Emporio Italia in Bradford

There’s a reason you can’t get a reservation for months! The best food, the best staff, worth every penny. It’s a gem of a restaurant.

Consistently good, family run, Italian restaurant, serving quality food complimented with good service and a fine atmosphere. Ever changing menu to meet what’s in season. The owner’s explanation of what’s on the day’s menu is a live performance not to be missed.

2nd visit, love everything about Emporio, foods amazing, lovely family run restaurant, I was there for my 60th birthday with my sister Elaine and my lovely friend Tia, they went above and beyond to make it special, it's the personal touches, would definitely recommend a visit if your ever visiting Ikley, hopefully see you again soon.

An amazing little gem of a restaurant with several points of difference to the norm. Starting with the owners' verbalised trip through the menu to the fantastic freshly prepared food. Brilliant

Very nice, friendly environment. Great authentic Italian food. Chef explains what is on the menu. Def recommended to eat.

Th best Italian restaurant I’ve been to !! Food 10 , service 10 atmosphere 10, the Italian IPA …20 ! Fantastico 👏👏👏 authentic Italian 👍

Another fabulous lunch at Emporio today. This is such a great restaurant and is never disappointing. The food is gorgeous, all hand cooked by Luigi, the chef-patron. I love his descriptions of each dish when he comes out to explain the day's menu. It's usually hard to choose which to go for. The value is exceptional - an amuse- boucle, main course, glass of house wine and a coffee are all included in the price. Of course, there are delicious puds to tempt you to consume a few extra calories, and they are all delicious too. The service is also exceptional. Many of the staff are Luigi's family, and everyone takes care of each and every customer. No waving arms around to attract someone here! Today, I was made up as we got a cancellation for one of the evenings just before Christmas, so I'm very happy. It's just not Christmas without a visit to Emporio for me. Yay!

Love love love the gorgeous restaurant ❤️❤️❤️

Really nice spot. Would highly recommend! I’ve been twice now and both times the service and food were amazing!

Absolutely wonderful food, very special atmosphere! Chef was brilliant and staff were lovely. At lunch time there is a £19.95 format. Had the food not been so good we would have been a bit miffed to be charged the full price (we were informed before ordering that we could order just mains for around £13.00 each).

Went here for lunch on a Friday. There were 3 of us and we did not book. The restaurant is quite small so we had to sit outside - which was fine as the weather was good. If the weather is poor then try and book! They had a fixed price menu for just under £20 - which was just right for a lunchtime. This included a slice of toast with tapenade-style spread, a drink of your choice, a pasta main and a coffee. We each had a different pasta dish. There was a good range of offerings to suit different palatesThe ones we had were all superb. Top marks for the quality of the sauces accompanying the different pastas. The service was really good. Our waiter spend a bit of time explaining the dishes available (necessary as they were on a blackboard inside the restaurant). Then everything came in good time. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Four stars for atmosphere is because we were sat outside - and the road by the side of the railway is surprisingly busy. I'm looking forward to going again - and Ilkley is a great place to go for a day out anyway (this just gives you another reason to go).

We can definitely recommend this friendly family restaurant - the food and service are wonderful and the atmosphere so relaxed. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and will definitely return. Thanks

Had a fantastic meal yet again! This place never fails to impress! Fabulous authentic Italian cuisine made to the highest standard! Absolutely beautifully presented and served by the nicest of people!

Best little family run business in Ilkley, food was awesome. Service is friendly.always recommend this restaurant to all my family & friends.

Emporio Italian is my favorite restaurant of all time. Luigi makes you feel like you are on holiday in Italy. Coming out to read and explain his menu to everyone, sometimes he sings too. The food is amazing, especially the penne a la montenara. I have never had a bad meal here, whatever I have ordered. It is a real family restaurant with his wife Sam and children all working there. They make you feel so welcome, and always try to fit you in, where they can if you haven't booked. It is good for the whole family from my 80 year old mum to my 2 year old grandson. The flowers outside are always immaculate. I would recommend it to anyone.

