Search for the best restaurant in Leicester and you will find a long list. What separates the places people return to from the places they try once? Here is how we think about it — and why so many diners choose Merchant of Venice for Italian food in Leicester city centre.
What Makes a Great Leicester Restaurant
- Food that tastes of something — fresh pasta, good dough, honest sauces.
- A setting with character — somewhere you remember, not just somewhere you ate.
- Service that is warm, not rushed.
- A central, easy location — near the station, the theatre and the shops.
- Consistency — the same standard on a quiet Tuesday and a busy Saturday.
Awards and Press
Merchant of Venice has been featured by Leicester Mercury, Cool As Leicester and Lux Life, was named a Midland Awards finalist (2024) and received a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024 recognition. You can read more on our Latest News page.
Granby Street vs Loseby Lane
We have two venues in the city centre, each with its own character:
- Granby Street — a short walk from Leicester train station and Curve Theatre. Easy for visitors, commuters and pre-theatre dinners.
- Loseby Lane — in The Lanes, near Highcross and Jubilee Square. Atmospheric, quieter and made for date nights and long lunches.
Not sure which suits you? Our guides to Granby Street near the station and Loseby Lane near Highcross cover each in detail, and our best Italian restaurants in Leicester page compares the options.
Menus, Booking and What to Expect
Both venues serve fresh pasta, stone-baked pizza, brunch from 8:00 AM, artisan coffee, cocktails and desserts. See the menu and book online for the venue of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merchant of Venice has two city-centre venues, Granby Street and Loseby Lane, serving authentic Italian food, brunch, coffee and desserts, and has been recognised by local press and awards.
Granby Street is at 173-175 Granby Street, LE1 6FE, near Leicester train station. Loseby Lane is at 19-21 Loseby Lane, LE1 5DR, in The Lanes near Highcross.
Yes. Both Leicester venues open from 8:00 AM (9:00 AM on Sundays) with Italian-style brunch, breakfast and coffee.
Yes. Reserve online through the Granby Street or Loseby Lane pages, or call the restaurant directly.
No. All Merchant of Venice restaurants are closed on 25 December.
Great food, a setting with character and a genuinely warm welcome — that is what we aim for at both Leicester venues.
