16 Excellent European Eateries
Experience excellent European food in Leicester and Leicestershire.
Leicester may be famed for its Indian food scene, but diverse European communities have also made their mark – much to the satisfaction of the curious gourmet!
Italians, for example, thrived in post-war Leicestershire and often helped each other to set up restaurants. So today, in addition to simple trattorias, you find the likes of Sapori, a sophisticated Italian restaurant tucked away in a village back street regularly rated as one of the best in the country.
We also see the Italian influence in innovative businesses such as Martin Brothers’ “micropizzeria” in the suburb of Clarendon Park. They create marriages made in heaven with Neapolitan-style pizzas and an exceptional selection of hard-to-find craft beers.
Alongside, you’ll find French patisserie (Chloe Gourmet), Spanish tapas (Dom Restaurant) and Portuguese specialities (Port & Nata).
More recently arrived communities have added their cuisines to the Leicestershire mix, too. Head to Leicester’s Narborough Road or London Road to experience the thrilling sights and smells of Turkish ocakbaşı (meaning ‘fireside’) restaurants such as Istanbul.
Polish and other Eastern European communities have hugely boosted Britain’s hospitality industry and they, too, have established restaurants and delis that highlight their own traditions, such as Tatra Eastern Corner.
Fish fried in batter was introduced to the UK by Jewish immigrants from Southern Europe in the 19th century. Leicestershire has many fine fish and chips shops, including John Dory’s in Quorn and Loughborough, which honour tradition and move tastes on with choices such as lobster, scallops or octopus.
Barceloneta
This venerable tapas restaurant in Clarendon Park offers hearty brunches at weekends and classy Spanish tapas by night.
Casa Romana
Casa Romana has served authentic, unpretentious Italian cuisine in Leicester since the 1980s.
Chloe Gourmet
A little slice of Paris in the heart of Leicester, Chloe Gourmet is the ‘nom de cuisine’ of Assia, who started baking for her French friends in Leicester.
Dom Restaurant
Dom Restaurant offers a diverse range of world cuisines.
Istanbul Restaurant
Possibly the busiest of several Turkish charcoal grill restaurants on Narborough Road, often described as Britain’s most diverse street.
John Dory’s
If you’re seeking excellent fish and chips, swing by John Dory’s in Quorn or Loughborough. These modern takeaway chippies serve the freshest fish, including haddock, scallops,…
Martin Bros Micropizzeria
After studying pizza-making at the Bivero Academy in Florence, brothers Aaron and Josh Martin opened this cosy little temple to pizza and beer.
Peter Pizzeria
Founded by Italians in 2013, Peter’s mission is to “cure the injured name of pizza”.
Port & Nata
This small cafe specialises in the Pastel de Nata – the world-renowned Portuguese custard tart – the queen of Iberian pastries.
Prana Cafe
Prana Cafe is a luxury coffee house and Italian restaurant offering nutritious and hearty meals.
Sapori
Run by two Neapolitan brothers-in-law, this sophisticated Michelin Guide-listed Italian restaurant has a national reputation.
Six Hills Café, Bakery & Pizzeria
Sicilian Melo Percolla has spent nearly 30 years as head waiter and chef at some of the UK’s top restaurants and hotels.
Tatra Eastern Corner
This cosy corner restaurant and bar offers a home-from-home for Leicester’s Eastern Europeans and anyone else who loves their food.
The Frame
Opening in 2022 in the foodie hub of St Martin’s Square, The Frame quickly made a name for itself with its delicate pan-Mediterranean food.
The Mediterranean Deli
This popular rural deli combines a traditional farm shop featuring local artisan foods with Mediterranean olives, meats and exceptional Turkish pastries.
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