York Named UK’s Best City for Italian Food – Here’s Why It Deserves the Crown
Forget London — the UK’s new Italian food capital is York, according to a nationwide study by Real Italian Restaurants. With its cobbled streets, medieval charm, and now a booming Italian food scene, York has officially taken the top spot for lovers of all things pizza, pasta, and parmesan.
But what makes York the best place in Britain for Italian dining? It’s not just the number of restaurants — though the city boasts nearly 21 Italian eateries per 100,000 residents, more than anywhere else in the country. It’s the quality, variety, and authenticity that set York apart.
A slice of Italy in the heart of Yorkshire
York’s Italian food scene is a rich blend of traditional family-run trattorias, stylish modern ristorantes, cosy pizzerias, and bustling café-delis. Whether you’re after handmade pasta, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, or fine dining with a Tuscan twist, the city has something to suit every appetite and budget.
Here are just a few highlights:
1. Truly authentic Italian cooking
- Little Italy on Goodramgate is celebrated for its fresh, from-scratch pasta and an authentic deli experience—locals rave it’s “unreal,” and even visitors from Bologna rate it the most authentic in town.
- Cresci Pizzeria holds certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, offering genuine Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas using Italian-imported ingredients.

2. Variety of dining experiences
- In a cosy cellar atmosphere, Delrio’s serves Sardinian-influenced dishes, homemade pasta, and desserts made in-house.
- La Vecchia Scuola, set in a former school, blends history with fine dining and a seasonal Italian menu .
- Marzano Italian & Grill offers both classic and modern dishes on Fossgate, with excellent-value set menus for lunch and dinner.
- For wine lovers, Enoteca by L’UVA delivers a broad Italian menu—including vegan/gluten-free options—and an extensive Italian wine list.
3. Strong community backing
York’s Italian scene thrives with enthusiastic local support— reviews often praise Little Italy, Delrio’s, Marzano, Trinacria, and Enoteca as some of the best in town.
Planning your visit
Whether you’re visiting York for a weekend break or lucky enough to live there, it’s clear the city is a must-visit for Italian food fans. From candlelit dinners in tucked-away courtyards to lively group meals over pizza and Prosecco, York delivers a taste of Italy with Yorkshire warmth.
In short: if you’re looking for the best Italian food in the UK, head to York — and bring your appetite.
Sources: Real Italian Restaurants, Tripadvisor
Top image by Thimotius Timmy via Unsplash