Ever since I started working for LeedsLive back in 2018 I’ve walked past one particular city centre eatery which has always caught my eye.
Pasta Romagna has proudly served Leeds, bringing a little taste of Italy to Yorkshire, since 1982. It has always struck me as the perfect place to pop in and grab lunch but we all know how quickly you can lose track of time during a midday dash around town.
So, ultimately, and somewhat ashamedly, I’d never ventured to this Leeds institution until last Sunday. Instead of rushing things on a lunch break, I took a trip to Leeds city centre and finally stepped foot through the doors of Pasta Romagna - in somewhat leisurely fashion.
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Those who regularly frequent will know entering the Albion Place venue is like taking a trip back in time. Those mirrored walls do create something of an 1980s feel - which I’m all for.
A major part of the interior aesthetic is the various nods to the Italian culture which helped form Pasta Romagna. There’s also the Italian language radio which was softly playing in the background of the bistro during my visit.
Of course, in years gone by, Pasta Romagna’s Gilda Porcelli could be heard inside and out singing away serenading customers. Away from a welcoming atmosphere, the venue is known for its traditional pizza and pasta combinations.
My dining companion, who noted just how many times Beyonce’s Break My Soul, came on the Italian radio station, opted for the carbonara linguine (£9.95) while I went with a margherita pizza (£8.25). Food and drink is ordered at the main counter - the same place those having takeaway delights pay.
Our food came quickly with the team accustomed to that quick lunchtime turnover I alluded to earlier. But that said, given we were having something of a lazy Sunday, our visit never felt particularly rushed.
The pizza and pasta were both generous in portion as was the side salad which you can see was rather massive. I was told the pasta packed a punch and was beautifully flavoursome while the pizza was welcomingly light despite the fact I opted for the larger 12in offering.
Simplistic a margherita might appear; it is an incredibly easy thing to get wrong. Thankfully, Pasta Romagna passed that test with flying colours, something you’d expect from a venue with so much authenticity and experience.
We were keen to have a dessert after finishing our mains but some of the options had already gone. A solid sign of their popularity if slightly disappointing for us. In the end, I opted for a brownie (£3.50) which provided a sweet conclusion for our little afternoon trip to Italy.
My overriding feeling of Pasta Romagna was how quaintly charming it is and there’s a sense of genuine realism effortlessly displayed with the food also coming at a reasonable price. If you are in Leeds city centre and you have the option of the countless brand Italian chains or Pasta Romagna then surely you have to opt for the real thing.
I'm sorry it has taken me so long to visit.
The bill
- Coca-Cola - £2.50
- Sprite - £2.50
- Orange juice - £2
- Apple juice - £2
- Margherita pizza - £8.25
- Carbonara - £9.95
- Mixed salad - £4.95
- Brownie - £3.50
Total: £36.15
Pasta Romagna, 26 Albion Place, Leeds, LS1 6JS. Open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm
You can call them on 0113 245 1569 or visit their Instagram page
To find out the latest food and drink news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.
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