Leeds, a city known for its ever-evolving culinary scene, has seen many restaurants and bars come and go. However, few have left an enduring legacy across generations like Bibis Italianissimo. This iconic, family-owned independent restaurant has become a genuine Yorkshire institution, renowned for its ability to adapt and thrive over decades.
A Journey Through Time
Bibis Italianissimo first opened its doors in 1974, courtesy of business partners Oliver Teodorani and Dino Aristotelous. Bringing a fresh perspective to the northern food scene, Bibis quickly rose to prominence, becoming a beloved fixture in Leeds. The restaurant has since navigated the challenging hospitality industry with remarkable ease, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
To mark this milestone, Bibis hosted an unforgettable Icons Party and is set to hold a Golden Gala black-tie event in October, promising a spectacular evening of celebration.
Showstopping Italian Cuisine
The restaurant’s journey began at Mill Hill in 1974. In 1988, it moved to Greek Street, where it introduced the concept of affordable luxury dining, setting a new standard for the city’s culinary landscape. Following the end of the original partnership, Oliver continued to drive the brand forward, culminating in a move to its current, stunning Criterion Place location in 2004.
Designed by the renowned interior designer Tessa Kennedy, who is also known for her work on The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz, the 300-seat restaurant is a visual masterpiece. With Art Deco elements that exude the opulence of a bygone era, the centrepiece of Bibis is its exquisite bar. The venue also features a 4000 sq ft open kitchen that merges seamlessly with the dining area, creating an engaging culinary experience for guests.
A Pioneer of Social Dining
Bibis is not just a restaurant; it is a destination. It was one of the first establishments to introduce entertainment alongside dining, a now-standard practice in the hospitality industry. Inspired by the vibrant nightclub scenes of London, Paris, and Milan, Oliver envisioned a venue where live music and dining would coexist harmoniously. This vision led to the creation of Bibis’ famed Showtime events, which have been a staple for nearly two decades.
Showtime at Bibis offers a perfect blend of dining, drinks, and entertainment, featuring an array of acts from top tribute bands to live musicians. This fusion of experiences has cemented Bibis’ reputation as a captivating and memorable venue.
Family-Owned and Passionately Managed
Today, Bibis remains a family-owned establishment, one of the oldest independent restaurants in the region. Oliver, alongside his wife Luciana, has passionately managed the current site for the last 20 years. Reflecting on the journey, Oliver shared, “I’m as passionate about the business as when I started 50 years ago. Bibis wouldn’t be where it is today without the hard work of Team Bibis, both past and present, and my wonderful wife Luciana – the face of Bibis Italianissimo.”
Despite numerous challenges over the years, Oliver’s determination has only grown stronger. “Even after five decades in the restaurant business, new challenges continue to emerge, especially in recent years. Nevertheless, we pride ourselves on turning negatives into positives. I’ve witnessed incredible growth and feel that the restaurant scene in Leeds has come full circle. It’s truly an honour to be part of this vibrant community.”
Celebrating 50 Years and Looking Ahead
Bibis continues to innovate and evolve, crafting fresh in-house dishes, including their special recipe pizza dough and bespoke desserts and cakes. Complemented by an extensive cocktail menu, Bibis is the ideal venue for any occasion.
As they celebrate this significant milestone, Bibis remains committed to the future. Oliver added, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking to the future. We continually evolve our shows and introduce fresh acts for our Showtime events, embracing the next generation of diners and performers. Our motto, ‘Sempre Avanti’ – always forward – embodies our commitment to continuous innovation. We wouldn’t be here, doing what we love, without the support of our fantastic guests across multiple generations. To them, I say grazie mille and thank you for the memories.”
For more details on events, offers, and giveaways, visit Bibis’ website.
