Our Delightful Experience at Piccolino Ilkley with 25-Layer Lasagne and Showstopping Desserts

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Piccolino introduced a limited-edition menu last month, showcasing an irresistible selection of authentic Italian dishes. Part of the esteemed Individual Restaurants group, Piccolino began its journey with a single location in Knutsford and has since expanded to 22 restaurants across the UK. Yorkshire is home to two of these, with one in Harrogate and the other in Ilkley, which I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time last week.

Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Ilkley Railway Station, Piccolino Ilkley enjoys a solid 4-star rating on TripAdvisor. Most recent reviews highlight glowing praise for both the food and service, with few falling below four stars—setting my expectations accordingly high.

My husband and I reserved a table for a Saturday lunch, and despite it being mid-October, we were greeted by a glorious sunny day on the restaurant’s newly reopened roof terrace. Unsurprisingly for a Saturday afternoon, the stylish rooftop space, complete with vibrant yellow booths and chic floral displays, offered a lovely backdrop for our dining experience.

Being familiar with two of Individual Restaurants’ other offerings—Restaurant Bar & Grill, where I dined last year, and Riva Blu just a few months ago—I was eager to see how Piccolino measured up.

Since it was lunchtime and we both had our sights set on heartier main courses, my husband and I decided to skip the antipasti this time around, thinking that three courses might be a bit too much. However, the temptation to start with something lighter was hard to ignore. The menu featured mouthwatering options like arancini and three different varieties of bruschetta, making it difficult to resist. I was particularly drawn to the new Bruschetta con Funghi, which boasts baked mushrooms, spinach, basil pesto, Asiago cheese, and truffle—definitely a dish I would have loved to try!

Mr Wilson-Barrett opted for one of the highlight dishes on the 25th Anniversary menu – one which had caught my eye before arriving but wasn’t suitable due to my tomato intolerance. Lasagne al Wagyu Tartufo is a dish that can only be described as a true showstopper. This is no ordinary lasagne; with an astonishing 25 layers, it takes indulgence to a whole new level. Each delicate layer is meticulously built, with tender, slow-cooked wagyu beef at the heart of it all, paired beautifully with just the right touch of fragrant truffle.

The béchamel sauce was served separately, with our waiter pouring it over the lasagne at the table, allowing my husband to decide just how much he wanted. Naturally, a generous helping of parmesan was also offered, and my husband didn’t hesitate to take advantage of that as well. According to Mr Wilson-Barrett, the richness of the sauces, combined with the tender layers of wagyu, made for a satisfying and memorable dish without feeling overwhelming.

To accompany his lasagne, my husband ordered a side of fries, ideal for soaking up those rich sauces. I can personally vouch for how good they were—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle. The option to enhance them with truffle and parmesan made them even more indulgent, and of course, my husband couldn’t resist.

I opted for the Ravioli di Granchio, which immediately stood out to me as a winner when I first browsed Piccolino’s menu. It certainly lived up to expectations. In fact, I can honestly say it’s one of the most flavourful pasta dishes I’ve had in quite some time. The egg pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, filled with rich Devonshire crab, and smothered in a luxurious lobster sauce. A scattering of red chillies added just the right amount of heat, while juicy North Atlantic prawns gave the dish a fresh, satisfying bite. It was pure perfection! After the first few mouthfuls, I deliberately slowed down, wanting to prolong the experience.

I’d asked for a generous sprinkle of parmesan, but in hindsight, it wasn’t necessary—the flavours were already robust and beautifully balanced, needing no extra enhancement.

To complement my main, I also ordered a Caesar Salad, which, like the ravioli, was absolutely spot on in terms of freshness, flavour, and texture. The crisp lettuce and well-balanced dressing made it the perfect side, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich lobster sauce of the pasta. Together, the two dishes made for a thoroughly satisfying meal.

Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our chosen main courses and were keen to extend our Piccolino experience by selecting desserts from the 25th Anniversary specials. My husband opted for one of the standout dishes, and it was truly a showstopper! The limited-edition Piccolino Rocher is a stunning choux bun, decadently covered in chocolate and filled with Nutella, hazelnut crème, and whole hazelnuts. Its presentation in shimmering silver foil added an extra touch of elegance. If you’re a fan of the well-known chocolate it’s inspired by, I can’t recommend this dessert highly enough—make sure to try it while it’s still available!

While my chosen dessert may not have been as visually striking, it certainly excelled in taste! Uncharacteristically, I decided to go for a chocolate-based option. My generous slice of chocolate and hazelnut torte was a delight, boasting an array of excellent textures and wonderfully rich chocolate flavours. It was the perfect way to round off an indulgent lunch!

As we wrapped up our meal, it was clear that Piccolino had delivered an exceptional dining experience, effortlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. Their commitment to quality and flavour was evident in every dish, and it’s easy to see why they’ve built such a loyal following over the past 25 years.

To celebrate this milestone, Piccolino has a special treat for guests born or married in 1999. If that’s you, why not swing by for lunch or dinner to mark your 25th birthday or Silver Wedding Anniversary? You’ll be greeted with a complimentary bottle of prosecco to add a bit of sparkle to your celebration—what a lovely touch!

And for those in Club IR, the special 25th-anniversary menu features two courses and a drink for just £25. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add a glass of Moët & Chandon for just £5 more—sounds like a perfect way to treat yourself!

Overall, our visit to Piccolino was a delightful experience, celebrating not just their anniversary but also the simple joys of good food. I can’t wait to return and try more of their menu!

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