YOU don’t need to travel to Italy to experience an amazing Italian restaurant.

With Leaven Pizza in Hereford recently being highly commended in the eighth annual Italian Awards, we've rounded up the top seven local Italian restaurants according to TripAdvisor.

Take a look at the list below.

Ponte Vecchio

  • Bridge Street, Hereford
  • 4.5 stars based on 476 reviews

(Image: Google Maps)Ponte Vecchio is a family-run restaurant run by a husband and wife with a tiny team of just four staff.​ Positioned in the heart of Hereford, between the Cathedral and the Old Bridge, Ponte Vecchio offers a selection of traditional Italian meals and some more modern plates. The menu changes frequently, celebrating local and Italian produce.

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One TripAdvisor review said: "Amazing little gem within the historic sector of Hereford. The food is simple and hearty with punchy flavours. Rustic Italian at its best. The house red is highly recommended. See you again soon."

Avellino

  • High Street, Ross-on-Wye
  • 4.5 stars based on 680 reviews

(Image: Google Maps) Avellino combines modern and classic dishes, from mixed antipasti plates with Italian cured ham, field mushrooms and goat’s cheese bruschetta to risottos and pasta dishes. There is also a selection of meat and fish mains, traditionally baked pizzas, and homemade desserts. The drinks list includes a range of world wines and beers.

One TripAdvisor review said: "Everyone is friendly and accommodating. Food is amazing. The way the restaurant is run is just amazing. No one was turned away. If no booking was made, they made space for you. It is clear the restaurant is well worth a visit."

Olive Tree

  • High Street, Ledbury
  • Four stars based on 835 reviews

(Image: Google Maps) The Olive Tree was established in 1987 and provides fresh, locally-sourced produce set in a historic 16th-century building. The restaurant can cater for intimate meals or for larger parties celebrating a special occasion.

One TripAdvisor review said: "Absolutely stunning restaurant. Highly recommend for a wonderful evening. I personally recommend the steak, it was beautiful."

Cotto

  • Broad Street, Hereford
  • Four stars based on 196 reviews

(Image: Google Maps)Located in the heart of Hereford, Cotto is a family-run restaurant and cocktail bar offering contemporary dining in a relaxed setting. The menu is made up of authentic Italian cooking with an added modern twist.

One TripAdvisor review said: "Fantastic evening. We visited for cocktails and a bite to eat. Such a happy place to be. The cocktails were the best, the food was amazing and the service and the welcome was beyond five-star. This is the place to go in Hereford if you want to walk out feeling wowed."

Zizzi

  • Old Market, Hereford
  • Four stars based on 525 reviews

(Image: Zizzi)Zizzi, a national restaurant chain with a branch in Hereford's Old Market shopping centre, serves tasty Italian dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto to salads and indulgent desserts. There is an extensive vegetarian, vegan and non-gluten menu  as well as the "Bambini" kids menu.

One TripAdvisor review said: "We went as a family for a big birthday meal. Service was good and food lovely. They serve cocktails for cocktail lovers."

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Leaven

  • Broad Street, Hereford
  • 4.5 stars based on 23 reviews

(Image: A Rule of Tum)Leaven Pizza's sourdough is made fresh daily at the Hereford city centre site. There's no need to book a table at this casual restaurant, which serves its famous pizza along with cocktails, birra and gelato.

One TripAdvisor review said: "Lovely food and the waitresses were excellent! I recommend as the food was delicious and the hospitality was equally as great!"

Leaven Pizza was recently highly commended in four categories at the Italian Awards 2024.

Casa Bianca

  • Whitney Toll Bridge, Whitney-on-Wye
  • Four stars based on 45 reviews

Casa Bianca is an authentic Italian restaurant in Whitney-on-Wye, inspired by the sights, sounds and flavours of the southern Italian coast. Delicious dishes and a selection of fancy wines and cocktails are on offer at this charming eatery.

One TripAdvisor review said: "Beautiful restaurant. Food is amazing. We had the ribs and I've never tasted anything like it. Best ribs I've ever tasted."