Pranzo, York – Restaurant Review
By Graham Clark, November 2025
You might already be familiar with Pranzo. The independent restaurant group has recently opened its fourth Yorkshire restaurant in the capital of God’s Own County – York. The menu takes inspiration from owner Marco’s family heritage in Calabria, Southern Italy. It was here Marco watched his Nonna (grandmother) make homemade pasta mixed with ingredients picked from their garden.
Everything is made in-house – the pasta is made fresh daily, alongside the bread, sauces and desserts.
In a city that has more than enough Italian restaurants you might think there would not be enough room for another one; but what makes Pranzo stand out from its competitors is the quality of authentic food with excellent service to match. This is not mass-produced food but cooked individually with passion and care.
“Welcoming and attentive”
At the end of a week when my last restaurant visit was meant to be a four-star experience at a newly opened rooftop bar (which shall remain nameless), the service was so bad and the food so mediocre that I could not even manage to recall anything good to write about the experience. So much so that, in the end, I did not even bother. The warm, welcoming and attentive service received at Pranzo was therefore appreciated beyond any expectation.
Due to my partner having to stay at home to nurse a sick beagle with a poorly eye, I was dining alone. Not that it mattered – I soon had a friendly face to talk to in the shape of one of the head waiters, named Magic.
Casting his magic wand, he proved the perfect host, not just to myself but to all the other tables he served. On an unusually warm autumnal Sunday evening the restaurant was over half full. Overhearing adjacent conversations, my fellow diners appeared to be local. In a transient city such as York, where tourists often outnumber locals, the premise of finding a restaurant where the locals eat seemed more pertinent than ever.
Arancino
“Homely feel”
The soft hues of the restaurant décor, with shades of turquoise and beige and stone walls, give a homely feel, and it is just about the right size, with the music played softly so you can actually have a conversation without having to raise your voice.
The wine list is hand-selected to represent the best of Italian wines, working closely with the vineyards to ensure that Pranzo gets the best wines from each region, with the cocktail menu celebrating the finest flavours Italy has to offer. Every Sunday there is 50% off bottles of wine.
I can recommend the Lugana Vigneto La Conchiglia (£9.00 for a 125ml serving) – a well-rounded, full-bodied wine with pear and citrus notes.
Lasagne
“Authentic”
If you were expecting pizza to be on the menu you will be out of luck here; the emphasis is firmly on pasta and seasonal specials, including a sizzling ribeye steak, homemade crab ravioli and pan-fried hake.
My starter of arancino of fennel sausage, nduja, provolone, honey and rocket (£10.50) was an excellent introduction, coming with a distinctive aniseed–liquorice flavour.
Having eaten lasagne in Italy from the top to the bottom of the country, I can say that the lasagne (£16.50) at Pranzo was as authentic as you could possibly want; succulent, decadent and meaty with a rich ragu sauce.
Panna Cotta
“Delight”
If you want to live the dolce vita then the scrumptious panna cotta (£8.00) will clear your palate. Served with passionfruit and mango with a few chocolate crumbs, it was the perfect end to what had been an enjoyable dining experience.
Like mealtimes in Italy, a dining experience at Pranzo is to be taken leisurely; watch the world go by from the restaurant windows whilst you enjoy what is a true delight.
As Magic returned to my table to ask what I had thought of the service, food and ambience, my answer was a simple one that summed up Pranzo in one word – magic.
Pranzo, 15–17 Church Street, York YO1 8BE
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday 12pm – 11pm
Sunday 12pm – 10pm
pranzoitalian.co.uk
Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia.
FAQs – Pranzo, York
What type of Italian food does Pranzo serve?
Authentic Calabrian-inspired cooking – fresh pasta made in-house daily, with seasonal specials and classic desserts. No pizza – the focus is firmly on pasta.
What dishes stood out in the review?
Arancino with fennel sausage, ’nduja and provolone – rich, succulent lasagne – and a silky panna cotta with passionfruit and mango.
Is everything made on site?
Yes – pasta, bread, sauces and desserts are all made in-house each day.
Where is Pranzo York?
15–17 Church Street, York YO1 8BE – a short walk from the Shambles and York Minster.
What are the opening times?
Monday to Saturday 12pm – 11pm; Sunday 12pm – 10pm.
Do they offer wine or cocktails?
Yes – a hand-selected Italian wine list and cocktails inspired by Italian flavours. Every Sunday there is 50% off bottles of wine.
Is the atmosphere suitable for a relaxed meal?
Yes – soft hues, comfortable spacing and low-volume music create a homely, conversation-friendly setting.
Is Pranzo good for solo diners?
Yes – service is warm and attentive; the review highlights thoughtful hosting for solo guests.
Do they take bookings and walk-ins?
Bookings are recommended at peak times, but walk-ins are often accommodated. Check availability at pranzoitalian.co.uk.
Is Pranzo a local independent?
Yes – it is an independent Yorkshire group with restaurants in Ilkley, Harrogate, Horsforth and now York.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes – the pasta-led menu typically includes vegetarian choices; ask staff for current seasonal dishes and ingredients.
What makes Pranzo different from other Italian restaurants in York?
House-made pasta and sauces, Calabrian family recipes, attentive service and a quality-first approach over mass-produced dishes.
