The story
Pranzo Italian Ilkley brings the flavors of Southern Italy to West Yorkshire through the vision of founder Marco Greco. Marco draws direct inspiration from his family's roots in Calabria, where he watched his Nonna prepare pasta using vegetables harvested straight from the garden. This Calabrese foundation shapes every dish at the restaurant, blending time-honored regional techniques with contemporary touches. Since opening as a modest lunch bar in 2018 alongside his father, Marco has expanded the concept while keeping production strictly in-house. Fresh pasta rolls off the line daily, and the same hands craft the breads, sauces, and desserts that define the menu.
The menu showcases Marco's favorite elements of his grandmother's recipes, resulting in robust pasta dishes like paccheri tossed with homemade spicy nduja sausage, spinach, and a creamy white wine reduction. Seafood lovers can order scoglio, featuring bigoli noodles paired with mussels, tiger prawns, and anchovies finished with pangrattato. For heartier selections, the ragù di manzo pairs slow-braised beef shin with fresh mafalde and pecorino Romano. Lobster ravioli offers a richer option, served with cherry tomatoes and samphire. Beyond pasta, the kitchen also bakes sourdough pizzas and prepares traditional Sunday roasts for families visiting Ilkley.
Marco's personal involvement extends to developing every new menu item, ensuring the food retains the authenticity of traditional Italian cooking while meeting current standards. This dedication to quality preparation earned the Ilkley location an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, recognizing the consistency achieved across the kitchen. The restaurant remains a proudly independent operation, offering private party packages and accommodating large group bookings for celebrations. Regular initiatives, including summer promotions where children eat free with a paying adult, highlight the venue's focus on accessible hospitality.
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