Rothwell, Italian Restaurant Guide

This “relentlessly excellent” family-run spot on “an anonymous corner in Meanwood” is “starting to get the attention it deserves” as “a place where a kind of magic can be experienced in plates of delightful Italian food”. “Russell Norman lives on in north Leeds!” – a reference to the late founder of Brutto and before that Polpo in London, where Rosario Leggiero worked before opening Zucco with his chef brother Michael over a decade ago. Michael’s wife Clare is also part of the team, and their sons Matteo & Joe are being groomed to take the reins.

“Always great”, this stalwart Italian has been delivering pizza, pasta and Sicilian specials since the 1970s, when the former cost just 70p, and was seen as an exotic treat. In 2023, John & Gip Dammone, who’d long since taken over the reins from their father Salvatore, finally sold up, going on to receive MBEs for their services – and happily the new owners – also brothers, symmetrically – haven’t messed with the formula at what is a deserved Leeds legend.

In a picturesque village near Wetherby in Yorkshire, this branch of a glitzy Cheshire-based Italian operation is strongly rated across the board – owned since 2020 by Sir Malcom Walker of Iceland, the group recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special menu of dishes such as Wagyu beef and truffle lasagna.

2024 Review: A “fantastic setting beside the River Wharfe” provides the perfect backdrop for “good Italian food and friendly service” from Alessandro & Sofia Elena Tocca, who have established a strong local following over more than 20 years. Their Italian take on the classic Sunday roast is a highlight of the menu.