Authentic Italian Restaurant in Ripon

We are open

Mon, Tues & Thurs 4.30 – 9pm

Fri & Sat 4.30 – 9.30pm

Wed & Sun – Closed

You can now book online using this link

For tables of 8 or more, please call first on 01765 602 034 to check availability

Award Winners!

We were delighted to win ‘Best Restaurant – North Yorkshire’ at the 2025 England Business Awards. This is welcome recognition of the great work our team put in every day!

Prima on Kirkgate

A Passion for Food

Pietro loved cooking from an early age and this led him to have his first experience at age 15, working in a professional kitchen in his hometown of Canosa di Puglia in Southern Italy. Since then, it’s been his passion. But his greatest food memory is of his mother’s Ragu cooking on the stove, the aromas of that rich sauce filled the whole house.

In 2015 Pietro came to Ripon to work at Prima Pizzeria, where he developed his skills and fired his ambition. He started at the bottom and worked his way up very quickly going from Commis to Head Chef in just 3 years. However, in November 2021, an opportunity to fulfil his dream presented itself. After 37 years, the Fantoni family were ready to hand over the reins. Now Pietro and his team are carrying on the tradition of delivering an authentic Italian dining experience in Ripon.

Prima Pizzeria
2023
Recommended

Pietro says “Being a Chef and Restaurateur is the ultimate job for someone who loves food. No two days are the same, trying out new dishes, listening to what your customers say, tweaking recipes and constantly looking to improve. But above all, it’s immensely rewarding and great fun”.

He loves to travel, experiencing new food and all types of restaurants. It’s this along with his Italian heritage which inspires every dish. That passion for food which saw Pietro make the move from Puglia to Yorkshire which is at the heart of what a customer can expect from the kitchen.

That’s why he makes a point of meeting all his local suppliers personally to ensure the quality of their produce. From locally reared meat and poultry to his favourite Brymor Ice Cream, Pietro ensures standards are maintained. Even the wine needs the seal of approval before it goes on the list…!

Put simply, Prima Pizzeria serves great food, in a cosy atmosphere, with the buzz of a busy restaurant which makes booking highly recommended – especially at weekends.

If you would like to make a reservation…

Call us on

01765 602034

The house “Blackboard Menu” is updated on a regular basis to accommodate for fresh seafood and seasonal game and a Children’s Menu is available. Prima Pizzeria also has an extensive Take Away Menu if you want the Prima Experience at home.

Located, only a two-minute walk from either Ripon Market Place or Ripon Cathedral, Prima Pizzeria, is at 33 Kirkgate which is a characterful cobbled street packed with small shops.

Pietro and the team are looking forward to welcoming you to Prima Pizzeria 

 

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We’re open

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4.30pm until 9pm

Friday & Saturday 4.30pm until 9.30pm

Closed Wednesday & Sunday 

We offer a Select Menu (2 Course – Starter with Pizza or Pasta £18.90 or Starter with a Special £23.90) Monday, Tuesday & Thursday all night and from 4.30pm until 6pm Friday & Saturday (T’s&C’s Apply. Not available on Bank Holiday Weekends) 

Gift Vouchers Available – Please Ask For Details

What our customers say about us…

  • star rating  Great good and service. - Brilliant once again. Great Italian food with great service. Always busy but lots of staff and quick service. We have been several times now and always had a great meal.... read more

    avatar thumb Roy J
    May 28, 2024

    star rating  Delicious food that we will be back for more of! - AMAZING!!! Most fantastic food, service was impeccable and the spectacle put on for our joint birthday celebration is one that will be remembered for many years to come!
    Thank... read more

    avatar thumb csb103
    February 21, 2023

    star rating  The food was nice enough, but not enough for me to return. I had the prawn and chorizo pasta and found the pepper and onion a bit to greasy and... read more

    avatar thumb natalie o
    March 15, 2026
  • star rating  Pizzas were really good and atmosphere and service excelklent. Small complaint was that wine not available as 125ml which is a bit annoying plus required by law so not good... read more

    avatar thumb markonemillion
    August 22, 2022

    star rating  Extensive menu - Small frontage, but the restaurant goes back a long way. Very busy for a Thursday evening and so having been seated at a table at the back we felt... read more

    avatar thumb Chris T
    May 28, 2024

    star rating  Amazing staff, fabulous food and a great wine selection fabulous. We have been here a few time and everything is always tasty and fresh. Super!

