent wines you've never heard of, all at very fair prices”). “The food is hearty enough for a rural Lancastrian appetite” – “pastas, particularly the home made ones, are always excellent, fish is always very good, but meat tends to be overcooked in that curiously Italian manner”.
Summary
“Possibly the most authentic Italian food in the north of England, and with no compromise to British ideas of what Italian food is” – this converted old cottage on the A59 is “somewhat reminiscent of an agriturismo, but casting its net over Italy, serving various cuisines rather than just one”. Maurizio Bocchi is the chef, while his wife Cinzia runs front of house, and “their knowledge of oils and wines is amazing” (“olive oil is a speciality verging on obsession and the all-Italian wine list is full of excellent wines you’ve never heard of, all at very fair prices”). “The food is hearty enough for a rural Lancastrian appetite” – “pastas, particularly the home made ones, are always excellent, fish is always very good, but meat tends to be overcooked in that curiously Italian manner”.
Summary
Maurizio (chef) and Cinzia (front of house) Bocchi’s “fiercely Italian” venture occupies “an old weaver’s cottage on the main A59 road through the village” and is “the best Italian food in this part of Lancashire”. “They can’t do enough to make sure you enjoy your meal, and the food is very authentically Italian, based in the Marche, but roving around other regions (there’s little that you would recognise from the menu of your standard high street Britalian). The wine list – all Italian – is very special: not cheap, but good value, and full of unusual vintages. The list of Italian beers is worth a look too (even the soft drinks are largely Italian). Portions are as lavish as both agriturismo and Lancashire would expect!”
Summary
A quaint converted building in the Ribble Valley provides the location for Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi’s fixture of fifteen years’ standing, which takes pride in its local sourcing of Italian dishes.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Locanda?
Owner's description
A multi-award-winning, traditional Italian restaurant nestled in Lancashire’s wonderful Ribble Valley.
Full of original, rustic charm, La Locanda’s owners Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi will take you to the heart of Italian cuisine, serving you authentic, seasonal recipes that go back generations.
“Each dish served has been passed down through generations, and we hope our commitment, devotion and passion for excellence is apparent throughout the flavours and taste of each dish”
The menu is refreshed on a weekly basis to reflect and celebrate the flavours, aromas, and textures of the finest and freshest seasonal produce available. Over 85% the ingredients are sourced locally and as we only select the best quality and freshest produce available on the day, some dishes on the menu may change without notice.
If you would like to know more about any of La Locanda’s dishes, their ingredients or heritage, Cinzia, the restaurant owner, will happily discuss.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.95 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.90 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.95 |
Restaurant details
The chef
Born and raised on the banks of Lake Maggiore, in the north of Italy and close to neighbouring Switzerland, Maurizio’s love of food began at an early age. He loved heading out into the woods and foraging for wild mushrooms with his grandmother, and to watch his mother making bread, using flour from the local mill, and fresh pasta with the eggs collected from the hen house.
Motivated by his uncompromising drive to make sure that Italy’s traditional food heritage was properly respected, in 2003, he and Cinzia established La Locanda and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, more than 12 years down the line, La Locanda has won numerous awards, accreditations and accolades for its Slow Food ethos and credentials, and for its authentic representation of Italian food culture and traditions.
La Locanda Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Have dined at this traditional Italian restaurant many times over the past 15 years at least. My companion and I had the Christmas menu recently and it was without doubt the most exceptional meal bar none. Sylvia had the perfect roast venison and I had the most succulent roast goose. Accompanied by a super fab DOCG Barolo. From start to finish it was a delight upon the taste buds and the service and ambience were so perfectly Italian. Cinzia and Mauricio are the sweetest and friendliest hosts... I cannot recommend more highly this establishment and a must visit if you venture into the Gisburn area. 10 gold stars from this happy customer!"
"We ate ate La Locanda as well as you can anywhere on this planet. Food that is sourced, prepared, cooked and presented with loving attention. Bravissimo. Save yourself the airfare to Italy and make your way to Gisburn. Mille grazie."
"An incredible restaurant. Amazing food, combining the best of locally sourced produce with a truly exceptional range of authentic Italian ingredients and recipes. The best selection of craft Italian beer I have seen in any restaurant was an extra bonus! As it says, it is not just your local Italian restaurant, it is so much more than that. Having eaten many times in Italy and numerous high end London restaurants, La Locanda is right up there as one of the very best."
Main Street, Gisburn, BB7 4HH
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8 pm |
