Eating out in Yorkshire: Wetherby restaurant has rave reviews for authentic Italian food and atmosphere

For Sorrento-born owner and chef of Da Carlo’s near Wetherby, food is more than just fuel.

“When you come to eat here you will feel like you are at home – good food, a nice glass of wine and good company, it’s all you need,” says Carlo.

The passion he has for food, his home country and creating the perfect blend of delicious dishes and cosy conviviality in the dining room, has earned this 40-seater Italian Trattoria glowing reviews from its customers.

From an early age Carlo knew cooking would be his life. He started cooking as a child in Sorrento, and was just 17 when he left the warmth of Southern Italy for England and began working in kitchens, a job he has done for 43 years.

His dream of having his own place came true in picturesque Boston Spa, when he took over a former café and lovingly redecorated it to recreate the look and atmosphere of a genuine family-run Sorrentine trattoria.

He is settled in Yorkshire, with his wife and three sons, but Da Carlo is definitely his own domaine.

“For me cooking is a hobby. If you enjoy it, it takes five minutes, if you are passionate about it and have respect for what you are doing, it’s not work,” he says.

Eating here is an authentic experience, from the plates imported from Sorrento to the photographs on the wall, to the food and drink on the menu. A meal at Da Carlo is a relaxed affair, but something to be savoured too.

Secret ingredient

“It’s an occasion, every day!” Carlo exclaims, who says the atmosphere and the lovely customers are the ‘main ingredient’ at Da Carlo. “We have a good relationship with all our customers, they even come into the kitchen to say hello.”

The ethos of Da Carlo comes from something his mum used to say – Se mangi bene vivi a lungo ” If you eat well you live longer “

And eating well is definitely something you’ll do here.

On the menu

Seafood is a speciality– spaghetti vongole cozze e gamberoni (pasta tossed in garlic, chilli, fresh mussels, clams and tiger prawns with olive oil, cherry tomatoes and parsley) or ravioli aragosta (homemade lobster ravioli in a crayfish sauce with prawns and king prawns) for example. But there is a wide selection of chicken, vegetarian and meat dishes to set anyone’s mouth watering – and that’s just the secondo piatto (main course) pasta and carne (meat) dishes.

You’ll be hard pushed to choose your favourites from the anti-pasti (starters), salads and focacce e bruschetta (breads and toasts) and the contorni (vegetables). But you’ll want to leave room for the Dolce (desserts), because who doesn’t love tiramisu, affogato con Amoretto or torte della nonna or a goosebury, apple treacle crumble tart – a lovely Yorkshire addition here.

There’s an equally tempting selection on the large lunch menu too and it’s all fantastic value – for £16.90 you’ll get a starter and main course any lunchtime.

Raise a glass

Carlo knows his wine, and the drinks selection will delight anyone who enjoys a pairing the perfect wine with their dinner.

There are daily specials, such as lasagne with butternut squash, or spaghetti with lobster or courgettes filled with mozzarella. Carlo’s cooking is done with ingredients he cherishes and love of his art. His real passion is for seafood though.

“Whatever you do, you have to love it. If you do not love it, it becomes like a job. For me, cooking is my hobby.

“Some say you have to eat to live, but we say you live to eat!”

Rave reviews

And the satisfied customers who have made Da Carlo a must-visit place, testify to that, with glowing five-star reviews.

“Everything was perfect, amazing place, incredible Italian food and all the staff were very pleasant and friendly. The decor is stunning, really seems to be in Italy,” enthused one on Trip Advisor, whilst another said: “Da Carlo is spectacular. I feel at home because he takes care of every detail.”

And another visitor this summer said: “A fantastic gem of a restaurant in the heart of Boston Spa. Superb choice of authentic Italian food with additional specials board.”

Book your place in Yorkshire’s corner of Italy

Da Carlo is at 134 High Street, Boston Spa, LS23 6BW and there is four hours free parking nearby. It is open every day from 11:30 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 21:30 and can be hired out for private parties and functions. Call 01937 918200 to make a reservation or ask any questions and Carlo and his friendly staff will be happy to help. You can also visit the website.