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Review: The Merchant of Venice, Leicester
- amanda03874
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic play and the rich history of Venetian café culture, The Merchant of Venice in Leicester is worth seeking out for a truly memorable dining experience.
From the moment we arrived at their Loseby Lane restaurant the expectations were high. The warmest and most enthusiastic of welcomes greeted myself and hubby as we were invited to choose our own table and then talked through the menu.
We soon learned, in a nod to the Bard himself, that there’s even a touch of theatre in some of the drinks and dishes they serve, including my ‘opening act,’ a special signature tea – complete with blossoming flower bud. What a fun way to get this culinary show on the road.
But unlike the 16th-century play of the same name - a complex blend of romantic comedy, intense drama and moral ambiguity, the team at The Merchant of Venice are clear on their story - quality and authentic ingredients served with lots of love and flair.
It’s fair to say it succeeds at being more than ‘just another restaurant.’ Indeed, I’d go so far as to describe it as a sensory journey through Italian flavours and literary nostalgia. Whether you're sipping espresso or indulging in a full-course meal, it’s a place that blends storytelling with culinary artistry.
The decor is fittingly lavish and imaginative—think vintage elegance meets literary charm. It’s a top pick for any occasion, whether a romantic date, casual brunch, or a stylish coffee break.
But for most of us, rightly the so, the main act of any dining experience is the food itself. So I’m particularly pleased to report that we were not let down after the initial great impression. Our Sunday lunchtime dishes were nothing less than exceptional – hubby’s Pasta Marinara (Linguini pasta with mussels, king prawns, clams, white wine and garlic in napolitana sauce with a hint of chilli) was among the best he’s ever tasted - and he’s a harsh critic at the best of times!
Similarly, my Agnello Marcantile (lamb chop served on mashed potato with signature gravy) did not disappoint. We were also asked to try (it would be rude to refuse!) the Penne con Pollo e Funghi (Penne pasta with chicken, mushrooms and garlic in napolitana sauce with a touch of cream) which was tender and rich in flavour.
The bar had already been set high by an impressive ‘opening act’ of Polpette (Homemade traditional Italian meatballs served in napolitana sauce); some of the softest Arancini (deep fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and served with garnish and napolitana sauce) we’d tasted and a refreshingly light and delicious Olive and Pane Italiano (mix of green and black olives marinated and served with Italian bread and garnish) to complement.
Conscious of the promise of ‘irresistible treats’ to come, I was careful to leave some space for sweet samples. These included Tiramisu, vegan cake - which was actually more like cheesecake and proved to be the perfect choice. And a cannoli which we took home with us and enjoyed later.
The Merchant of Venice Loseby Lane branch is the newer of the two restaurants, having opened two-and-a-half years ago. The other can be found near the train station in Granby Street.
As someone who has lived in Warwickshire for many years – and worked in Stratford recently – the Shakespeare theming can run the risk of feel unoriginal – while I accept a lot less so in Leicestershire.
But there’s so much more going for The Merchant of Venice and its theming, which is actually more eclectic in style. I loved that each area of the spaces across the three floors has a different feel. And there’s even two separated areas that lend themselves to private dining or events.
All in all, this place scores highly on every level - the attentive, convivial and knowledgeable staff, charming décor, relaxed and fun atmosphere (their signature cocktails are a talking point!) and its exceptional authentic menu that even the fussiest of Italian diners couldn’t fail but to be impressed by.
Our lunch at The Merchant of Venice kept with the Italian theme following our visit to the city’s new Jewry Wall Museum – A Real Roman Experience. The attraction blends 2nd century archaeology with 21st century technology to tell the fascinating story of everyday life in Leicester 2,000 years ago.
The museum has the remains of a Roman bath house at its heart, one of the largest civic Roman ruins in the country.
Visit: https://www.jewrywall.com/
[Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases]
Amanda is a journalist of 30 years and now runs an award-winning PR agency based in Warwickshire. When she's not writing about her own clients she loves to help spotlight the great work of other pubs, restaurants and hotels around the country.
