A new Italian bottega has opened its doors in Ben Rhydding and is bringing a familiar touch of the dolce vita to the region.

The arrival of Rizia’s Bottega in Ben Rhydding marks an exciting new chapter for the family behind the much-loved Ilkley restaurant Emporio Italia.

Since opening its doors last month, it has proved a popular spot for locals looking to tuck into some favourite Italian treats, sandwiches, pastries and delicious coffee.

Run by Fabrizia Wagstaff-Pignanelli, who has grown up watching her dad bring authentic Italian cooking to the region, the stylish new eatery is set to follow in the traditions that have made the family restaurant Emporio  such a favourite with diners for so many years.

With a warm, welcoming ambience, an outside eating area and exciting dishes on the menu, this is a must-visit spot whether you’re catching up with friends for a bite to eat or stopping by for a coffee fix.

Talking about the concept, Fabrizia said: “Rizia’s Bottega has been shaped by the values I grew up with and having spent many years working in my family’s restaurant, I am fortunate to have learnt from my parents the principles of hospitality, and the importance of taking pride in quality ingredients, and ensuring everyone who walks through the door feels welcome. Those lessons have stayed with me and are at the heart of everything I hope to create.”

The idea for Rizia’s Bottega was brought to life after Fabrizia was watching old family videos and sharing memories of how she and her family would spend their childhood days in their local bottega in San Giovanni  in southern Italy.

Recalling those magical moments, Fabrizia said: “The Bottega was the heart of our little town, where you would pop in for a quick coffee but unknowingly spend hours catching up with old friends and leave with freshly baked bread, pasta and all the weekly essentials.

“Rizia’s Bottega is a reflection of the values that have shaped me growing up in the world of hospitality and what I have been taught in my family’s restaurant.”

Fabrizia says it was those ideals ingrained into through her Italian upbringing, such as the art of experiencing life at a slower pace, the importance of community and making sure everyone is well fed that fuelled her desire to open the new space.

“I want the Bottega to be a welcoming neighbourhood space where you can meet up with friends, enjoy a great coffee, share a bite to eat or pop in to pick up some high- quality Italian provisions and I’m so looking forward to welcoming everybody through the door.”

Rizia’s Bottega is located at 114 Bolling Road,
Ben Rhydding and is open Tuesday to  Friday from 7:45am – 4pm, Saturdays 8.30am – 4pm and
Sundays from 10am – 2pm.

You can follow them on Instagram @rizias.bottega