Wow! Just wow! Have been eating here since I can remember and it never fails to impress! Booking well in advance due to the popularity but the wait is always soooo worth it! The food always has been, and continues to be, without doubt, the best Italian I've ever tasted and it never misses. When Luigi comes out to explain the menu to the whole room and everyone laughs and cheers, the experience in exceptional . I can't recommend this place enough and only wish I could eat here more often.

Managed to get in finally! The chef read the menu out to us which was a lovely touch. I think I'd have bought anything off the menu the way he explained everything to the dishes. The pasta was amazing and has a great choice of drinks on. 10/10 would recommend

Never disappoints , superbly cooked seasonal Italian food cooked with love and care. Fantastic attentive service and a charming and genuine independent restaurant.

Utterly wonderful family run restaurant. Chef Luigi’s run through the menu adds a bit of theatre and the beautifully rustic surroundings create a homely feel ushered in by the gorgeous planters overflowing with colour outside. There’s a great selection for lunch of pasta, vegetarian and carb free options plus a delicious variety of puddings and delicious wines too. Luigi’s legendary lasagne is not to be missed plus a the restaurant’s signature Penne Montanara is a firm favourite. Evenings now are limited to private functions at weekends or special occasions and are definitely worth the wait. Book early, you won’t be disappointed

Another stunning lunch service at Emporio Italia. Gem of a family run restaurant in the heart of Ilkley. Fantastic atmosphere, perfect service, stunning food. A must for locals and visitors. Thoroughly recommended.

Love at first bite.Sorry to be so late with this review.The food , ambience and staff are exceptional.If you are anywhere near Ilkley follow your taste buds,you won't be disappointed.🤓

A wonderful restaurant - excellent food beautifully prepared and full of such great flavours - perfect 🤗

Went for lunch today to celebrate my daughter's 18th Birthday. Everything about Emporia Italia is fantastic, the service, the food, the ambience - all amazing. This is an independent Italian restaurant run by an Italian family and it does indeed feel like you are sitting in a restaurant in Italy. The team went the extra mile for us and all sang happy birthday to my daughter. All in all we had a fabulous time, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Make sure you book well in advance as it usually booked out for weeks. Thank you to the wonderful team for such a lovely lunch

We love this place so much. An authentic Italian restaurant with superb food and drink. The staff are very welcoming and polite. The chef is amazing and a great character. Just before making your food choices the chef will enter the restaurant and explain what each dish consists of. This makes it really easy to choose your dish. We do book in advance but always worth the wait. The food is consistently excellent every time. The restaurant itself has a lovely vibe. We would always choose this place as it’s a superb Italian restaurant. Very highly recommended 😊

The best restaurant in Ilkley. I went again last Friday for the lunch deal and it was so lovely, as always. With the sound of Italian classics and the glorious smell spilling out onto railway road like a little corner of Italy, Emporio Italia has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Emporio team ensure the most pleasurable dining experience through hard work and a friendly smile. The food is insanely yummy - no pasta will ever compare to Luigi’s. For lunch we had Oricchiette Ortonlani (veg packed & summery), Tortellini d’Agnello (with slow roasted lamb), Burrata Caprese (divine) and my favourite the Rigatone Silani (lentils, spicy pork nduja, sautéed perfectly with roast chicken, fresh herbs, homemade passata and a touch of cream). On top of this, the desserts are so scrumptious and they always have a nice and plentiful range to choose from, incl top quality pistachio gelato! The coffee, included in the lunch deal, is imported from Italy, so don’t forget to get your espresso after the meal ☕️. The restaurant also serves as a deli, selling delights such as nice pastas, jars of nduja, artisanal beers etc, which are also all imported from Italy. …This restaurant is where to take someone to show off Ilkley.

By far the best authentic Italian restaurant for miles! Wonderful food, fabulous service and a really special atmosphere. This small but perfectly formed restaurant is such a treat and superb value for money. The Genovese pasta was beyond delicious and I’m still thinking about the salted caramel dark chocolate torte. Food so good, I didn’t want it to end! Luigi and Sam continue to create real magic here and we’ll be back very soon!

Fabulous resturant , we came from Middlesbrough for a 18th Birthday , the service , the food were amazing … thank you

Superb dining experience. Most authentic Italian restaurant by far.

