Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
1:00 AM 30th November 2024
lifestyle
Snapping At The Heels Of The Flying Pizza!
Nick Julian would never claim to be a ‘competitor’ of San Carlo’s iconic Flying Pizza in Leeds but, considering that Ottimo Pizza is just a mile down the road and that some of their latest creations are certainly being talked about, THEY might well be advised to be a little wary of HIM!
Opened in March 2024 by Nick, also owner of Pizza Freak in Leeds, and city restauranteur Paul Bolster, the man at the helm of neighbouring venue Tasty Kitchen & Coffee, this duo by any reckoning, are already experienced hands when it comes to all things culinary!
And, with main courses like a
pigs in blankets pizza with sage and chestnuts,
Brie, pistachio & cranberry pizza with a red pesto and rosemary base or, to finish, a first of its kind
Christmas pudding & brandy sauce pizza, it is safe to say that festive food with a difference is already firmly on the Christmas menu!
Festive sausage with a difference: the Pigs in blankets pizza!
The restaurant’s location at 484 Roundhay Road is also easy to find on the parade of shops just opposite the Oakwood Clock or, for those in the local know, just a few down doors from the iconic chippy with the circular window!
“When it comes to pizza, there’s a lot of scope to have fun with the toppings, but rarely does it all come together as well as this,” said Julian.
“Head Chef Russ Croston has dedicated hours to perfecting this menu – paying homage to our Italian cuisine, whilst adopting it into something truly local and the outcome is outstanding.”
A view echoed by Paul Bolster
“We can’t wait to welcome our guests back for something a little bit different for our first ever Christmas.
“We’re hoping to be popular with families, friends and teams from our neighbouring businesses during the Christmas season, offering them somewhere central to gather with easy parking, an excellent value offering and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
“The menu really captures festive magic on a plate, and we look forward to seeing our guests’ reactions over the coming weeks.”
Pizza with Passion
Ottimo only sources fresh and organic ingredients procured from local or leading Italian suppliers.
Mushrooms are from the Yorkshire Mushroom Emporium, meat comes from Sykes House Farm in Wetherby and the Gozney pizza oven uses wood sourced sustainably in Yorkshire’s forests.
A taste of Ottimo's Christmas Pudding Pizza!
Designed by Leeds-based Head Chef Russ Croston, the menu infuses British festive favourites with traditional Italian gastronomy.
Starters feature turkey & pancetta meatballs with parmesan and mozzarella and a sage & onion arancini with cranberry and orange sauce.
For mains there’s the option of a quirky pizza – or something a little more ordinary – and to finish, guests can tuck into their Christmas pudding & brandy sauce pizza, or a panettone with mulled wine!
Restaurant opening hours vary. For the latest information on openings and to view the menu, visit the website.
Available until the end of December, the ‘Buon Natale’ Christmas menu is priced at £19.95 for two courses or £24.95 for three.
Contact info:
Call: 0113 805 4858
Email:
info@ottimo.pizza
Location: 484 Roundhay Road, Oakwood, Leeds LS8 2HU
Web:
https://ottimo.pizza/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ottimopizzaleeds/