Stuzzi Leeds brings the Italian tradition of small-plate dining to the city centre, with a menu designed for ordering generously, passing dishes around and trying a little bit of everything. Inspired by the small osterias and bars found throughout Italy, particularly in and around Venice, it’s a fun, lively choice for group dinners, birthdays and family meals.
The Stuzzi Leeds menu changes with the seasons, but expect an eclectic selection of Italian-inspired dishes made for sharing. Antipasti might include olives, marinated anchovy fillets and crunchy truffle pasta, before moving onto plates such as aubergine and red pepper arancino with provolone piccante, or charred plums with goat’s curd, and mint. Larger dishes could include pappardelle with braised pork belly, while vegetable-led options such as roast beetroot with blackberry and walnuts sit alongside simple sides of roasted potatoes and green leaf salad.
There’s also a more concise set menu, while children’s options are available on request. Save room for something sweet, with Italian favourites such as tiramisu alongside desserts like chocolate ganache with blackberries and cannolo with lemon and pistachio ricotta.
The Stuzzi Leeds dining room has plenty of personality of its own. A high vaulted ceiling and huge arched windows give the restaurant an impressive sense of scale, with exposed brick and oversized industrial lighting adding to the look. Burgundy and burnt-orange tones run through the space, while an arched walkway topped by a wine library creates a striking focal point. Plants soften the room, including a large olive tree tucked into a cosy corner.
Drinks keep the Italian influence going with Venetian spritzes and Negronis available throughout the day, alongside espresso martinis, Amaretto sours and house specials such as pompelmo frizzante. There is also a beautifully curated selection of wines as well as beer, spirits and boozy coffees.