Been coming here for years Always great fresh , authentic food Lovely friendly atmosphere Nothing to much trouble Family run Never had a bad meal From the Emporio WhatsApp girls

Great experience. Finally managed to get a table here - be warned you have to book far in advance. We took a weekend midday sitting and when we arrived the chef came out to tell us about the menu which was a nice experience. They have a good list to choose from and will cater to dairy free and vegetarian as everything is cooked fresh. The food tasted so good and it was very reasonably priced. Service was super friendly. Would recommend 100%!!

Absolutely amazing. Staff, atmosphere and food is all first class.

We tried to get in, in January, I was told, come back in March, so I booked a table, as you do. Was it worth a three month wait? We've booked three more dates, judge for yourself. Five star accross the board.

Fabulous experience. From the enthusiastic greeting, highly attentive but not in your face service, to the exceptionally well cooked food, we found this place to be delightful. Highly recommend you try this, be mindful that there is usually a long waiting list to get in, but I can truly understand why!

Always fabulous food, great service and lovely atmosphere. Book way in advance though because the word is out!

Fabulous food at a very reasonable price. Chef did a very entertaining presentation and explanation of the menu of the day.

Such a brilliant venue we booked last year and when I checked they were not open but I wasn’t informed! But Michael assured me that it was not a problem and they opened and they didn’t disappoint omg the chef came out and went threw the menu , and the food was so fresh delicious and vibrant cannot thank you enough we are coming in March as it’s my birthday so hopefully I can book x

Warm welcome, tremendous ambience, superb real taste of Italy as prepared by Luigi fresh to order. Highly recommend if in Ilkley, you will not regret it but hugely popular booking essential!

Altogether a fantastic experience.

Love this restaurant,such a lovely atmosphere and food .

The BEST Italian restaurant locally!

We sat at table one for dinner and the food and service were outstanding, we couldn't wait to go back on 16th December Thank you all x

Fabulous little authentic Italian restaurant. Just wonderful.

What an excellent gem of a place . Will definitely be back

Loved it, one of the best since I've been in Italy.

Truly Italian menu that changes daily. Set price of 19 pounds for lunch included decent wine, appetizer, main and real coffee. Fun atmosphere, great service and attention to detail.

The Linguine di Sorrento I had at Emporio was so tasty!. What an amazing ristorante this is thanks to Luigi, Samantha and the team who are so talented and friendly.

Awesome food and service. Lovely family who run it. Cannot recommend this place enough!

Booked in for lunch and it was excellent! A weekly changing menu fully explained by the chef. Family run and super professional. The pasta was brilliant with each dish tasting unique. We had the Penne alla montanara with Porcini Mushroom and Calabrese sausage, and the lasagne with fennel and pork. Delicious. Highly recommended and you'll need to book a few weeks ahead.

Thanks for all the great evenings, meals, and memories.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, Emporio Italia is a must visit. I had the pleasure of having lunch here with my partner; we dined al fresco on the decking overlooking some impressive planters, but certainly didn’t miss out on the quaint ambience that this place exudes both inside and out. The atmosphere is charming and romantic, and the cosy interior gives a warm and homely feel. Hearing the menu and ingredients of each dish being presented to all the customers was a unique touch that made the experience extra special. The food was fantastic; piping hot, generously portioned and superb value. The House Special Penne alla Montanara was spectacular, so fresh and tasty! From the get go we were made to feel welcome by the staff who were so friendly and efficient, thank you Fabby, Sofia, Gianluca and Luigi, I would highly recommend Emporio, this family-owned restaurant is a real treasure in Ilkley. I hope to be back again soon!

Had lunch here today for the first time … food amazing . Lovely atmosphere.. staff couldn’t do enough to make us feel happy to be there …Italy has come to L Ilkley., will definitely there again

Had wonderful Saturday lunch time, special menu: food, coffee and a glass of wine for £18.95. (extra it's not cheap) The menu features a range of classic Italian dishes with signature of "Italian calabrese taste"...even a little bit adapted.(pasta a little overcooked and lots of sauce). Nice personal introduction from a member of team , who explained the dishes of the day to everybody. Staff friendly. The place is rather small inside, but we enjoyed the atmosphere outside table. We will visit again in the future.

