Little Italy Restaurant in York

Reviews

1. Rich Deerdog ★★★★★

   This is by far my favourite restaurant in York. Located on Goodramgate and open since 1992, the restaurant (which is quite small) is upstairs above a traditional deli and really oozes tradition and charm. Been coming here at least once a year now since 2019 (even managed 2020!) and am never disappointed. Much nostalgia. You can book the restaurant online these days (via the website), which is handy. It is generally very popular, so I’d always recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment – they also don’t open on a Tuesday. From memory, they usually shut for a couple of weeks at the start fo the year for a holiday as well. The atmosphere inside is traditional, the upstairs restaurant offers perhaps 50 covers in a compact space – the walls are lined with wine and mirrors – it gets busy, but never really feels crowded, in the way some places can. Lots of lively conversations taking place. Service is always friendly and professional. The toilets are on the floor above, reached via vertiginous stairs, the journey is an adventure. The menu is comprehensive, with an excellent range of traditional classics and specials – the pasta selection, in particular, is formidable. On this occasion, I opted for the excellent scalda n’duja to start – this is a traditional spreadable spiced sausage (served sitting on a burner) served with soft cheese and delicious crusty bread. This is a big portion and packed with flavour. Another good option I’ve had before is the arancini, which are served with a thick and rich cheese sauce. Beautiful. For a main, the cannelloni, filled with chicken and spinach and served with cheese and tomato sauces – this is also very rich. (Special mention also to the pasta with sausage and mushroom and the chicken roulade, which are both excellent options). Whenever I come here, I regret not having a bigger appetite, as there’s always more than one thing that I want to try… There is a dessert menu, but for me the standout here is and always has been the limoncello (yes, that is with lemon) tiramisu – this is a generous portion with mascarpone and a good hit of limoncello. This truly is ‘the’ pudding and worthy of celebration. There’s a small video featuring this pudding on Google – can’t imagine who made that… Overall, this is an excellent restaurant and definitely one that deserves your custom – the deli downstairs looks very good as well, although I don’t tend to be around at lunchtime myself. If you’re staying at the DoubleTree around the corner, that’s very convenient for this restaurant but, to be honest, it’s very walkable from most of the hotels in central York. A definite two paws up. One to try.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Robin Rainton ★★★★★

   We had a fantastic dinner at this wonderful deli/restaurant. I personally found being seated downstairs near the shop deli counter very interesting with a unique atmosphere but others may prefer the more traditional tables upstairs. All our dishes were delicious and while some plates look a little bare it's just an illusion (large plates!) as the portions were ample. Service was very friendly and efficient & while not cheap think pricing is fair for the quality offered. Highly recommended.

   almost 8 months ago
3. Julieta Ayub ★★★★★

   My husband and I I went for dinner and had an incredible experience. Dishes are many and varied and all seem to be mouth-watering. We ordered gorgonzola-and-nuts gnocchi and mushroom ravioli and they were both absolutely delicious! The atmosphere was great, as was the service. A little bit pricier than other places, but totally worth it!

   almost 9 months ago

1. SpotONReviews (The ND) ★★★☆☆

   Alright..so the good and the bad...Food was authentic Italian and the red sauce tasted great! The gnocchi with white gorgonzola cream sauce was not good at all..it tasted like cardboard unfortunately..the service was lacking (where I did feel like I was in Italy)..the tables were crammed together and with mirrors on the wall upstairs it felt very invasive, especially while you are trying to enjoy a romantic dinner..I could literally see the people behind me eating, while they could undoubtedly see me as well...

   almost 10 months ago
2. Alastair Boast ★★★★★

   Best Italian food in York. Dishes are rustic, but full of flavour. Restaurant is located in a traditional, ancient, York building. Service was very friendly, and staff were quick to reccomend wines. Do not miss the homepage deserts. There was a good range of vegetation options.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Andrew Wells ★★★★★

   Let's keep this simple. The food is authentic, fresh and delicious. The service was friendly and knowledgeable. My dad and I separately have been to Italy and try to eat at good local spots when we go. We both felt that this was one of the top Italian restaurants we've ever been to. Seriously super good, make a reservation!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Pim G ★★★★★

   Awesome If you like a freshly made italian sandwich so this place is a heaven! l didn't know what to order at first and the lady in a shop just so helpful and nice. I highly recommend this place Tips Grab a nice sandwich and sitting at a bench around a corner.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Mamma Bear George ★★★★★

   Fabulous little restaurant with so many attentive, friendly staff. Made it reservation late but received help over the phone with parking options nearby, and nothing was too much trouble. Meals were fresh, filling, and delicious. We weren't waiting around for ever to be served either. Heartily recommend Little Italy for any occasion. Thank you.

   almost 3 years ago
3. João de Melo ★★★★★

   An amazing Italian restaurant where you clearly notice that all food is prepared in-house. One of the best lasagnas I’ve ever tried. TIP: it’s not a huge restaurant, só book a table in advance

   almost 3 years ago

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