The best Italian restaurants in Leeds

'That's Amore'

When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine... you probably have. Itchy is here to show you where to wine and dine that special someone, Italian-style.

Casa Mia Millennium
6 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD
Tel: 0870 428 3001
Mon–Wed, 8am–10.30pm; Thu–Sat, 8am–11.30pm; Sun, 8am–11pm
Itchy recommends: Italian meatballs, £9.45; wine by the glass, from £3.35

Casa Mia Millennium really does offer the whole pizza pie (not forgetting the bresaola, spaghetti, and pasta dishes too). It effortlessly combines coffee bar, deli and al fresco dining experience – all you'll have to worry about is that end-of-night kiss. But never fear; the generous wine list should help get things started.

Mio Modo
2–4 Britannia Street, Leeds, LS1 2DZ
Tel: 0113 242 6655
Mon–Fri, 12pm–2.30pm & 6pm–10.30pm; Sat, 6pm–11pm
Itchy recommends: Pollo delicato (poached chicken with spinach and ricotta), £11.50; house wine, from £3.50 a glass

And so we move on to Mio Modo. It doesn't take much to see how this chic gaff got its prestigious rep in Leeds. Not only will you be wowed by the luxurious setting, but the attentive and attractive staff will turn your head too. The food is similarly tantalising. Just don't let your date catch you drooling.

pizza pasta leeds italian restaurants eating drinking Mio modo piccolino bibis italianissimo casa mia

Piccolino Ristorante & Bar
11–12 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5HD
Tel: 0113 244 3220
Mon–Sat, 12pm–11pm; Sun, 12pm–10.30pm
Itchy recommends: Lasagne al Forno, £8.95; house wine from £3.95 a glass

Not only is Piccolino positioned in one of the finest areas in Leeds but the service, décor and food all meet the highest standards. A word of warning though, if you are sitting next to the large front window, try not to make any embarrassing spills. Pretty much the whole of Leeds will be watching.

Bibis Italianissimo
Criterion Place, off Sovereign Street, Leeds, LS1 4AG
Tel: 0113 243 0905
Mon, 12pm–10.30pm; Tue, 12pm–11pm; Wed–Sat, 12pm–11.30pm; Sun, 12pm–10pm
Itchy recommends: Ravioli Villa Rosa, £12.50; wine by the glass, from £4.50; dessert, temptation of chocolate, £4.50

Now, for those of you who have a bit more cash to splash; Bibis is definitely for the high rollers. Boasting the 'Ultimate Italian Experience' Bibis has been the city centre's flagship Italian restaurant for years. One thing that hits you straight away is that there are mirrors on every surface, so you can fulfil that worrying narcissistic tendency.

So there you have it, pick a first date in any of these restaurants and make for that Disney spaghetti moment.

Email to a friend