Do you remember the last restaurant where you dined out prior to the first Covid lockdown? I recall mine vividly. Rudy’s pizzeria had just opened in the centre of Leeds and the virus was starting to change our daily lives. Precautions were being implemented and, unless you were part of Boris Johnson’s inner circle, gatherings and social events were going to be on hold for the foreseeable future.
Thankfully, on my recent visit to the newly opened Rudy’s in York, the conditions were near perfect. It was a sunny autumnal afternoon on a busy Saturday. York and its attractions seemed even more appealing. After circumventing the entire length of the city walls and getting my 10,000 steps in, the excuse to dine at Rudy’s seemed more than valid.
Finding your feet
The York restaurant opened in July in the former Shoe Zone shop on High Ousegate. It is a big space to fill, but Rudy’s has accomplished this admirably. Named after the Yorkshire restaurant owner’s dog, the restaurant welcomes well behaved canines, something you might expect at dining places in the Lake District – but in York? Possibly not.
The decor at first appears a little unkempt, almost unfinished – think concrete floors, wooden panelling that could do with a lick of varnish, and a mix of seating. Not that that stopped anyone from visiting. Diners without reservations were being asked to return later in the evening. Besides, you are coming to Rudy’s for the food, not the decor.
A sense of energy and excitement – and anticipation
The open kitchen led to an exciting experience, with the smells, sights and sounds of pizza being prepared creating a sense of anticipation. The staff had a youthful exuberance that complemented the energetic atmosphere – they probably get their 10,000 steps in with ease!
My fellow diners were mostly locals, with a scattering of tourists. The prices were as tempting as the food – starting at £7.90 for the Marinara basic pizza. The dough is made on site every day, taking two hours to double ferment and just 60 seconds to cook. Neapolitan pizza is soft, light and floppy so I found it was better to fold for strength – or better still to tuck in with a knife and fork.
The menu concentrates mainly on pizza with an ‘almost Lasagne’ and side salads, along with starters, being the only concessions to alternatives. Blackboards are dotted along the walls, listing specials, though most seemed to be on the main menu in any case.
My starter of garlic bread served with cheese was a meal in itself. I found the mozzarella cheese a little bland – it didn’t have that bite you associate with this Italian staple, though the bread was perfect. My main of triple pepperoni came with Napoli, Calabrian and British meat and, surprisingly, a layer of chilli honey which gave a zesty, sweet thrill to the dish. It was probably one of the most authentic and appetising pizzas I have tasted this far north of Naples.
La dolce vita
As in most pizzerias in Italy, the choice of sweet desserts is not on the large side, with just five options on the dolce menu – which made my decision easier. The rum baba, tiramisu and affogato are delights you would expect to see on the sweet trolley in Italy, but chocolate brownie and ice cream appeared to be on the menu at Rudy’s to appeal to British tastes. A sticky, wholesome texture with a light nutty taste gave all the right indications, with the ice cream melting into the warm brownie as if you were eating al fresco in Napoli.
The friendly service, good food and buzzing atmosphere, along with a reasonably priced menu, all contributed to a good experience that I would recommend. Maybe you should pop along. It would be rude not to.
My meal consisted of garlic bread with mozzarella and garlic butter (£7.90), triple pepperoni pizza (£13.90), chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream (£5.90).
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, 5 High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RX.
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