I was amazed to find Le Langhe was not already on Yelp. I hesitated briefly to add it at first because this is one of those gems of a find you want selfishly to keep to yourself for fear of ruining your chances of ever being able to reserve a table again once the secret is out.
The location is a five minute walk from the madding crowd of town centre but you'll appreciate the peaceful ambience on its currently only open Friday and Saturday for evening reservations. An even lovelier surprise is in store if you pop in during daylight hours, either for breakfast with freshly baked croissants and a real Italian coffee (unlike in Italy you won't be cast a raised eyebrow if you request a latte or cappuccino before 11.00am per favore) or a sublime pranzo when you will be able to soak up views or take a post lunch leisurely meander amid one of Yorks loveliest gardens nestled at the foot of its' infamous city wall.
Head chef and owner Ottavio is an exceptional talent, a gastro genius, humble entrepreneur and an outright gift to York.
If you want the real deal in genuine Italian cuisine - and I'm not talking 'adapted to the English palate with lashings of double cream or an oil and balsamic dip (never ever seen that in Italy in the ten years I lived there), or a certain popularly adored main stream 'Laaandan' celebrity who famously offended half of Italy with his wannabe Italian graffiti style food, then this place is the Michelin Star of UK Italian restaurants. This is truly the Mont Blanc of the Alps, the Don Giovanni of Italian lovers and the and Barolo of Italy's finest wines. Speaking of which you'll be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive well studied cantina this side of the English Channel. If you get the chance ask Ottavio about his prized collection and trust me when I say take his recommendation. He is always right when it comes to his beloved wines.
I'm personally a great fan of the Tasting menu here because quite simply you need to try as much on the exquisite menu as you can. Whilst much of the core ingredients are imported from his homeland Ottavio is deeply conscientious about sourcing fresh local meat, offal and fish.
The extensive cheese and sliced meat selection you pass on the deli counter as you're shown to your table will have you dribbling before you've even cast an eye over the antipasti menu. Simply ask for a selection to set your taste buds on a heavenly gastronomic tour.
A personal favourite for 'il primo' is the silkily smooth home made pasta, I'm always torn between the meaty game sauce and the pumpkin and cheese with sage infused butter. If you've still room or have been able to resist so far (seriously?) then head straight to a hearty 'secondo' that will make passionate Italian love to your taste buds. Braised melt in the mouth Ox cheek has me swooning, whilst the John Dory is a gastro lovers delight. Either way both come served with heavenly creamy dauphinois potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
If you've a stomach the size of Goliath then try the delicious home made deserts and an espresso. Ask for ristretto, that's short and vavavoom strong. That should ward off any inevitable sleepy sensation as the rush of blood from brain to stomach sets in. Personally I prefer to smash through the stomach pain barrier with some cheese, sluicing down the last glass of a full bodied Valpolicella.
As a last tip; take your imagination to this Slow Food founding nation and soak up the atmosphere in an unhurried relaxed spirit in order to enjoy the full experience of this Michelin class restaurant. Just because it's not officially on the door yet doesn't mean it's not in the process, so get in while you can! read more