Christmas at Stuzzi Leeds swaps the traditional turkey dinner for a generous Italian feast, with seasonal sharing plates served in the restaurant’s cosy city centre surroundings. Groups can book a shared Christmas party or hire the restaurant exclusively for up to 90 guests seated, with options suitable for celebrations with colleagues, friends or family. Children are welcome too, with kids’ dishes available on request.
The festive menu is designed for passing around the table, bringing together Italian flavours and familiar ingredients associated with the season. Antipasti might include truffle pasta crunchies, marinated anchovy fillets, chickpea, lemon and chilli crostini, and platters of Italian cheeses and salamis. Seasonal arancini with roast sprout and truffled pecorino butter are a highlight.
Larger sharing plates continue the festive theme without following the usual Christmas dinner formula. Expect dishes such as buffalo mozzarella with marsala mulled prunes; pork, ’nduja and duck rillettes with pickled pear crostini; shredded sprouts with pickled sultana and focaccia cream; and rigatoni with sausage, pancetta, sage and onion crumb. Hay-baked pork shank with leek and chestnut makes a suitably hearty centrepiece, accompanied by sides such as roasted potatoes and green leaf salad. A selection of desserts rounds off the meal, while drinks packages can also be arranged for groups upon request.
Stuzzi’s interiors feel particularly well suited to a winter evening. Deep burgundy, green and neutral tones are complemented by abundant plants, chandelier-style lighting and a large olive tree tucked in a cosy corner, while twinkling lights add an extra festive glow during the Christmas period. The high vaulted ceiling, arched windows and distinctive wine library bring character to the space.
With set-price dining available for larger groups, Stuzzi offers a straightforward way to organise a Christmas party while providing something a little different from the traditional festive meal.