FORZA ROMA! When you find yourself working away from home finding a good place to eat is a must. So it was for me when I found myself spending 2 weeks in Leicester. After the first night’s truly awful dining experience at my hotel, I had the good fortune to stumble across Café Bar Roma on Halford street in the city centre, and what a find it was. Decked out as you would find many a trattoria almost anywhere in Italy (plenty of wood and subtle lighting) it had a warm and welcoming ambience which chimed perfectly with the friendly and efficient service provided by the owner, Azziza, and her team who work tirelessly to ensure your time there is a happy one. It is a café bar during the working week and open as a restaurant in the evening from Wednesday on. Although I did not luncheon there, I wish I had! The lunchtime offers look remarkably good value. Yet, however welcome you are made to feel, you are there to eat, and if the food fails, you won’t return. I did! 4 times. And not once was I disappointed. All the traditional Italian staples are there. Pasta, pizza, meat and fish (and a selection of homemade desserts). First up, my tagliatelle salsiccie (with traditional fennel sausage) was delicious; light but filling, with the pasta al dente and just the right hint of fennel to the overall flavour. Not too strong but not missing in action either. The pizzas are simply first rate. I tried two! A simple rossa at £4.50 and a puttanesca with olives, capers and anchovies at £8.50; combining a light, crispy base (but still retaining a bit of that all-important “chew” factor) married to toppings packed with flavour. The scallopine al marsala (pork escallope in a cream and marsala sauce) at £16 was again beautifully cooked. Tender and moist with a sauce that did not overpower the meat but complemented it just as it should. Finally, to cover all areas of the menu, I had the sea bass fillet in a lemon butter and caper sauce (£16.50). This is an easy dish to get wrong. The fish can be dry or the sauce too sharp. No such trouble here. The fillets were cooked perfectly; skin crisp, flesh soft and the sauce was, again, a subtle but truly flavoursome accompaniment. Compliments to the chef! So, pasta, pizza, meat and fish all perfect; and the prices are so reasonable that one imagines they must rise soon. To produce this quality at the prices charged is nothing short of a miracle. And the well- chosen wines were sensibly priced too, with a carafe of the house at £10 (a real boon for the lone diner) and a bottle of house red or white at £14. It was no surprise to my lonesome self, as I eavesdropped, to hear that many of the diners were frequent visitors. All in all, a terrific dining experience. Great food; great service; great value. It is no wonder the place has been here nearly 30 years. If I am any judge, it will be here many years more. It deserves to be.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

1st Time - I Have Ever Been To Roma Café On Halfords Street In Leicester Was On The 4th December 2023,To Celebrate My Finaceë Birthday - Atmosphere Was Relaxing And Busy,You Were Made Welcome By Everyone Who Worked There,All The Food Was Freshly Made On Site,I Definitely Recommend Going On The Lunch Time Special - You Can Get The Lunch Time Special Meal Deal - You Can Get A Hot Or Cold Drink Included With Meal - Dessert Are Delicious And Can Be Served Hot And Cold Apart From Tiramisu Or The Lemon Tiramisu - Note:- My Best Advice Is To Book Ahead For The Lunchtime Special,It Can Be Really Busy And They Will Reserve A Table For You, Enjoyable For All Occasions - Birthdays, Special Occasions - I Will Definitely Go There Again - (Highly Recommend This Place)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Penne Amatriciana, Garlic Bread, Penne Arrabbiata

I've eaten here a few times over the years and it's a solid option at a very reasonable price point. There are gluten free options as well as vegetarian & vegan ones, so most dietary requirements would be met, I think. Pizza isn't the best here - I think there are better places if that's what you fancy. There's a smaller dining area downstairs and a much bigger room upstairs, suitable for large groups. Service can be a bit hit & miss. The ground floor seems to be accessible, but I'm not sure if there's a disabled toilet. The restrooms are upstairs and small cubicles. It's a popular choice for pre-theatre dining, and you need to book.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Vegetarian options
Decent choice of vegetarian options as well as some vegan.

