Opening date revealed for York’s huge new restaurant – along with first details of what’s on the menu

The biggest restaurant opening of the year will take place on Monday, March 27.

That’s the date when Carluccio’s will unveil its 168-cover restaurant, shop and deli in the combined former home of the historic Terry’s shop and former TSB bank on St Helen’s Square.

It is being described as Carluccio’s first ‘new generation’ restaurant, bringing “the very best of Antonio Carluccio’s homeland” to the city. This will include a menu of fresh modern Italian cuisine.

The Grade II listed building is being carefully restored to create a welcoming blend of old and new.

Original features, such as the chocolate shop’s confectionery cabinets, timber panelled walls, brass lighting and parquet flooring, will “contrast beautifully with contemporary furniture and modern artwork” the company says.

The grand sweeping staircase will lead to a first floor with deli bar, and balconies overlooking the square.

The food

The all-day menu plans to take customers from breakfast and coffee through to cocktails and dinner.

Signature dishes celebrate modern twists on Italian classics such as crab macaroni, slow cooked duck pappardelle with pork, pancetta and mushrooms, or a rich mushroom risotto with a hint of chilli and truffle oil.

This site also brings Carluccio’s new pizza menu to York. Pizzas are hand-stretched using slow-proven dough to create a thin, crispy base, and is topped with the Italian ingredients like buffalo mozzarella, 18-month aged Parma ham and nduja – a spicy pork salumi.

The drink

The ground floor Terry’s Bar will pay homage to the chocolatier. It will launch a new selection of cocktails, plus an exclusively Italian wine list, craft beers and plenty of prosecco.

“Pop in for an aperitvo or a pre-theatre drink and enjoy a selection of small plates,” say the Carluccio’s team.

“Alternatively, grab the gang and share the show-stopping Grandioso Board with Parma ham, salami ventricina abruzzese, prosciutto cotto, chicken, caponata bruschetta, ravioli fritti and poponcini peppers with pesto.”

During the day, you can enjoy an Italian blend coffee and a pastry.

Diners can also take a little taste of Italy home with Carluccio’s range of regional Italian products. Ingredients like pasta, pesto, balsamic and olive oil, sit alongside chocolates, wines, biscuits and Antonio’s cookbooks.

They say: “Pop in whenever you want, for whatever you want and stay as long as you like – that’s the Carluccio’s way.”