With many award winning establishments in the county it’s no surprise that Italian food remains as popular as ever in Lancashire.
Cucina Seventy Three, Whalley Brother and sister Fabbio and Raffaella Fiocca are only in their twenties but their restaurant Cucina Seventy Three in Whalley won the award for Best Pasta in the 2015 English Italian Awards. 73 King St, Whalley, BB7 9SW cucinaseventythree.com
Il Siciliano, Rawtenstall Chef Giuseppe Ponzio was shortlisted for Chef of the Year at the 2015 English Italian Awards, they pride themselves on authentic Italian cuisine, rather than Anglo-Italian hybrid dishes, so it’s a destination for those who seek a tru tatste of the Mediterranean. 12 Bury Rd, Rawttensall BB4 6AA www.ilsicilianorestaurant.com
La Locanda, Gisburn Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi have won a host of awards since opening in the pretty Ribble Valley village in 2003. The restaurant has become a big part of the community, which is shown by the large number of high quality local producers that are integral to the traditional Italian fare on offer. Main St, Gisburn, BB7 4HH www.lalocanda.co.uk
Pulcinellas, Cleveleys Pulcinellas have graced the town centre of Cleveleys for over 15 years now, boasting a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced from Italy and local Lancashire producers. It was also shortlisted for small restaurant of the year at the 2015 English Italian Awards. 3 Bispham Rd, Cleveleys w3.pulcinellas.co.uk
Villaggio Cucina, Birkdale Lorna Kemp spent several years as part of Paul Heathcote’s team before setting up in Birkdale in 2012, this smart little restaurant is popular with locals and visitors to Birkdale The pavement seating is perfect for sunny days and gives you a taste of Al Fresco dining coupled with a se breeze. 31 Liverpool Rd, Southport PR8 4AG www.villaggiocucina.co.uk
Bellissimo, Burnley After years of working in other people’s kitchens, Lynn and Giovanni Scibetta took the plunge and decided to open their own little slice of Italy right in the middle of Burnley. The food is described as ‘just like mamma used to make’ - everything, from pasta to cakes, is home made from scratch, and there are also an extensive gluten free menu. 3 Parker Lane, Burnley BB11 2BY www.bellissimoitaliancoffeeshopand.epageuk.com
Italian Orchard, Preston The Italian Orchard has remained a popular destination for over 30 years. Part of the San Marco group which also has the popular Trattoria San Marco in Much Hoole and the stylish Stratos in Preston which also doubles as one of the city centre’s popular bars during the weekends. 6 Whittingham Ln, Broughton, PR3 5DB www.italianorchard.com
La Fontana, Blackpool This intimate restaurant has become a hugely popular eaterie for locals since opening in the early nineties. They’re a past winner Restaurant of the year at the Blackpool Tourism Awards and also the recipient of a Taste Lancashire Quality Assured award. 17 Clifton Street Blackpool FY1 1JD lafontanarestaurant.co.uk
Further afield
San Carlo, Manchester Manchester has an ever expanding choice of Italian restaurants and the San Carlo group now have five establishments in the city. The San Carlo restaurant on King Street West has become a bit of a celebrity haunt in recent years, with Premier League stars and numerous entertainers stopping off after a performance in the city. 42 King St West, Manchester, M3 2WY www.sancarlo.co.uk/manchester
Don Giovanni, Manchester Don Giovanni has been a fixture on the Manchester dining scene for over 30 years, and has recently undergone a £400,000 refurbishment. However, Don Giovanni remains what it was: a stylish yet convivial place where the music is not going to drown out your conversation and the menu delivers what you have always expected of a really good Italian restaurant. Don Giovanni, 1-2 Peter House, Oxford St, Manchester, M1 5AN, dongiovanni.uk.com
