Dino's, Leeds

Dino's is one of the most popular restaurants in Leeds. It is well located near the centre of the city and just on the Station's doorstep, about 100 yards from the town square.

It offers a wide range of Italian food and always seems to be busy, I am basing my comments on the one and only time I have been there, a Saturday night out with some friends from work.

To say it was busy was an understatement, I have seen cattle markets with less activity in them. While we waited for our table for 14 to be made ready we propped up the bar - first mental note, bar prices are reasonable, about £2 for a pint of brown frothy water. Theakstons I think it was.

This is definitely not the place for a romantic candle-lit dinner for two. It is noisy and brightly lit with mirrors on the walls and little in the way of nice decor. It was a Saturday night I suppose but the tables are crammed closely together in an open plan room with hard floors and there didn't appear to be any tables for two at all, the groups in at the same time as us all seemed at least 6 strong or more. The atmosphere is relaxed but noisy! You certainly don't need to dress up for this occasion!

After being led to our table(s) we were quickly handed out the extensive menus and the waiter appeared quickly to take our orders. The menu is extensive and reasonable in price with a pasta dish around £6 and steak dish £12. The starters were a little pricey, £4.50 for garlic mushrooms was my choice and this was one of the cheaper options, desserts are around £3.50. There are numerous specials boards dotted around as well, to give even more choice, albeit slightly unusual dishes.

The food itself is slightly better than average, the garlic mushrooms were good but the main course I chose, Pasta Carbonara was rather average, I have had better in an English Pub. The sauce wasn't as creamy as I would like and they were quite stingy with the ham. You can see the Chef's hard at work from where you are sitting which is reassuring.

One thing to be aware of is that this place has a reputation for charging large groups for drinks they haven't had. I can't comment as I wasn't responsible for checking our bill as I just chipped in my share (£20 for three courses and a drink) but apparantly the members of our group who had been before had this experience in the past. I think it's strange they would want to go back to the place if this were true though, still worth keeping an eye on?

So overall Dino's you are a very average establishment, a touch pricey with slightly above average food and noisy bright atmosphere. Good for party groups I suggest although they do pack people in so arm-room can be tight!