Hi I haven't been to eat yet, but wanted to say thanks for sorting out a voucher for me for a special birthday gift, long distance. Promptly sorted, no hassle, thankyou. Lesley

A hidden gem, wish we'd found sooner as soon to stop evenings, the passion for food and the amazing staff was just a joy from start to finish absolutely amazing 👏 ❤️

Our favourite Restaurant! Full of atmosphere, authentic Italian cuisine and a great team of staff. We try to visit every month and are never disappointed. Make sure you book as they are always full!

An amazing little restaurant, seating outside too! It's very authentic, great service 👍

Absolutely gorgeous anniversary meal here on Saturday. Place has a very special ambience with lovely staff, a bit of theatre, gorgeous wines and beer, and delicious food. I was so content that I fell to sleep on the train and almost missed my stop! LOL!

An exceptional dining experience .It is the sheer enthusiasm of the staff, their attention to detail, real authenticity, and great ingredients, which makes this place so wonderful. Loved it and will be back.

So excited we live next door. Fabulous food and beautiful setting. I wish I could make my planters as beautiful as theirs. Sun is shining so we might have to eat outdoors today and enjoy the decking 😋

Fantastic meal . And fantastic hospitality will definitely be going again

The devil in me wants to award 1 star so nobody books a reservation and I get exclusive booking rights! Seriously though, last night was our first visit (why, I don’t know considering I live local and everyone raves-on about) and wow yes it’s the real deal, everything most restaurants strive for but don’t quite reach: happy smiling service, good value, beautiful fresh home-cooked food (in the best sense), Italian dishes made with love and passion. The seasonal menu - changes daily, is presented with great passion by the Italian born and bred chef (and probably proprietor but not sure) prior to service and then all orders taken and processed in one hit! Don’t know how they manage this so effortlessly but they do. Oh the Italian unfiltered beer is delicious too. Very very happy customer.

Favourite restaurant in Ilkley! Great food and atmosphere, and the best menu-read ever!

Staff very friendly and effficent Food was delicious, outstanding First time coming, we came from Harrogate and our friends came from Leeds Would certainly come again First rate and a real joy As our Son would say" PURE THEATRE EXPERENCE"

Eaten at this restaurant several times now. Exceptional food and service from Sam and the team, they are all so friendly and welcoming. Cannot fault anything about this Restaurant, I love it!!!!

A great experience. The chef addressed the whole restaurant with a description of the menu. This enables diners to make the best choice.

Lovely food, staff are really friendly too

Best Italian dining experience by far! Loved the food and the staff. Would eat here every week if I could.

What an absolute gem of a restaurant. Small and intimate with a personal introduction from Luigi who explained the dishes of the day. The food was fantastic - Fresh & tasty. The waiting staff were super friendly and efficient. Will definitely be returning!

Best place ever!!!! It is highly recommended. They sell the best Italian food and the Italian experience too. Lovely people! I will book there again for sure! My favorite Italian restaurant

Friendly, authentic Italian. Excellent menu choices and the food is always amazing. Have been many times and never disappointed.

One of the best Italian restaurants we’ve dined in and it’s on our doorstep. The varied menu never ceases to surprise and delight, the excellent customer service and experience never falters. Can’t wait for our next visit

A true taste of Italy in Yorkshire. Small menu but you know everything is really fresh. The base sauces are to die for. If one criticism, could do with some bread to mop up the remaining sauce. Bellisimo.

Entertaining, homely, friendly, delicious, great lunch deal. Must book, we booked months in advance and only got lunch.

Amazing food, great service, terrific atmosphere. Can't praise this place enough.

This place is sensational. Authentic Italian dining experience. It’s super cosy and the food is quite simply fantastic. The owner and chef Luigi comes out in to the restaurant and talks you through his menu, it’s a really special touch. Service is great, front of house team are really knowledgable and very friendly. Need to make sure you book in advance as it’s really popular and rightly so.

