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Welcome To La Vecchia Scuola
La Vecchia Scuola is a charming Italian restaurant located in a historic 300-year-old building in York, previously a girls' school. Guests revel in the delightful ambience, featuring multiple dining areas, including a serene conservatory. The menu boasts hearty Italian classics, with highlights like calamari, spaghetti bolognaise, and their acclaimed pizza—often hailed as the best in the UK. Diners appreciate the generous portions and impeccable service, making each visit a memorable experience. With its beautiful décor and the option to dine on a lovely terrace overlooking gardens, La Vecchia Scuola promises an authentic culinary journey that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Pre Starters
Vegan cheesecake
Soup alla Vecchia
Polenta
About
La Vecchia Scuola
Welcome to La Vecchia Scuola, a hidden gem in the heart of York, located at 62 Low Petergate. This charming Italian restaurant has a rich history, housed in a building that's over 300 years old and formerly served as a girls’ school. The ambiance is an exquisite blend of historical elegance and modern comfort, featuring various dining areas including an inviting indoor terrace that offers picturesque views of the serene back gardens.
As you enter La Vecchia Scuola, you're greeted by the warmth of the staff who strive to make every dining experience memorable. The restaurant has garnered glowing reviews for its attentive service and delightful cuisine, creating an inviting atmosphere for both casual diners and special occasions. From the moment you sit down, you'll notice the meticulous attention to detail that defines the dining experience here, as echoed in the heartfelt words of satisfied patrons.
The menu boasts a selection of authentic Italian dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Diners have raved about the hearty portions and outstanding flavors. From sumptuous starters like calamari and homemade pâté to mouth-watering mains such as spaghetti bolognese and tagliatelle carbonara, each dish is crafted with care. The mushroom arancini, in particular, has received notable praise for its rich taste and perfect texture. For dessert, the affogato is a must-try, promising a sweet finish to your meal.
Customer reviews highlight the consistent excellence of La Vecchia Scuola. Not only do guests enjoy the delicious food, but they also appreciate the overall dining experience, which includes a well-curated menu, friendly service, and a splendid ambiance. One reviewer noted, "Everything about La Vecchia Scuola is just spot on," reflecting the devotion this establishment has to serving high-quality, authentic Italian fare at great value.
Whether you're a local or just visiting York, La Vecchia Scuola invites you to indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey. Make sure to reserve a table and enjoy the exquisite flavors, remarkable portions, and a unique historical setting that transforms a meal into a truly special occasion. You won’t be disappointed!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We had lunch at La Vecchia Scuola today and we really enjoyed it! Food was served fast and very tasty, the staff was very friendly and we were able to sit at the indoor terrace which had a lovely view to the back gardens. Food portions were quite reasonable. Definitely recommend this place, we will return ”
“ The best pizza I've eaten in the UK, professional and very nice service. The restaurant is very nice, only when looking at the photos did I notice that you have a beautiful terrace! When I come back next time I will definitely use it. I recommend :) ”
“ We had lunch with friends today in this beautiful restaurant. The building is 300 years old and used to be a girls’ school. There are several dining areas, the main restaurant and conservatory is at the rear of the building, and there are smaller, more intimate dining areas near the entrance. We chose calamari with deep fried courgettes, and home made pate to start. Our main courses were spaghetti bolognaise, tagliatelle carbonara, and mushroom arancini. And we all picked affogato for dessert! A lovely meal in beautiful surroundings! ”
“ We have dined here a few times now and have always been very happy with everything, the food and the service. We were seated upstairs tonight and were served by Samantha, who went all out to make sure we had a lovely meal. I will always recommend this amazing Italian. We have never been disappointed with any food choice. It is all delicious. ”
“ Found this wonderful Italian on Wednesday whilst walking around York, and booked a table for that evening. Everything about La Vecchia Scuola is just spot on - the decor and atmosphere, the service and the menu/food. We both had Starters and Mains, and certainly needed our best appetites - the portions are enormous! Every dish was cooked and seasoned to perfection, and we found everything value for money. A thorough recommendation for anyone in York who is looking for quality, authentic Italian cuisine ”
“ Amazing food. Had the lunch menu which was incredible value. House pate was excellent, as were the Caesar salads and the pork belly. Service was impeccable, very friendly and speedy. Beautiful building and a lovely conservatory overlooking a garden. Would definitely go again ”
“ In a city where I had hundreds of places to choose from, I couldn't be happier that this is where I ate on my one night in York. The evening menu delivers great value for money but, mainly, it was DELICIOUS. The chicken was perfect, though the Pinot Grigio needs to be swapped out with another supplier The place was spotless from top to bottom, the food came quickly, but what made it a great experience was the staff. Fast and focused when they needed to be, and calm, attentive, observant, and friendly the rest of the time. Honestly, it's been years since I've seen such a top notch team. They deserve a drink on the house after their shift tonight ”
“ Fantastic place. Recommend by a friend. Had the Tagliatelle Alfredo.. absolutely delicious followed by the Biscoff Cheese Cake which was rich, creamy and very very moreish. My partner have the same. We also had a bottle of the house white and three cocktails, the Amaretto Sour is the best I’ve tasted. Total bill 113, unbelievable value. Will be going again next time I’m in York and would definitely recommend you going. ”