The Best Italian Restaurants in Nottingham

If you’re looking for the best Italian restaurants Nottingham has on offer, peruse through the below list and indulge. We’ve found what’s authentic and what’s tasty, both in the city centre and in the suburbs.

Italy has graced the world with pasta and pizza, as well as top-quality wines and artisan products. After all, where would we be without extra virgin olive oil, parmesan, espresso or Aperol spritzes? A lot worse off, if you ask us.

So it’s little wonder why Italian food is adored by anyone and everyone. In a recent survey by leading market researcher YouGov, Italian was the world’s most popular cuisine.

When it came to Brits in particular, they ranked Italian cuisine as their favourite alongside British cuisine. And going off the huge number of Italian restaurants in Nottinghamshire, it’s easy to see that the demand is high.

So to help you differentiate between the delicious from the mediocre, we’ve put together a list of the best Italian restaurants in Nottingham.

While a few come from upmarket chains (although perhaps that’s a dying breed), the majority are independent and deeply passionate about feeding locals an Italian feast to remember.

Venezia Italian & Seafood Restaurant

Dining at Venezia is about more than just authentic Italian cuisine, although head chef Salvatore Bartollota has done a superb job in that regard.

A meal here is also about grandeur and ambience, and the restaurant is situated inside the atmospheric old Saxondale hospital built in 1902. Guests can enjoy a stunning location while sampling burrata with Parma ham, Tuscan lamb or their signature pescatore seafood pasta. The daily fresh fish and shellfish are house specialities.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 4:30 – 11pm; Sunday, 12 – 11pm. Located at Westminster Drive, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham NG12 2NL.

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La Storia

La Storia is perhaps the most authentic Italian restaurant in Nottingham. Complete with al fresco tables, cheerful Italian hospitality and traditional cuisine, this family-run trattoria in West Bridgford is not to be missed.

Inspired by his Nonna’s food, owner Anton Sarricchio has created a menu brimming with homemade Italian dishes. Guests can wolf down fresh clams with focaccia, braised leek and chicken risotto or venison and wild boar meatballs with fresh pasta. Just scroll their Instagram and you’ll get an idea of the flavours and traditions on offer at La Storia.

Open Tuesday to Friday, 5 – 11:30pm; Saturday, 12 – 11:30pm; Sunday, 12 – 4pm. Located at 12 Musters Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7PL.

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The Pelican Club

What sounds better than an intimate night out with traditional Italian food, cocktails and jazz? Not much, and thankfully Nottingham folk can enjoy just that at The Pelican Club in Lace Market.

The menu at The Pelican Club is inspired by rustic Umbrian cuisine and the use of Nottingham local produce. Consequently, guests can delight in some authentic regional specialities likes artisan strangozzi pasta, lamb ragu and the use of truffles. Pasta Tuesdays are not to be missed.

Open Monday to Thursday, 5 – 11pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm – 2am. Located at 44 St Mary’s Place, City Centre, Nottingham NG1 1PH.

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Happy Dough Lucky

Happy Dough Lucky originally started as a 12-week pop up restaurant serving authentic Neapolitan pizza and dessert in January, 2018.

Yet fast forward to mid 2019, and they’re still churning out absolutely delicious wood-fired pizzas. While we don’t want to jinx it, you best get in quick as who knows how long it will last. Without a doubt, this is the best pizza in Nottingham.

Open Monday to Sunday, 12pm – 12am (Friday and Saturday until 3am). Located at The Lacehouse, 14 Broadway, City Centre, Nottingham NG1 1PS.

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Sexy Mama Loves Spaghetti

The name itself suggests a meal at Sexy Mama Loves Spaghetti will be more than your average bowl of pasta. This restaurant is full of character and boasts a vibrant atmosphere, and better yet it serves authentically delicious pasta, from gnocchi and taglietelle to spaghetti and fusilli.

The menu at this Italian restaurant in the Nottingham city centre changes daily. But regardless of what you find on the hand-written menus, you can expect rich flavours, seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients from Italy.

Open Monday to Thursday, 10am – 2:40pm and 5 – 9:30pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am – 10pm. Located at 3 Heathcoat Street, City Centre, Nottingham NG1 3AF.

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Amores Italian Restaurant

A family-run establishment since 2003, Amores Italian Restaurant is staying true to Italian cooking. The food here is made with flair, passion and amore (love).

They’re a Nottingham favourite due to the extensive menu which features antipasti, pasta, risotto, pizza, calzones, meat dishes and fish items. Trust us, there’ll be something satisfying for everyone.

Open Monday to Saturday, 5:30pm – 10:45pm; Sunday, 6 – 10:30pm. Located at 65 Gedling Road, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 3FG.

Pizzeria Savai

With its casual dining vibe and gratifying menu of classics, Pizzeria Savai has long been a town favourite since opening in 1988.

The stone-baked pizzas are cooked in a traditional oven and include classics like Margherita, Napoletana and Diavola. A range of pasta and meat dishes also feature on the menu.

Open Monday to Saturday, 12 – 2pm and 6 – 10pm.Located at Plumptre House, 5 Poplar Street, City Centre, Nottingham NG1 1GP.

Gusto

Despite Gusto being a chain, this branch in West Bridgford retains a feeling of locality and charm thanks to a beautiful dining room and attentive hospitality.

Eating here is an experience of warmth with its plush banquet seating, mood lighting and wooden decor throughout. Furthermore, when the quality of Italian food is always high and consistent, Gusto is definitely worth a visit.

Open Monday to Thursday, 12 – 10pm; Friday, 12 – 11pm; Saturday, 9am – 11pm; Sunday, 9am – 10pm. Located at 70 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AP.