Every picture tells a story.
And on the walls of York’s newest restaurant, you can learn how proprietor Marco Greco and his sister learnt to make pasta with their parents and their ‘Nonna’ (nana) whilst growing up in Calabria, Southern Italy.
The pictures also feature aunts and uncles enjoying long lunches, such a vital part of Italian living.
Pranzo (meaning lunch), which opened in the former YO Sushi! in Church Street, promises a more authentic Italian experience, with Marco keen to offer something different, based on traditional recipes and others that have been tweaked a little.
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At the weekend, Pranzo staged a ‘soft’ opening, featuring staff and friends on Friday, with the doors open Saturday and Sunday.
Today (Monday) was the first ‘proper’ day of trade.
Marco calls his menu unique for its combination of tradition, authenticity and in cases a modern twist.
The restaurant exterior (Image: Pic supplied)
The 40 year-old realised that there was a ‘gap in the market’ for a ‘good bowl of pasta’.
It led to the first Pranzo in Ben Rhydding, near Ilkley, a small 30-seat restaurant, which opened in 2018.
Harrogate followed during the traumas of the pandemic with Horforth in Leeds opening 18 months ago.
All venues are highly rated online, which Marco credits on the uniqueness of his food, and that rather than it be bought-in, the pasta is freshly made on site, making it a premium product.
This method, he says, delivers a nicer, softer texture than the bought-in pastas.
Marco Greco inside the restaurant (Image: Pic supplied)
Marco says everything is made on site, including the mayonnaise.
Calabria, he explains, is a poorer part of Italy, so people learn how the use simple ingredients better.
His favourite dishes are often what he created, such as a beef shin ragu, or another pasta dish using the spicy nduja sausage.
Whilst working in Northern Italy Marco learnt to use more seafood in his cooking, leading to the creating of a Scoglio, featuring tiger prawns, squid, mussels, garlic and cherry tomatoes.
Such a reflection of Italian authenticity extends to the interior with the brick of the historic building showcased to add character.
Some of the food available (Image: Pic supplied)
Gaining planning approval to several months longer than expected, with Pranzo working closely with City of York conservation officers throughout the process.
Chief operating officer Stephen Peace told the Press: “Part of the joy of working in York is that you take these buildings as a caretaker. We have created a homely, warming and intimate atmosphere.”
Now, 50 staff including chefs, managers waiting staff, will be displaying their skills every day of the week from noon.
In addition to making the pastas and other items made onsite, there an emphasis on gluten-free, including pastas, breads and sauces.
There is a £10 lunch deal, a £15 offer, as well as Sunday lunch roads adding to a more typical Italian platter. This way. Marco says all of the family, children included, can come together for Sunday lunch.
Customers are already happy (Image: Pic supplied)
And though they are keen to stress Italian authenticity, with the wines sourced from independent Italian vineyards, Pranzo works closely with local suppliers, so the herbs are from Ripon and meat from Yorkshire.
Stephen added: “We really are proud we are offering an authentic Italian experience.”
And though it’s early days, Pranzo seems to be tickling the tastebuds of York diners.
TripAdvisor awards the venue five-stars, based in 16 reviews. Fifteen were excellent, one was good. Similarly, Google also records five-stars, based on seven reviews.
Tiramisu (Image: Pic supplied) Pranzo can be found online at https://pranzoitalian.co.uk/york-restaurant/