Decades ago, I used to visit Tadcaster as a child and the town seemed booming then.
I recall a large car park, which every Thursday contained a thriving market, in which Mum and Dad used to stand selling footwear.
Often, they would bring home lasagnes from a cafe in the high street.
I don’t know what has happened to the café but the market, I’m told, has moved to the Social Club Car Park off St Joseph’s Street.
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Now, 40 years later Tadcaster appears to be struggling a little.
The restaurant exterior in Westgate (Image: Darren Greenwood)
But it has many attributes, such as fine Georgian architecture, lovely stone buildings, a beautiful river frontage and some interesting independent shops.
It also has Sapori Di Napoli, a family-run Italian restaurant, which has been in Westgate since 2013.
One of the best lasagnes I can remember, better than M&S and what I had in Milan. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
A couple of years back, whilst visiting Tadcaster with friends, I noticed the restaurant looked busy, whilst the rest of town seemed somewhat quiet.
I checked the online reviews and noted they were very good, so I thought I best try it one day, so here we are.
Thus, on a hot Saturday evening my vegetarian friends and I turned up.
We had booked and were warmly welcomed and after a few minutes wait at the entrance were shown to our newly made-up table.
Funghetti Alla Crema (Image: Darren Greenwood)
The restaurant is quite small and though it was barely 6pm, it soon began to fill up with families and couples of all ages making it busy and bustling with a pleasant atmosphere.
We ordered drinks, me a large glass of red (£8.25), Richard a San Pellegrino (£3.40) and Sarah, who was driving, a mineral water (£3.10).
They soon arrived and then we ordered the food.
The restaurant interior (Image: Darren Greenwood)
For a starter Richard went for the olives and bread £6.90), Sarah went for the Funghetti Alla Crema (£10.55) and I went for the Gamberoni Vesuviana £13.20).
For mains, Richard went for the Calzone Vegetariano (£17.25), Sarah went for the Main Arribbiata (12.95) and I went for the Lasagne (£16.00).
Richard says the olives and bread were plentiful and pleasant and yes, on trying some I agree the bread had a lovely crustiness to it.
Gamberroni Vesuvania (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Sarah says the mushrooms sauteed in a creamy garlic sauce was deliciously creamy. I also had some too and they were good, but could they have been a bit more garlicky? Either way, enjoyable all the same.
My starter featured king prawns sautéed with garlic, white wine, chilli, parsley and tomato sauce.
Again, another decent portion, very pleasant with large, tender prawns, plenty of tomato taste but again, a bit more garlic would have been welcome. Again, enjoyable all the same.
Breads and olives (Image: Darren Greenwood)
The mains soon arrived and we were amazed at the size of Richard’s Vegetarian Calzone. How would he cope with it?
It consisted of folded pizza filled with mozzarella, mushrooms, spinach and served with a tomato sauce.
Richard particularly liked this and he polished it all off. Yes, it was “very filling” he told me afterwards, but he said the calzone was well packed and the “tangy tomato sauce” was particularly good.
Sarah said Penne Arrabbiata is a favourite dish of her’s and with a fine balance of tomato, chilli and garlic that well-complimented each other, it did not disappoint. It was another decent portion and again, nothing was wasted.
Penne Arabbiata (Image: Darren Greenwood)
The chef’s homemade lasagne was a decent portion too, with a lovely bechemel topping and very meaty and delicious. It was far better than the one I had in Milan earlier this year, and dare I say, better than the M&S Gastropub Lasagne I often enjoy. Served piping hot, this certainly is among the best of lasagnes I have enjoyed.
Now, normally, we have been too full to enjoy dessert but at least Sarah and I still had a little room. Richard was understandable too full after his large calzone.
Sarah opted for a Biscoff cheesecake (£7.95), which she describes as “caramelised soft creamy cheese”. She said it was pleasantly creamy and cheesy and that soon disappeared.
I went for Pasqualle’s Tiramusi, which the restaurant says is made from a traditional Naples recipe. I trust the restaurant owner Pasquale, who is originally from Naples, brought it with him.
Yes, it was authentic, tasty, full of flavour and made for an enjoyable end to the meal.
Indeed, we were all well satisfied with the quality, authenticity and volumes of the delicious food that was always well-presented and attractive to look at. The service was friendly and efficient too.
Whilst waiting, it was always interesting to see what other tables were eating, in expectation of the delights to come.
One man at a nearby table complained his Frutti Di Mare spaghetti lacked prawns but this was quickly replaced without fuss and with plenty of prawns adding to the many mussels.
Pasquale’s Tiramisu is made to a Naples recipe. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
His wife, however, told me her chicken breast Saltimbocca was “piping hot” and “perfect.”
Thus, it is great to see how they will make up for any amends.
Well, it was time to pay and the bill came to a very reasonable £107.50, considering what we had all enjoyed in very pleasant and friendly surroundings.
Google awards 4.7 stars out of five, based on 224 reviews, with the latest giving a deserved five star.
TripAdvisor gives 4.4 stars out of five, based on 196 reviews, ranking it 9th out of 27 restaurants in Tadcaster. The latest review also awards a deserved five stars.
Reviews focus on the delicious food, ‘amazing’ service and friendly staff who go the extra mile.
This seems a fair commentary and we all agreed with them that the restaurant is highly recommended.
Indeed, as Sarah said whilst texting me her comments “WE WILL BE BACK”.
That will certainly be something to look forward to in a pleasant market town so close to York, Leeds and the A1 Motorway that has so much potential.
Reviews are independent and meals paid for by The Press
Fact file
Sapori Di Napoli, 16 Westgate, Tadcaster
T: 01937 835121/ 07742 531366
W: saporidinapoli.co.uk
Verdict:
Food – The most delicious and authentic Italian food. Plenty of options available including traditional favourites.
Service – Friendly and prompt
Ambience – Busy restaurant but not too noisy, just pleasant.
Value – Very good for tasty, authentic Italian food in fine surroundings.
Dining and Cooking