If you are looking for italian restaurants near Leicester that are genuinely easy to reach, Merchant of Venice on Granby Street is hard to beat. We are at 173-175 Granby Street, LE1 6FE — a short walk from Leicester train station — with authentic Italian food, brunch, artisan coffee and desserts under one roof.
Why Granby Street Is Leicester's Easiest Dining Stop
Granby Street sits between the station and the city centre, which makes it the natural stop for commuters, visitors and anyone heading to Curve Theatre. You can step off a train, sit down for a proper Italian meal and still be back on the platform with time to spare — or take your time and make an evening of it.
We open early (8:00 AM Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM on Sundays), so it works just as well for a morning coffee and pastry before work as it does for dinner after the theatre.
What to Order at Merchant of Venice Granby Street
- Brunch and breakfast — Italian-style morning plates, pastries and coffee from 8:00 AM. See our guide to brunch in Leicester city centre.
- Fresh pasta and risotto — comforting, generous plates that suit a lunch break or a long dinner.
- Stone-baked pizza — a thin, blistered base and simple toppings, ideal for sharing.
- Coffee, cocktails and dessert — a proper Italian finish, from espresso to tiramisu.
You can look through the full menu here before you arrive.
Pre-Theatre, Brunch and Evening Dining
Going to a show at Curve? Our pre-theatre dining guide covers timings and what to order when you are watching the clock. Meeting friends for a long weekend brunch or a Friday night out? We stay open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parking and Getting Here
Granby Street is a few minutes on foot from Leicester train station. If you are driving there are three car parks close by:
- 31-33 Dover Street, Leicester LE1 6PW
- NCP Leicester East Street, LE1 6NB
- SIP car park, Campbell Street, LE1 5ZN
Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability, but we recommend booking a table online for evenings and weekends, or calling 0116 291 5604 for same-day bookings. Looking for more options in the area? Read our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Leicester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Merchant of Venice at 173-175 Granby Street, LE1 6FE is a short walk from Leicester train station, serving fresh pasta, pizza, brunch, coffee and desserts.
We open at 8:00 AM Monday to Saturday and 9:00 AM on Sundays. We close at 10:00 PM, or 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Yes. Nearby car parks include 31-33 Dover Street (LE1 6PW), NCP Leicester East Street (LE1 6NB) and the SIP car park on Campbell Street (LE1 5ZN).
Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability, but booking is recommended for evenings and weekends. Call 0116 291 5604 for same-day bookings.
No. All Merchant of Venice restaurants are closed on 25 December.
Whether you have twenty minutes before a train or a whole evening free, Granby Street is the easiest Italian meal in Leicester to fit into your day.
