Dino's, Leeds > Reviews (3)

If you find yourself hungry in Leeds and fancy an Italian (don't we all?!!) look no further than Dino's restaurant in Leeds. If you want the taste of Italy on a plate, this is the place for you.....

Being a student in Leeds, I can't say that I dine in the local restaurants very often, I usually settle for a soggy sarnie from the uni shop(!) but on special occasions or just when I'm feeling extravagent, there's nothing better having someone else cook you a lovely meal, wait on you AND do the washing up. Since my boyfriend isn't trained to this standard as yet, I have to pay for it, the food I mean!!

I've tried a couple of other Italian restaurants in Leeds, there's a couple of ops on Ciao about Da Mario on the Headrow which is also lovely, but I think Dino's has the edge. Dino's is situated under the main station bridge in Leeds, round the corner from the Queen's hotel and is a large restaurant with plenty of seating in smoking and non-smoking areas. As soon as you walk in, you're met by one of many members of "Italiano" staff who offer you a table and tend to your every need without being too overpowering!

There is a well stocked bar from which you can order your drinks directly or from one of the waiters/waitresses while you wait for your meal, the wine list is also quite extensive with the option of ordering by the glass, bottle or caraff (for the commoners among us, thats a pot jug!!) Prices of drinks are reasonable for a city restaurant.

Anyway, lets get to the important bit..the food!! All I can say is YUMMY!
OK, so I'd better elaborate on that for you, the menu is extensive, everything you'd expect from a good Italian restaurant, obviously including a range of starters, pasta dishes, salads, pizzas and sweets. There's also plenty of vegetarian options for the non meat eaters amongst us. Perhaps the thing that appeals to me most about the menu is that it isn't too fussy, do you know what I mean? The descriptions make your mouth water, there's no "raw leg of anorexic squid served on a bed of 2 blades of Tuscan grass" or suchlike, oh no its all good traditional cheesy, herby, tomatoey gorgeousness!

My absolute favourite dish is the Calzone Pollo, I'm sure you're aware that's a folded chicken pizza, doesn't sound quite so good in English, does it? The pizza is jam packed with succulent pieces of chicken breast, mushrooms, mozzarella and the most divine garlic butter, straight from the heavens! This particular dish sets you back approximately £6, the rest of the menu averages at around this price, obviously some things are more expensive, seafood, steak etc etc.

If you've got room for a sweet, do not pass on the profiteroles, they are generally a favourite of mine but these are truly scrummy served with more whipped cream and chocolate sauce like all good profiteroles should be! Again, sweets are reasonable at around £3.

Service is generally quick and members of staff are pleasant and attentive without being over the top, this is as long as you're not celebrating a birthday.

I went there as part of my last birthday celebration and almost all the staff emerged from the kitchen singing Happy Birthday in true opera style, tambourine playing and sparklers included!!

Well, I think I've covered everything, and made myself incredibly hungry at the same time which can't be good!!! So, if you're in Leeds, don't pass up the opportunity to dine in the most fantastic Italian restaurant in Yorkshire! Bon Appetite (don't know the Italian equivalent!)

Dino's Restaurant
Bishopgate Street
Leeds
Tel: (0113) 2344241