    avatar thumb hayleyc534
    November 10, 2021
  • star rating  The food, service and atmosphere was Italian at its best. My Lobster Ravioli with a side salad of rocket and tomato was nothing short of fabulous. Thank you for a... read more

    avatar thumb Bopeep1947
    June 7, 2021

    star rating  A genuine authentic Italian restaurant, the place was buzzing and we were so glad we had booked in advance. The two course special, which also included a side with the... read more

    avatar thumb marionn384
    June 7, 2021

    star rating  What a delightful cosy authentic Italian restaurant. Fabulous staff, service and food was delicious and very well priced. Although we could have ordered from the Early Bird menu we opted... read more

    avatar thumb JoJoM705
    June 12, 2021
  • star rating  This restaurant is our ‘go to’ spot when in Ripon. Not only is the food great and reasonably priced but the service is excellent. It is always full of lively,... read more

    avatar thumb Bopeep1947
    March 23, 2022

    star rating  Lovely restaurant! Amazing food and service.
    Went with some friend for my birthday, everything was absolutely perfect!!!
    We will be back next time we are in Ripon ❤️

    avatar thumb Chloe F
    January 13, 2026

    star rating  ‘Tis rare for me to comment on cafés and restaurants for Tripadvisor when I am not actually on a trip but near home. However, for once, I make an exception... read more

    avatar thumb Dog-On-Free-Range
    August 17, 2021
  • star rating  Fantastic food, warm service, and a real Italian atmosphere. Every dish was delicious and clearly made with passion. Prima Pizzeria is a true gem – we’ll definitely be returning. Highly... read more

    avatar thumb james s
    January 13, 2026

    star rating  Treated ourselves to a Thursday early evening treat. Great atmosphere, good food and house wine. All very reasonable and as it should be for an authentic Italian meal. Would go... read more

    avatar thumb David-DWTG
    October 29, 2021

    star rating  Great early diner menu. This is really good value. The starters were varied and delicious. The main courses were wide ranging and we opted for the pork medallions. The portion... read more

    avatar thumb Ali07London
    October 5, 2022
  • star rating  Outstanding meal last night. Prima remains our favourite restaurant in Ripon and last night the food was even better then usual.
    We had a really nice gluten free garlic bread... read more

    avatar thumb James G
    February 21, 2026

    star rating  Took us as walk in at 6 on a Friday. Couldn't have been more pleasant. Ordered bread and olives while we looked at the menu. My pasta meatballs and my... read more

    avatar thumb allanmillie
    July 6, 2025

    star rating  My girlfriend and I had another wonderful experience at Prima last Friday evening.

    We booked very late but were welcomed for an early evening sitting. The restaurant was... read more

    avatar thumb Tony E
    June 5, 2025
  • star rating  Dining Solo - I was in Ripon for a family gathering but had an evening to myself. Prima had been recommended by my cousin and didn’t disappoint. They were able to take a... read more

    avatar thumb David M
    March 11, 2023

    star rating  Good menu and quality - Excellent food and service. The best dish in my opinion was the asparagus ravioli - it was soooo good. Really enjoyed it and recommend. Thank you.

    avatar thumb Katie M
    April 13, 2025

    star rating  Very slow - We waited ages for anyone to take our order. It took quite a while to get the main course. When they came to clear the table we were... read more

    avatar thumb Sharon B
    May 26, 2024
  • star rating  When ever we come to Ripon, Prima is always our number one restaurant. The specials are always different and delicious as well as the very excellent service! Very reasonable price.... read more

    avatar thumb el10ttt
    October 9, 2021

    star rating  Very nice resturant and conveniently located in a lovely part of the city. We has pizzas and we were a bit disappointed to be honest. The quality of ingredients was... read more

    avatar thumb F53ZWdavidg
    June 6, 2025

    star rating  Verry Good - What a great experience in Prima Ristorante Italiano the past and the pizza was so delicious. I will come back for sure!

    avatar thumb leahmC2940DV
    November 23, 2022
  • star rating  Delicious!!!! - Another lovely evening in Prima Pizzeria last night. Warm, welcoming and romantic. The team are so welcoming and helpful. Consistently spot on food and good wine. The lasagna and risotto... read more

    avatar thumb michaelgE6733FA
    December 29, 2022

    star rating  Excellent food with great service. - This is an excellent restaurant with great service and fantastic food. We had the tagliatelle with truffle and steak one night, and the next night we had lamb chops. I... read more

    avatar thumb Shelley S
    November 15, 2024

    star rating  Superb - First time visitor last night ,the food was superbly presented and cooked,I had the lamb shank best meal I've had in a while,the staff were warm welcoming and friendly...it's definitely... read more

    avatar thumb stephenmE9432DQ
    January 6, 2023