The story
Sapori is Italian for “flavours” – and that word captures the essence of this family-run restaurant on Stadon Road in Anstey, Leicester. Since opening in May 2011, husband-and-wife team Andrea and Cristina Scarpati have built a reputation for modern, elegant Italian fine dining that stays true to its roots. Everything is made from scratch: pasta, bread, desserts, and gelato, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Head Chef Andrea Scarpati grew up in Torre del Greco, near Naples. After working in restaurants across Italy and England, he opened Sapori with Cristina. His skill and dedication have earned him recognition far beyond Leicestershire. In 2017 he was selected to become a member of CHIC (Charming Italian Chef), an association of chefs who collectively hold more than fifty Michelin stars. Andrea is the only UK-based member of CHIC. Two years later, he was nominated as the UK ambassador for Ambasciatori del Gusto (Ambassadors of Taste), an Italian association that selects chefs worldwide to represent authentic Italian cuisine.
Sapori has been featured in the Good Food Guide since 2014. In 2018 the restaurant earned its first AA Rosette, followed by a Michelin Plate in 2019 and a second AA Rosette in 2021. Most recently, it was awarded Michelin Recommended for 2026. These accolades reflect a kitchen that balances tradition with precision, serving Italian dishes that are both refined and deeply flavourful.
The restaurant also hosts live jazz in its bar on select Friday evenings, and offers private dining options for special occasions. Whether you come for a quiet dinner or a celebration, the atmosphere is warm and elegant – a setting that lets the food speak for itself.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
The Scarpati family hail from the Torre del Greco quarter of Napoli, a long way from the suburb of north Leicester where they are currently domiciled, but their contribution to Britain's Italian dining scene is a precious asset to the families of locals who support the place. Despite the redbrick façade, their restaurant has an altogether glamorous feel within, thanks to an extensive refurb back in 2020. A traditional menu offers antipasti to begin, including pesto burrata or grilled octopus with artichoke and fennel. Pasta variations might feature agnolotti filled with Genovese beef ragù, pea purée, carrot and pickled onions, before the main show introduces 'four ways pork' with parsnip purée and sherry jus or roast monkfish with buttermilk and sourdough sauce. Desserts bring on some imaginative ideas in the shape of camomile-whipped panna cotta with strawberry tartlet. It's all delivered in an atmosphere of irrepressible conviviality. A separate pizza menu is served in the restaurant (Tuesday to Thursday) and all week in the PizzaBar area, while the Italian-oriented wine list has evocative tasting notes all the way through.
Location
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