Little Italy Restaurant & Deli — Restaurant in England

I wasn't going to review Little Italy since I love to gush about where I eat and I fear I wasn't going to be able to do this after our experience. Some positives first - we arrived early but the table was ready and given how busy they were this was a good start. Seats were great - it was quite warm so being next to an open second floor window was another thumbs up. Our order was taken swiftly and we got our starters within the self-regulatory agreed wait time you expect in a busy restaurant serving half decent fair (exactly 20 minutes in mho). Some negatives then. Second course was late (our server did come out and apologise bang on 20 minutes for the delay - so they clearly know their clientèle). Wine was very expensive for what they offered (2-3 times commercial is fair but some of these wines were way over this multiple (I ordered a Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna for just over 40 and you can get this on line for under 7). I ordered a seafood spaghetti that was described as having scallops but I got just the one (the roe was on though which is a positive but I'm not the only reviewer that's complained after counting scallops). After being told at the start of the meal that all pasta was hand made and fresh it was a touch odd that my partner's ravioli was "hard" (the waiter did a little manspain about al dente in a way that possibly underestimated our previous eight visits to Italy and neglected the basic fact that it's quite hard to cook fresh pasta to the tooth); they did offer to recook it to be fair but when you're all halfway through a meal it never seems worth it. There was clearly a service issue of some kind since we heard another apology for lateness of service at a table next to us but you need to be honest about this sort of stuff - hot plating fresh pasta isn't ideal but don't pretend nothing is wrong or that your clients are easily fobbed off. Apologising for, say, a lack of staff and not hitting your "usual" service standards (the reviews are great and the main reason we booked) and offering a token free coffee or drink goes a long way (we're human and know how hard it is to keep good staff - the "chef required" notice at the entrance is quite normal) but in this case we got nothing but the bill as we made for a quick getaway abstaining from puddings and my usual cheeky amarone to finish. Shame - we expected more and normally they probably are -...

Review of Little Italy Restaurant & Deli, York

Little Italy Restaurant & Deli has made a delightful entrance into the city of York, bringing a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. The standout feature of this restaurant is its commitment to handmade pasta, crafted on-site by their talented chef.

Starters: The culinary journey begins with the starters, which are prepared with exceptional skill. The Gnocchi in cream sauce is a must-try, delivering a creamy and rich flavor that perfectly complements the pillowy pasta. The Bruschetta is another highlight, bursting with fresh flavors from vibrant tomatoes and aromatic mint, making for a refreshing appetizer.

Main Courses: The main courses are nothing short of outstanding. The Mushroom Ravioli is expertly made, paired with a delightful sauce that enhances the dish without overpowering it. Additionally, the chef’s rendition of the classic Aglio Olio is a true gem, packed with garlicky goodness and a hint of pepper, embodying the essence of Italian comfort food. For those seeking a bit of heat, the Tagliatelle with Arrabbiata sauce is fiery and scrumptious, striking a perfect balance between spice and flavor.

Wine Selection: The restaurant also boasts an impressive collection of wines sourced from Italy, which perfectly complement the dishes and elevate the dining experience.

Atmosphere and Service: The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it an ideal setting for special occasions. In this instance, the restaurant was the perfect choice for celebrating a nephew's graduation from York University. The attentive staff contribute to the overall experience, providing excellent service that enhances the enjoyment of the meal.

Final Thoughts: Little Italy Restaurant & Deli offers a magical dining experience that showcases the best of Italian cuisine in a charming setting. Their dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish. Best wishes to the entire team at the restaurant, and here's hoping to see them expand to...

The food is spectacular, but

Had a 6:30 booking, arrived at 6:40 due to lack of parking- apologised upon arrival. Booked a table over a month ago for the excitement of the food as I love the deli and wanted to try the restaurant. Was greeted to be told you only have the table til 8 very abruptly

Promptly took drink order by a lovely waitress and then waited until 7:15 for food order taken.

Rude Waiter (looked like upper management) then told us we didn’t have time to order starters unless they weren’t cooked and when my partner wanted lamb he said it will take 30 minutes so we didn’t have time and we should order something else. This is a small restaurant with a reasonable price therefore you would expect a more accommodating and welcoming approach. After threatening to leave and just pay for our wine they then made us move tables to downstairs (where there were several free tables) to allow us to eat under less time pressure. If it wasn’t for being a Saturday night in York I would’ve left and gone elsewhere. The two waitresses that served us were very nice and one even apologised for them moving us. Was very much looking forward to coming here however despite the amazing food I will not be coming back again. Very disappointing as the lady who runs the deli is always incredibly friendly when we come in. I understand a businesses need to move as many tables as possible on a Saturday night but to deny someone the food they order because it might take too long after a 30 minute wait to be served...