Great atmosphere, delicious food, amazing chef and all the guys there provided us with the best service. Gianluca was awesome giving us proper advice on what it is best to eat. To be honest though, there is nothing on the menu that would disappoint you.

absolutely stunning , went here on a recommendation, we were not disappointed, the lunch time special which included coffee and a glass of wine for £15.95 was a real treat , I had a tuna pasta dish which was so full of flavour , staff are spot on , this is the place to visit if you are in Ilkley , I do recommend making a reservation though we managed a walk in , thanks agai Emporio Italia 👍

Fantastic experience for my mums birthday last weekend. Food was excellent and atmosphere and service was brilliant as always.

The food creates dreams of the South of Italy served with a flair of happyness and a smile on the face. Ask the staff for anything and if they can they will arrange what you want. The house wine is perfect and the Frizzante is served cool and is for the quality very cheap... Always a laugh and smile when we arrive even for a coffee... Shame not all places are like this very special little Italian and would even recommend to Anton Mosimann for a quick stop over Update the owners have renovated the whole restaurant - What comes to mind is classic, quiet chic and puts many other places to shame More seating now with the high standard of cooking and service will enable Emporio Italia to succeed where others fail. Update II Went tonight Friday 9th October to a lively typical mini Southern Italy piazza restaurant. The result is a clean plate, see picture. The wine chilled perfectly not icey cold, the espresso strong and warming, the food a delight for the body and mind. What else to say. I have eated in the Dorchester, Baur au Lac, Mosimann's and many more highly rated establishments, but "Mama's kitchen" beats all these in service and food. Today 5th May 2021 I went for a small sad celebration ( wedding anniversary) by myself. I was greeted and treated like a king, a friend a long lost soul. This is more then a restaurant it is a bit of family. The food is brilliant but more importantly they treat you as a human being and care. I thank the "crew" for their kindness shown on this very day of 5th May and excuse the tears shown.

Superb food and great service at a good price

We four old friends got together - after too long- and had a really good meal. Authentic Italian ie cooked there, not delivered, helpful staff. Clearly very popular with locals, when we were finishing we tried to speed up as there were people waiting to get in! Real quality.

Absolutely gorgeous meal in a stunning little hidden gem - very authentic Italian food and decor, and the owner is clearly so passionate about what he does! We loved our lunch and can't wait to return!

Very friendly, interesting approach. Others liked the food better than me.

Very good food. The weather was lovely so we sat outside amidst the flowers.

Drinks were great and were at a very reasonable price. The service was lovely and everyone was extremely friendly. Would recommend this to anyone!

Arguably the best restaurant I've been to. Amazing food, amazing service, so much so I've already got another booking lined up for October :) Great work by all the team

Proper Italian food and experience

One word - Outstanding! I've waited a while to visit here and finally I got to sample some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. The service is very good and the staff are really friendly and attentive. I loved how the menu was read out to everyone before service began. Each dish was just amazing, with the right portion size that by the end I was full but not uncomfortable. The lasagna was rich in flavour but not overpowering. The pasta just melted in my mouth. I would return here to try a meat dish next time

Bella atmosfera davvero tipica e tutto è delizioso !

Delicious food at lunchtime in this gorgeous Italian restaurant. Will definitely return.

Authentic intimate informal Italian with a lovely family feel, unpretentious but seriously great food, and brilliant staff. Best meal I've had for a long while.

First time eating at this superb restaurant.Family lunch,great food and service.

Best Italian outside of Italy. Authentic experience and 100% amazing food.

Amazing place! Was pure, authentic Italian food and atmosphere. Not exaggerating, one of the best meals I've had in my life and for a more than reasonable price. Had to leave a thick tip as I felt I was robbing them for what we paid to what we got. The staff are incredible as well and make you feel right at home, while at the same time make you feel like your almost actually in Italy. Book ahead! This place is always booked up as it's so darn good!

Third or fourth visit and simply the best Italian anywhere

Thoroughly enjoyed the food, ambiance and the staff were friendly and efficient. Good value for money too. Definitely will go back.

Took my parents out for lunch yesterday and the food was amazing as were the staff. Lovely place to go, it has a very homely atmosphere which a lot of restaurants don't have anymore, will definitely visit again.

First class pasta for good value

Lovely lunch, one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had. Great atmosphere and lovely welcoming staff. We will be back!

The food was super great! The stuff was amazing! Great presentation and a very pleasant experience! You feel mega welcome there and looked after! Very cozy and I will come back!