We had a table booked for 4.30pm on Thursday 13th July 2023 so we had the evening menu. We both decided to go for bruschetta starters, Sea bass mains served with vegetables and a bottle of white wine. The portion size is perfect for us, allowing you to have three or four courses if you like. All were cooked perfectly well and tasted great. We then had Tiramisu for dessert with a glass of red wine ( we were on holiday) Our bill was about £65. The atmosphere is relaxed and you are never rushed. We were treated to entertainment by a single male musician playing Blues music via the PA system and also the saxophone in a background music type way and never too loud so that you could hold a conversation easily. He was brilliant, we had to buy him a drink. We will return many more times, Love it.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Ordered from Roma for a work lunch and have been to eat there. The lunch deal would be great value for money but unfortunately the portion sizes are a little small and not filling. I would say the lunch deal is a child's portion size and left quiet a few of us still hungry. Maybe next time I will try the full sized meal and see if its any better. The lasagna was okay nothing stood out about it too much and the garlic bread was mediocre unfortunately. Good atmosphere when eating it but it can become full very quickly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£1–10
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking

This place is an absolute gem. Me my mother and my teenage daughter popped in for dinner after the theatre and we all loved every minute of our visit. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced - some great Italian dishes you don't find in the big chain restaurants. The service was excellent so polite and friendly. We are not near to Leicester but would come back just to eat here again thankyou
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
They have some wonderful vegetarian options including a wonderful Aubergine Parmegana that both me and my mum could not resist.

We had a lovely meal, garlic bread to start 3 pizzas and 2 drinks. All delicious and great value.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Garlic Bread, Veggie Pizza, Pizza Funghi Salami
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section, Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
Great options for vegetarians.
Kid-friendliness
Very child friendly, staff are lovely with them and they will do half portions if needed

Delicious food. We got the salmon pasta, alfredo pasta, sea food pasta with garlic and olive oil, meat ball spaghetti, 4 cheese and vegetarian pizza as well as lasagna ( this was in multiple visits because it was so good we kept going back) The salmon pasta specifically has been everyone’s favourite. The lasagna and cheese cake were not very impressive but the apple cake with ice cream made up for it. Overall, I strongly recommend coming, book a table because they are usually fully booked and try their salmon pasta!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

If there had been Italian type music and possible table cloths etc I would give 5 stars for the atmosphere. The Roma is excellent value for money with lovely friendly staff and the food does not disappoint - lovely, thank you x
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Meatball Spaghetti Bolognese
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking
No parking but plenty in the area - eg: High Cross etc

My favourite Italian in Leicester. Good quality food and very good value..The staff are always friendly and welcoming. My favourite part is it's old school feel, no pretentious here at all, no bling which seems to be coming more and more a part of Italian restaurants in the UK. If you eat out in Italy most restaurant's let the food do the talking and this place is the same. It's been in Leicester years so that says it all doesn't it. Fantastic!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We booked here for a quick pre theatre lunch & it’s a good job we did! Very busy with a great atmosphere. Such a great value lunch time menu, all home made & delicious ,(especially the desserts!). A real Italian gem; friendly, great service & less than £20 for two courses, a Bellini cocktail & coffee
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chocolate Salami

Food tasted nice, must say portion sizes were a lot smaller than expected. Only 3/4meatballs for what my friend ordered. My Salad which was Onions and Tomateo was a very small portion, I thought it was going to be bigger and more considering it was not the cheapest Salad available. I have heard great things about this place although it tasted great wasn't the best portion size. Maybe I ordered the wrong food.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We been here 4th times, first time it’s was really nice food quantity good and garlic bread taste good but the last two times the quantity gone down and the garlic bread the bread also the pizza base taste slightly different. Really think they change chef. Can understanding with £7 lunch but if we ordered a pizza to pay original price I expected a better quality pizza base.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£1–10

Great little restaurant, the food is good quality and tastes so fresh, I'd dare say the pasta is freshly made on site, but not verified this. Been twice recently and both times it was pleasant. Don't have the lemon cheesecake as I think that gave me a bit of the runs later in the evening, apart from that, it was good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£10–20

Loved the £8 lunch deal, good value. Like the authentic atmosphere.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Penne Arrabbiata
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Large vegetarian selection
Vegetarian options
Vegetarian pizzas and pasta choices.

