Il Paradiso del Cibo
Cheerful restaurant of choice for Italians in York (l,d; £)
Tucked away down Walmgate (extension of Fossgate), this small Sardinian café/restaurant is a hidden gem, though over the years its popularity has spread (and its prices gone up).
Going through the door, you leave York for a taste of Italy. Usually packed and lively, with large screen Italian cable TV, this is not the place for a quiet meal. Good for kids. Chairs outside in summer.
Classic, unpretentious Italian food, freshly prepared. Terrific pasta (pumpkin ravioli well worth a try), superb meat and fish specials, with plenty of vegetarian options. (Also grander specials on a separate menu on request.) And don't miss the chef's legendary tiramisu.
Very popular with those in the know (who tried to keep it to themselves), so you might not always get a table unless you book. But there's always the Polish Barbakan restaurant further down the road as an handy alternative.
Prices are lower than many other Italian establishments in York, but be warned:
no debit/credit cards are accepted!