People flock from all over West Yorkshire and beyond to sample the Italian delights served up at Tappino's, in Cleckheaton.
One of those individuals is Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto, who has described the restaurant as his favourite before.
The Italy international was there for a special occasion on Wednesday – celebrating his 22nd birthday.
Wilfried Gnonto with restaurant owner Pino Bianco (right) _(Image: Tappino's)_
Owner Pino Bianco is always happy to see Gnonto in his multi-award-winning restaurant, which was recently recognised as one of the top-rated eateries in the world again.
The Telegraph & Argus asked Pino why the Premier League star, who is on the comeback from an injury, continues to return to Tappino’s.
Pino said: “It’s got to be the food because there’s plenty of restaurants - to travel from Harrogate to here, an hour, maybe 40 minutes.
“But he chose the Tappino’s to come celebrate his birthday.
“I don’t think it’s because I’m good looking, I don’t think I’m good looking.”
He added: “The evening was a fun kind of evening, but I think that’s why he prefers coming to see us rather than any other restaurant.
“He feels relaxed, nobody bothers him, even though he is a pleasant young man, whenever someone comes up to him for a photo he does.”
Leeds United footballer Wilfried Gnonto celebrating his 22nd birthday at Tappino's, in Cleckheaton _(Image: Tappino's)_
Tappino’s has been going for nine years now but Pino has a much longer history in the area and told the T&A previously he is well-known in Cleckheaton because he used to own Aldo’s for 30 years.
Pino said the restaurant wins “multiple awards every year” and most recently it was recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025 again.
The winners are among the top 10 per cent of listings around the world on Tripadvisor and is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on the platform over 12 months.
Gnonto with restaurant owner Pino Bianco _(Image: Tappilino's)_
Pino said: “Last week we got an award with Tripadvisor.
“After nine years we’re still one of the restaurants with five full stars, out of more than 850 reviews.”
He said in a previous interview: "We are just different. We don't do spaghetti bolognese, Calzones, or pasta, we do more Arancini, Panzerotti, chicken skewers, and Italian sausage.”
Pino believes Gnonto and his family feel like they’re at home in Tappino’s.
He said: “Relaxed, his family’s here with him, he likes to come with his girlfriend and mum and dad.
“They feel like at home. I like to think they feel at home, like being in Italy.”