If you fancy an Italian feast in Norwich, you'll be able to find some of the tastiest pasta at these food spots.

From a Masterchef finalist's high-end flavours to traditional family-run trattorias, these restaurants offer you the chance to tuck into some authentic Italian dishes. 

Eastern Daily Press: The team at Yard at The Stanley in Norwich - Jade Amos, Philip Rochford, Bill Colley and Ruby Dunford (Image: Denise Bradley)The team at Yard at The Stanley in Norwich - Jade Amos, Philip Rochford, Bill Colley and Ruby Dunford (Image: Denise Bradley) (Image: Denise Bradley)

1. Yard

This is a firm favourite of locals and tourists alike and its popularity has only been growing as it opened a new site in the Stanley pub this month.

Yard was opened by friends George Colley, also behind Brick Pizza, and Nathaniel Crothers, both 33, in Pottergate in 2021.

The tasty and affordable menu, with mains from just £7, has seen it become one of the city's most popular eateries. 

Eastern Daily Press: Benoli food review - the beef cheek ragu. Photo: Archant

2. Benoli

Benoli is situated at the bottom of Timber Hill in Orford Street and is run by MasterChef finalist Oliver Boon.

Mr Boon made it to the top three on the 2012 series of the TV programme MasterChef: The Professionals and then worked for judge Michael Roux in his eponymous restaurant. 

Last year, food critic Grace Dent heaped praise on the restaurant, describing Benoli's pumpkin cappellacci as the star of the show.

Eastern Daily Press: Al Dente pasta bar and kitchen on Upper St Giles Street in Norwich. (Image: Al Dente)Al Dente pasta bar and kitchen on Upper St Giles Street in Norwich. (Image: Al Dente) (Image: Al Dente)

3. Al Dente

Serving Italian, Mediterranean, European and Sicilian food, Al Dente is well thought of in Norwich, with an overall average Tripadvisor rating of 4.5/5.

They run an outdoor seating area which opens in Summer for people to enjoy Italian treats in the sun.

The menu has a “playful concept” where customers can choose a type of pasta, sauce, including pesto and beef ragù, and toppings such as garlic mushrooms and king prawns.

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4. Trattoria Rustica 

Trattoria Rustica aims to recreate a traditional Italian restaurant serving carb-filled delights in a relaxed Mediterranean interior.

Trattoria Rustica is exactly what you would expect from the outside - hearty Italian food with good-sized portions and cosy surroundings.

Dishes on the menu include linguine marinara with mussels, tomato sauce and white wine, and spaghetti amatriciana which has pancetta, hot chillis and basil.

 

Eastern Daily Press: Pinocchio's restaurant on St Benedicts Street. (Image: Lauren Cope)Pinocchio's restaurant on St Benedicts Street. (Image: Lauren Cope) (Image: Library)

5. Pinocchio's restaurant

A family-run, much-loved restaurant in the hub of St Benedicts Street is Pinocchios's. It has been operating since 2015 by brothers Andrea and Gonario Villa.

The cosy environment is friendly and welcoming, with an authentic Italian menu to match the traditional decor.