Tucked just off Sharrow Vale Road, Cornerstone occupies a restored former mission hall that’s been reborn as an all-day Italian restaurant, bar and terrace. The family behind it trace their roots to the hills of Sardinia, and owner Richard Massarella has built the place around the kind of long, convivial meals he grew up with – hence the motto “Italian born, Yorkshire raised”.
Daytimes bring brunch and lunch, when the menu runs from full breakfasts and pastries to sandwiches, salads and small plates, all leaning on seasonal, locally sourced produce with the odd nod to global flavours. Come evening, the focus shifts to sharing. Diners are encouraged to order a spread of dishes and pass them around the table Italian-style, though a classic three-course route is just as welcome. Expect pasta, sharing plates and generous cuts of meat and fish – the headline act being a 1kg côte de boeuf from Yorkshire-bred cattle, aged for 60 days in a Himalayan salt chamber, seared until caramelised and served with Café de Paris butter or peppercorn sauce.
The bar keeps things ticking into the evening with cocktails, while the specialty coffee reflects the group’s other ventures (it also runs a coffee shop and gelato counter at The Hive in Yorkshire Wildlife Park). Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners are well catered for, and dogs are positively encouraged, with water bowls and treats on hand.