Emporio Italia

We went here due to being told it has excellent food. The food was very good, the service was flawless and the food was executed to perfection.

If you want an authentic Italian atmosphere and experience, look no further! Staff are friendly and attentive upon arrival, Luigi takes time to explain all the meals on the menu, and you can see his passion for what he loves doing! Food is more than reasonably priced, portions are just right and it really is top notch! Looking forward to our next visit already...

It was meant to be :) Shortly after we came back from Italy and saw the waterfall in the #valleyofdesolation we found this hidden in the grass as made our way past the big oak tree. Coincidence?? Talk about a sign! A picture of a Vespa with the words 'Emporio Italia'. Of course we wouldn't have known about this place, had we not have stumbled across the card on that day. The moment we walked in we felt like we were back in Italy. We had to book at least 3 months in advance to get a table!!! As it's that popular. Inside there are only a handful of tables. This small, Italian family owned restaurant, opposite the train station in Ilkley, is well worth the visit. Friendly, relaxed wholesome atmosphere, even one of the son's did a presentation of the lunch menu! The place oozes with pride and passion! Chef Luigi proudly comes from Calabria and is very humble of his roots, sharing his stories and success with the guests. Most of all his food is authentic and exceptional!!! Emporio Italia is an award winning hailing as the best Italian restaurant in Yorkshire. ...It certainly lives up to the hype!!! I ordered one of the best Lasagna's I've ever tasted! Made with Ricotta, Calabrese sausage, ragu and mozzarella. Packed with flavour... Delicious!!! To think we would never have known about this hidden gem had we not gone to see the waterfall! (be sure to book well in advance) Grazie Luigi and the family of Emporio Italia for an amazing lunch and hospitality...we will be back 🙂

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

Amazing experience! The lovely chef comes out and talks you through the menu. Got some really great vegetarian food & managed to buy a bottle of wine I’ve only ever seen sold in Italy! The fresh fruit cheesecake with ice cream was one of the best dessert I’ve ever eaten