Amaro

Tucked away behind Blackpool’s famous copycat Eiffel Tower you’ll find Amaro, a popular local restaurant specialising in Italian cooking. It’s always busy here, but fear not – the staff will always endeavour to find you a table, even when you turn up as a walk-in. Welcoming to families and couples alike, many stumble upon Amaro by happy accident whilst wandering the town centre – and they are the lucky ones.

Something of a hidden gem, the restaurant is conveniently located close to Winter Gardens and the Opera House. It’s a winning choice for theatre-goers wanting a good pre-show meal, with freshly cooked daily specials available, and charming staff who are happy to talk you through the menu. 

Starters consist of deep-fried breadcrumbed mozzarella, Severn & Wye smoked salmon, or for the more adventurous, chicken livers cooked in red wine with shallots, chillies and peppers. Pastas, meanwhile, consist of all the usual suspects done well. Spaghetti bolognese, carbonara, cannelloni all feature, alongside a few house twists.

The Risotto Amaro stands out for its combination of crayfish and chorizo in a creamy saffron sauce, as does the crumbled Italian sausage rigatini. For veggies, there’s spinach and ricotta ravioli, aubergine parmigiana, cannelloni, or a tagliatelle with courgettes and chilli. Elsewhere, you’ll find a calzone stuffed with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, tomatoes and mozzarella, as well as a good selection of veggie pizzas. 

For those wanting their meat fix, you’ll find a choice of chicken or fillet steak cooked in various ways, all served with roast potatoes and sauteed vegetables. But it’s really all about the pasta and the pizza at Amaro. You’ll find regular chef’s specials like lobster ravioli and sea bass, with the kitchen capitalising on its seafront location to source the freshest fish going. 

As for pudding? It’s got to be the home made tiramisu, surely. With affordable prices, a varied menu and exceptional service, Amaro is a hidden gem that’s hard to miss once discovered.