8 Delicious Italian Restaurants In York You Need To Try
Are you craving the delectable taste of authentic Italian cuisine? Or even dreaming of the time you can jet yourself off to the Amalfi Coast and bask in the sunshine? If so, why not treat yourself to the UK’s version of heaven and visit some Italian restaurants in York?
Doing this, you kinda get the best of both worlds – right? Tucking into delicious Italian dishes without the hefty airline price tag…what’s not to love?
Getting out of your student accommodation in York and visiting your local Italian restaurant is a must.
Need inspo of where to go? Don’t fret – we’ve collated the best 8 which should be at the top of your bucket list.
Grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy the selection we’ve chosen especially for you.
1. Delrio’s
Renowned as being York’s ‘little Italian restaurant’, Delrio’s is a hugely popular destination for amazing food.
It’s situated in an underground cellar and is an intimate venue for a relaxing dinner.
We’re completely obsessed with its decor and cosy vibe, which is certainly bringing the Italian feel we’re dreaming of.
Expect a broad range of traditional home-made Italian pastas, pizzas and desserts, plus a delightful choice of speciality dishes with an emphasis on fresh fish, locally sourced meat and vegetarian options.
Firm favourites include Quattro stagioni pizza and Ravioli al branzino, a sea bass ravioli served in a creamy tomato sauce…delicious – huh?!?
Customer Reviews
‘Most amazing pear and cheese pasta! Every dish we ordered was delicious and lovely atmosphere – felt like I was transported to Italy! Will most definitely be back’
‘We love this place , great food and great service. It looks nothing from the outside but it’s a little gem inside . We were delighted to return after all the restrictions of the last 18 months. We love this little restaurant and it will always be the first place we return to when we visit York in the future.. Thanks to all staff’
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2. Little Italy
Little Italy is a quaint family-run restaurant and it’s nestled between York Minster and Monk Bar.
With raving reviews on all websites, including Tripadvisor and Google Reviews, it comes as no surprise that many people fall in love when they visit here.
It’s set over two floors, but we do recommend to book ‘cos this upscale restaurant in York can get super busy.
Begin with a Mozzarella di bufala, a starter containing premium bufala mozzarella with sliced tomato, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.
For the mains, treat yourself Ravioli Al Porcini – a homemade ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms. Served with a four cheese, cream and truffle sauce, this dish is not one to be missed.
Customer Reviews
‘Second time we have visited Little Italy whilst in York. Authentic and broad menu, in truth spoilt for choice in terms of great dishes that deliver for everyone. Great atmosphere, fantastic service, exceptional quality.’
‘Amazing food, great service and never let you go without a drink in hand! Will be coming back again next time I’m in York! Lovely atmosphere too.’
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3. Valentino’s
Established in 1990, Valentino’s is an upscale Italian restaurant, situated in the heart of York.
It’s been designed with a clean, crisp finish and features modern furnishings.
Whether you’re dining as two, or decide to grab a bunch of your friends for a meal, Valentino’s will be able to cater for you. Just make sure to book beforehand and you’re good to go!
When it comes to their Italian menu, they don’t disappoint! From your classic Pizza dishes, to Vegetarian Risotto and Fillet Steak, there’s options for everyone here.
Customer Reviews
‘A great Italian Restaurant. Fantastic atmosphere. Service very efficient but welcoming. Best Rissotto for years, creamy like it should be. Tasty Steaks. Everywhere lovely and clean. Puds to die for!’
‘Very popular family run restaurant close to our hotel made this and excellent choice. Much better than the chains’
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4. Il Paradiso Del Cibo
Il Paradiso Del Cibo – what a name! If you’re looking to sample authentic Italian cuisine, then this is the place to be.
With use of only the freshest of ingredients, it comes as no surprise that this popular quintessential restaurant is on our top 8 list.
From the outside, it may just look like your average cosy Italian restaurant, but the dishes it produces are on another level – we promise!
Firm favourites include the Mushroom risotto and Kannolo-inspired dessert. Definitely get these if you’re heading here with your uni friends.
Customer Reviews
‘Very authentic Italian (Sardinian), not your usual pasta and pizza here, very busy with locals which is a good sign, definitely recommend’
‘I ate here in a group of 8 on Sunday night and we were absolutely overwhelmed with the service, friendliness of staff and quality of food and venue. We will definitely be eating there again on our next visit to York!’
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5. Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia is a popular Italian restaurant, offering relaxed dining in a cosy, comfortable setting.
Just a short stroll away from York train station, this restaurant is the perfect choice if you’re travelling in from out of town.
Having been opened since 1987, Mamma Mia has a longstanding reputation for excellent and traditional Italian food.
When it comes to their menu, expect fresh pasta, great Italian wines and meat specialities you won’t find anywhere else.
Customer Reviews
‘The atmosphere is busy, fun, filled with voices in Italian. The food was excellent, the wine was excellent. All was served quickly and with good attention.’
‘Most delicious dinner I had in a very long time. Busy cozy restaurant with friendly staff and food second to none. Superb fillet steak with port reduction and probably the best pizza I ever had. Thank you.’
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6. La Vecchia Scuola
If you’re on the lookout for an Italian gem in the heart of York, then you need to get yourself to La Vecchia Scuola!
In comparison to its predecessors in this list, La Vecchia Scuola is in a stunning 300-year-old Georgian building, with seating underneath chandeliers.
For classic Italian pasta dishes, choose the Spaghetti napoletana.
Or, for something a little different, choose Duo di agnelo, Lamb cutlets and slow roasted lamb shoulder roulade with parma ham wrapped potato cake, charred vegetables, red wine and shallots sauce, minted pea puree and crispy oyster mushrooms.
Customer Reviews
‘We come here every time we visit York, good food and service in very pleasant surrounding, my wife is in a wheelchair and the restaurant kindly open a back door for access.’
‘We stumbled across La Vecchia Scuola, it was a happy accident. We love the place it was relaxed ,roomy, bright and airy.We both had the belly of pork and it was excellent, most enjoyable’
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7. Lucia
Nestled in the heart of York, Lucia is a restaurant, lounge and cocktail bar open every single day!.
It’s the perfect setting to socialise with your uni pals, whether it be for a mid morning cake and coffee, or a late night dinner.
Expect an interior so instagrammable you’ll be dying to go and take some pics!
When it comes to food, they smash it out of the park. From stone baked pizzas, to classic risotto dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Customer Reviews
‘From start to finish this was an exceptional experience. First we were taken to our table in the cocktail lounge where we enjoyed great drinks then, when the time for our table in the restaurant arrived, we were taken down to it. The service here is first class, the decor super amazing and the food fabulous! Our experience was wonderful and absolutely faultless – we will definitely return, can’t wait! ps, be sure to check out the chocolate mousse dessert…’
‘Really nice food, really good service, our waitress Virdzhinia was super helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend!’
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8. Marzano Italian Grill
Last, but certainly not least, Marzano Italian Grill is definitely a hot spot for a tasty treat.
It’s a family friendly upbeat bistro, offering pasta, pizza and other Italian favorites, plus a full bar.
They have a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine, so expect fancy pizzas and delicious fresh pasta meals.
If you’re looking for varied menus, then you need to book ASAP.
Customer Reviews
‘We have just had the most devine food here, the lovely flavours oozed out and portion size was perfect. The staff here are lovely and friendly and we’re so helpful. Also a lovely bottle of red too’
‘Superb, wonderful, fantastic Brilliant time at Marzano’s Italian Grill. Very nice Atmosphere. Excellent food. I very much enjoyed th Rosemary Flat bread, Bread brie and the Marzano pizza. Next to decide on a desert.’
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