Great way to start 2023. Excellent food and service. Keep up the good work. Another visit - Sept 23. Pizza and cold beer. Pizza topping was great but difficult to cut and so had to use hands
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£1–10
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Penne Amatriciana, Garlic Bread

An amazing lunch at a cute, cozy cafe in Leicester city centre! The £6 meal during weekdays is fantastic for a quick pasta, drink and garlic bread before heading back to work. The vegetarian options are great, especially the Crema Funghi Pomodoro. All of this came with brilliant (and fast) service too! Will definitely come here often.

My husband and I were in the city for a show on Wednesday 6th September. The restaurant was clean and bright. The waitress was lovely and the food was excellent. Would recommend and would visit again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great night out, excellent food together with good service. Thanks will be back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Penne Amatriciana, Garlic Bread, Fettuccine, Affogato, Bruschetta, Penne Arrabbiata, Calzone

Roma Cafe has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years and I've never once been disappointed with this place. Fantastic food and drink, lovely staff and all at a great price. Always preferred over a chain but be sure to book in advance if you want a guaranteed table!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

I wish to try their food but they told me their closing soon but on Webpage and on doors it says till 22 and last orderes befor 20:30 and we came at 20:15. I am very disapointed. Waiter a chef was looking at me with angry face and being rude. So if you do not have reservation do not even go there.

Fantastic restaurant. Food, service, atmosphere and value for money is top notch. Looking forward to coming back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Garlic Bread, Calzone

The first time eating here and was very impressed, I will definitely be back. Reasonably priced and excellent service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Penne Arrabbiata

I came here one evening hoping for a small portion, having overeaten elsewhere at lunchtime. It was just what I wanted, small and of acceptable quality. The waitress was excellent; friendly and attentive. I liked the layout of the place and could imagine I was in Rome. Prices were low. More

Anazing authentic Italian food in the heart of Leicester. I walk past this resturant everyday and have never been until today! For the lunch special. Highly recommend it, flavoursome and gets the taste buds tingling. £6 for the lunch special, pasta, 2 pieces of garlic bread and juice.

Amazing food, lovely little place, 10/10 attentive service. Found it on accident and it will be my new go to :)
Service
Dine in
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Garlic Bread

Just by chance we popped in for a meal on our way to the Curve and we will definitely be returning. Lovely food, good prices and comfortable setting. Live Saxophone was very nice.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
£30–40

Dropped a star as the staff seemed distant not attentive last night .the main lady very helpful but we were booked in for 730pm and there was literally hardly anyone in there so would expect prompt service. Had to ask 3 times for the bill.

A real gem. I've often been for lunch, but last week I went for a pre-theatre evening meal and it was excellent. We shared the 3 pasta platter for two, which was a great way of trying different dishes.

Love this little gem of an Italian restaurant. Warm and inviting with scrumptious food. And a perfect spot to go before heading to watch a show at the Curve.

Came in here during my lunch break. Very friendly staff and decent food. Everything is done fresh and the £8 lunch meal deal is a very good offer. More

Lovely and informal, service was quick and friendly. Food is fresh and tasty. Did not feel rushed and was able to sit and chat after the meal. More

Definitely the best coffee in town, without question! Authentic Italian ambience and lovely, friendly staff. Grazie Roma! More

Lovely authentic Italian and VERY reasonably priced. Great for stopping at lunch and far better than any chain restaurant.

Very busy lunchtime venue for traditional Italian food. Ideally book a table in advance
Service…
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Fabulous pizza, with a nice lemon drink, to go with it, + Great desserts too. :)
Service…
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Lovely little cafe, good food nice staff family go here often.
Food: 5…
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Great food. Nice & warm atmosphere. Worth to visit again next time. Recommended.

Very good family Italian. Great service and food. Desserts looked nice as well.

Really tasty authentic food. Great price
Service
Dine in…
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