If you’re on the hunt for a truly gourmet restaurant in Leeds, look no further than LIVIN’Italy, tucked away under the atmospheric railway arches of Granary Wharf. This family-run restaurant, deli and bar brings a distinctive mix of sophistication, warmth and genuine Italian soul, perfect for food lovers who demand more than a standard dinner.

Heritage & Heart: The Roots of LIVIN’Italy

LIVIN’Italy is more than just a restaurant; it is a reflection of its Milanese roots. The business began in Milan in the 1980s, and today its Leeds venue carries forward values of passion, tradition, integrity and simplicity. The team’s mission is to replicate a slice of “Italian living” in Yorkshire, one that honours honest ingredients, family heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

Located by the serene Leeds–Liverpool Canal at Granary Wharf, the restaurant’s setting feels both central and intimate; the arches, warm lighting, and canal views all contribute to an elevated yet relaxed gourmet dining ambience.

The Gourmet Menu: A Celebration of Fine Ingredients

At the heart of LIVIN’Italy’s appeal for food lovers is its menu. Our commitment to quality is clear: we “treasure relationships with Italian artisan food makers,” importing speciality ingredients to create dishes that evoke genuine Italian flavour and buongusto.

Some standout gourmet offerings:

• Antipasti & Small Plates: The menu offers gourmet selections like truffle porcini & wild garlic mushrooms on toasted ciabatta, topped with aromatic truffle oil, a dish to savour slowly.
• Signature Main Courses: From slow-roasted belly pork Porchetta to braised lamb agnolotti and seared swordfish steak, the choices reflect both tradition and innovation.
• Pasta Perfection: Gourmet pasta dishes include the Truffle Pici “Cacio & Pepe”, made with Pecorino cheese, pepper and shaved Italian truffle, a decadent treat for connoisseurs.
• Gourmet Pizza: Our wood-fired pizzas strike a balance between comfort and sophistication. Options like the Royal Margy (anchovies, burrata mozzarella, basil) and The Spicy Truffle Northerner (pumpkin cream, ‘nduja, gorgonzola, truffle) are elevated, imaginative and utterly delicious.
• Sides & Salads: Think LIVIN’ Fries with truffle oil and Parmesan, or a crisp “rocket super salad” finished with pecorino and honey.

The menu also accommodates dietary needs such as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-avoiding options, making LIVIN’Italy a refined choice for many different diners.

Wine, Cocktails & the Gourmet Experience

A gourmet meal deserves an exceptional drink, and LIVIN’Italy delivers. Our wine list is carefully curated, featuring Italian wines. For example, the Veneto Soave DOC offers delicate floral and green-apple notes, ideal to pair with seafood or lighter pasta dishes.

Our cocktail menu is equally thoughtful: alongside Italian classics, expect inventive concoctions that complement both the food and the mood.

Dining Experience: Warmth Meets Elegance

What makes LIVIN’Italy so beloved by gourmet food lovers in Leeds isn’t just the menu; it’s how comfortably and beautifully the experience is put together. With exposed brickwork, wooden tables, and rustic touches, the space feels both modern and timeless.

Service reflects the family ethos: welcoming, unhurried, and well-informed. The team knows the menu intimately, helping guests choose the right wine or guiding them towards dishes that suit their tastes.

Events & Private Dining

Beyond a regular dinner, LIVIN’Italy is available for private hire and events, making it a sophisticated option for celebrations, corporate dinners or gourmet-themed parties. Our party and event menus offer buffet-style or sit-down options, allowing you to tailor the gourmet experience to your group and occasion.

Why Food Lovers Adore It

• Authentic yet inventive: Dishes that stay true to Italian tradition while offering creative twists.
• High-quality ingredients: Artisan Italian products, imported and used with respect.
• Inclusive menu: Vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options mean everyone’s palate is catered for.
• Atmospheric location: Canal-side arches lend a sense of occasion without stuffiness.
• Thoughtful drink pairings: A carefully curated wine and cocktail list elevates the meal to a gourmet celebration.

Final Thoughts

For discerning diners in Leeds seeking a gourmet Italian restaurant that truly stands out, LIVIN’Italy offers a rare combination: the heart of Italy in a modern, sophisticated setting. Whether you’re after a special date, a foodie evening or a tailored event, this restaurant deserves a place at the top of your list.

Visit us at Granary Wharf, Leeds (LS1 4BR), or call 0113 243 0090 to book your gourmet Italian experience.