Absolutely fabulous lunch time meal . It was our first visit and we were made to feel very welcome . The staff were very attentive and the food and atmosphere made us feel like we were back in Italy . We will definitely be returning....More

Fabulous food, good price. lovely small restaurant which has the personal friendly family feeling. Great surroundings

It was our first visit to this cosy Italian restaurant on Saturday lunchtime. We received a warm welcome and amazing service from Luigi, Gianluca and all the team. We both chose the pasta montenara from the chalk board after all the dishes were explained to...us. We both agreed that it was one of the best pastas we’ve eaten. We had a good bottle of Appassimento red wine too. We even tried cannoli for the first time. The food and the wine were fantastic. We’ll definitely be back here again and we recommend that you book well advance to avoid disappointment. Grazie MilleMore

This review starts out a little sad but the background is important! Having lost my mum quite suddenly a few years back, our little family has struggled to find much joy, and Covid made this much harder, particularly for my dad, who was suddenly living...alone and in lockdown at the same time. My dad is still very nervous about socialising and eating out and about after Covid (probably because of all the health related anxiety). This makes finding somewhere to eat quite tricky. HOWEVER. The one place that we ALL love and find an absolute joy to visit is Emporio Italia. My dad loves every single thing about this place, from the wonderful staff to the delicious food and the all round good vibes. It is without a doubt the best place to eat in Ilkley and my dad keeps threatening to move to the street next door, so he can be there, sitting outside in the drizzle, but enjoying a tiramisu and a coffee everyday of the week! It’s my 30th in November, and I already know where I’ll be booking for our family meal! (Although hopefully for a table inside!) xMore

Best restaurant in Ilkley by far. Taste the lamb and tell me different. Sauces are rich and elegant. Moreover the atmosphere is rich Italian culture met with a subtle ambience which isn’t sound elsewhere in Ilkley or surrounding areas. Truly a beautiful experience. Go there.

A delightful family run restaurant, excellent homemade food cooked by the owner who is extremely passionate about his cucina and the taste, presentation and quality of food exemplifies this. All evening there were smiles all around. Book very early to avoid disappointment. A real gem...a restaurant like this is a rare find.More

This quaint family-run restaurant in the heart of Ilkley offers some of Yorkshire’s most authentic Italian cuisine. Upon stepping into the venue you are immediately transported into Ilkley’s own little piece of Italy - the menu, the food, the staff singing along to old Italian...classics, during covid this really was a close second best to actually being in Italy in person! The menu, lovingly written on a chalkboard and theatrically explained by the chef (Luigi), may be limited in size but all of it is absolutely delicious. Don’t come here expecting pizzas or spaghetti carbonara (there are plenty of other places for that) - come here expecting the most amazing, lovingly prepared dishes - all cooked fresh by Luigi using the perfect blend of Italian ingredients and fresh, local produce. Having now been to the restaurant on around 20 occasions, I can honestly say that we have tried pretty much the entirety of the menu and have never had anything other than an excellent meal. Particular favourites are the Crespelle (Italian pancakes), Polpette (meatballs) and Burrata for starter and then the Agnello (Lamb), Pesce spada (Swordfish) and Pasta Montenara for main course. However, you really can’t go wrong! For dessert, it has to be the Tirimisu - but you absolutely cannot forget the canolli! Aside from the food, the other thing that makes a trip to Emporio Italia one that lives long in the memory is the staff - who all seem to love working here! Everyone is super friendly and genuinely go out of their way to ensure you have a good meal. A special mention must also go to Giani, who is an excellent front of house and makes everyone feel warmly welcome. The only downside is that, due to the size of the restaurant and it’s popularity, it is necessary to book well in advance!More