Italian restaurant Sapori is wowing locals with delicious pizza, fresh pasta, and a real passion for authentic southern Italian cuisine – and one lucky reader can win a meal for two worth up to £100!
Despite having only been open on Otley Old Road in Cookridge for a couple of months, Sapori is already gaining a devoted local following. This is the kind of neighbourhood Italian restaurant that has the warmth and intimacy of a family home.
The driving force is Owner and Manager Issam, who will be a familiar face to many in North Leeds having worked at Ricos in Oakwood for 25 years, and more recently at La Terasse where the cosy Italian bistro vibe and friendly ambience earned him many loyal regulars. Now, with Sapori, he’s brought the same commitment to considered cooking with the finest quality fresh ingredients along with that all-important personal touch to a new group of diners.
Although there are similarly named establishments out there, Issam wants to dispel any possible confusion – Sapori is not part of a chain but a unique, fiercely independent operation which thrives through its individuality and genuine connection between people and food.
“I want people to feel at home here,” Issam says. “I like to take a practical, hands-on approach to things – managing the kitchen, making sure everything’s up to scratch, but also out front of house, offering that warm welcome and getting to know our new patrons.”
It’s the attention to detail and Issam’s conscientious oversight that extends from customer service to the sourcing of ingredients. Meat is supplied fresh daily by local supplier, Sykes, while fish comes in every day from the North East coast. Working with seasonal produce is integral to menu design, ensuring the freshest flavours while allowing the chefs to experiment and evolve: “We put a lot of thought and work into the specials board so there’s always something new for people to try.”
This is Italian cooking at its most honest – traditional, regional recipes, hand-stretched pizza bases, pasta rolled fresh each day, and every dish made to order with care, attention, and love.
The restaurant space itself is generous, allowing for larger dining parties, family gatherings, and other events such as weddings, private functions, and meetings. Sapori is off to an impressive start and Issam is excited about the journey ahead; he knows how a great local dining spot can act as a community hub and how to deliver on people’s expectations: “I’ve been around for a long time, I know what people want – and we aim to give it to them every single time.”
