Zucco

A really fantastic family lunch.
I am clearly not paying attention because I had no idea this place had opened. There were 10 of us dining, 3 of those being children. Most of the table had been before and advised to think of it as ‘Italian tapas’, which I would say is a good plan.
On entering the space there’s a clear nod to tradition with a modern feel: the black and white tiled floor, panelled ceiling, spaces set for dining at the bar. The bar runs into a modern open galley kitchen, with calm activity and dishes appearing as if from nowhere. I did wonder if there was more kitchen we couldn’t see as it’s seemingly tiny space for food to keep appearing from! I also approve of the panelled ceiling — hard surfaces can make for one unholy din in a busy restaurant, and I can happily report that the acoustics are softened by this feature.
I’d guess that it’s a family team on front of house. We were assured that the young lad bringing our drinks was 15, but he doesn’t look a day over 12. Service is calm, friendly and unfussy. Things are done ‘proper’, water is poured and nothing is too much trouble without there being a song and dance about it.
The food was a definite highlight for me. We ordered a number of dishes as a table, including fresh, crispy pizzas and flatbreads as starters: arancini (little deep fried rice balls) were crisp, just cheesy enough and horribly moreish: crostini with anchovies showed off the good quality ingredients.
Mains featured what is basically a posh version of the north east classic, a parmo: D which went down very well with my boyfriend; beautifully judged calves liver which even though I can once again confirm I don’t like liver, was tasty enough that I can appreciate how good it was; fritti misto was so popular we ordered an extra portion; a lovely mozzarella and tomato salad with walnut pesto featured both proper mozzarella AND ripe tomatoes, hurrah.
I recommend leaving room for dessert, in particular a coffee. I’d come back for the coffee on it’s own. The lemon tart I had was rich and with proper pastry, not too thick to showcase the rich lemon curd like filling.
I think I’d enjoy this place most with a group, as it means I’d get to sample more dishes. I think the menu changes slightly each day, so always worth trying something new. Definitely ordering as a table and sharing worked well for our table, although there’s no reason you couldn’t reign in your greed and come by yourself or with a friend. Highly recommend you do!

I’d heard tell of this place a few months prior to its arrival, and had from that moment been anticipating the arrival — here in Meanwood town we’ve a few spots that are worth checking out, but not exactly a lot. Any opportunity for new restaurants or bars to open is a good thing to my mind: It’s probably one of the more attractive areas, given how green it is, and so populating it with more eateries will only add to it — especially since it’s lacking in that.
So, on an evening where hunger took over, the chap and I wandered the short walk to Zucco. I’d heard somewhere that it was tapas, and so was pleasantly surprised to see an intriguing menu adorned with what appeared to be a sort of tapas and Italian fusion. The dishes were priced, and appeared, to be moderate — thusly tapas sized. When they’re around £6 or less a go, I assume you order a few things, so I took the lamb stew and steak, opting to share the veggie dishes, whilst he had the pizzetta.
It’s important to note at this point — the food is in no way miniature. In fact, it’s almost like a two thirds sort of size. Not quite enough to simply order one thing, but certainly (for me at least) bigger than having several tapas dishes amongst you. When the stew and the steak arrived, without comment thankfully, and were placed in front of me I felt a little foolish, a little greedy, and a little overwhelmed!
Regardless, you can guess how this ends. I, of course, ate it all.
The service was really lovely. They had a young chap, perhaps 13, taking our orders and delivering our food and whilst he seemed a touch shy (or straight forward and nixing the chit chat) he was perfectly efficient and lovely. Everything came out in a timely fashion, and whilst the place was really warm from the sun, the open doors and fans provided some respite and air. It’s decorated well, with striking black and white tiles, and simple dining tables — no fuss, just a good clean environment.
As for the food — it was fine. I really enjoyed the stew, although I couldn’t put my finger on what it was that flavoured the broth. It was a watery (in texture, not taste) and beefy, with melt in the mouth lamb hunks (obviously slow cooked) and various veg — including olives, which went supremely well in the stew. This was so surprising! I’m not a caper fan myself, so could have had it without those, although I realise they added to the odd but pleasing flavour.
The steak however, was not as good as I’d hoped. Despite coming pretty rare, there was something missing in the flavour and texture of the meat — it didn’t melt like some rare steak does, and it was chewy in places. However, I did finish most of it, so it wasn’t that it was a poor steak, just perhaps not to my tastes. (And unfortunately the intended vegetables to accompany had run out, although they did come up with a lovely alternative.) Watch out for the beer prices though! We got stung there.
In summary, there’s a fantastic environment to the restaurant, and it’s amazing to see something a little bit different — especially in Meanwood. Being as they’re relatively new, I’m hoping it’ll come into its own where the food is concerned. The dishes aren’t quite small enough to properly tapas it up (although there’s loads of light bites to eat) and the vegetarian small plates aren’t quite strong enough to act as a main. However, they dishes are a little bit different, freshly made, and put together with an obvious amount of passion — not something to be sniffed at. Check them out, and have a bite to eat.

Great menu.
Good choice of dishes very well cooked and presented.
Must remember to book next visit.
This restaurant is a great addition to Meanwood.
Check it out