Gisburn, Italian Restaurant Guide

“As close to true Italian food as you will find outside Italy” – “Cinzia and Maurizio Bocchi continue to offer some of the UK’s most authentic Italian cuisine” at this converted weaver’s cottage in the Ribble Valley. “There’s more than a hint of agriturismo to the operation, with by far the bulk of ingredients being sourced locally” (Maurizio is a ‘Taste Ambassador’ for Marketing Lancashire). “Olive oils, PDO meats, and wines come from Italy; and the wine list – all Italian – repays a good study”. Top Menu Tip – “Starters and pasta are perhaps the biggest strength. If you can persuade Cinzia to let you order some olive Ascolani, you must: olives, stuffed with minced pork, and deep fried in breadcrumbs: heaven! The coffee menu is almost ludicrously long, but a straightforward espresso is always superb, and you really need to order a coffee to get the excellent biscuits etc that come with it!”