Diners promised a taste of Naples as restaurant launches newest venue

Italian restaurant, Riva Blu, has opened its doors at The Springs Leeds.

It is the brand’s second base in Leeds and features an open kitchen, a cocktail bar and al fresco terrace area.

Part of Individual Restaurants, Riva Blu will be offering diners classic street food, traditional pizza and pasta in a tribute to the diverse flavours of Naples.

Guests can expect everything from Arancini Tartufo, crispy truffle risotto balls with a smoked provola cheese core, to Caprese, a combination of buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and garlic.

A new midday menu offers Baciata, sandwiches crafted with Riva Blu’s Biga dough recipe. Guests can choose from a variety of fillings, including Caprese, Porchetta, Pollo, and Melanzane Parmigiana, featuring fried aubergine, tomato, mozzarella, and burrata cream.

Also on the menu will be traditional Neapolitan pizza and pasta with gluten-free options available on request.

Dishes include Spaghetti Con Cozze, featuring rope-grown mussels, tomatoes, garlic, and parsley, and Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, a blend of buffalo mozzarella and slow-cooked tomato sauce.

To conclude on a sweet note, the restaurant will offer Italian desserts such as Pistachio Tiramisu.

Meanwhile, the cocktail bar aims to transport guests to Southern Italy with drinks inspired by this region, including Negroni and Aperol Spritz.

Additionally, the beverage menu features a selection of wines, beers, and spirits, along with alcohol-free alternatives.

Andrew Garton, CEO of Individual Restaurants, said: “We’re so happy to bring Riva Blu to The Springs. Taking the place of our restaurant, Piccolo by Piccolino, we’re happy to continue being part of The Springs’ heritage since first opening our doors in 2022 and believe Riva Blu will make the perfect addition to the retail park.

“As our second site offering a unique taste of Naples to Leeds, we’re thrilled to be expanding the Riva Blu family and we look forward to welcoming guests from near and far to enjoy our delicious food and drink offering, all within our stylish and welcoming restaurant.”