Business Details
11 Years
experience
Authentic Sicilian Cuisine in Carlisle
The Amato family's journey began in 1960 when they moved from Sicily to England, initially establishing themselves in tailoring. Over decades, their reputation for craftsmanship grew, laying the foundation for future ventures. In 2015, Filippo and Rosa Amato, drawing on their family heritage and personal expertise, transformed their shared vision into Amato's - a restaurant offering an authentic taste of Sicily. Filippo's 18 years as a head chef across Europe, combined with Rosa's business acumen, have created a dining experience rooted in tradition and quality. Our menu features freshly prepared Sicilian and Italian dishes, many made using family recipes passed down through generations. We prioritise locally sourced ingredients and maintain transparency in our operations, ensuring every guest receives exceptional service.Situated in Carlisle's historic quarter, our restaurant benefits from a prime location near cultural landmarks like Carlisle Cathedral and Castle. Customer feedback consistently highlights our commitment to excellence, with diners praising both the food and the warm, inviting atmosphere. We remain dedicated to evolving while staying true to our Sicilian roots, offering gluten-free and children's menus to cater to diverse dietary needs. Our goal is to provide a unique dining experience that reflects the Amato family's passion for hospitality and culinary artistry.
Services
Restaurant
Gluten-Free Menu
Children's Menu
Pre-Order Service
Dining Experience
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 18 years of culinary expertise in Sicilian cuisine.
- Our menu features freshly prepared dishes using family recipes.
- We provide gluten-free and children's menu options.
- Located in Carlisle's historic quarter near major landmarks.
- We maintain a 4.8/5 average customer satisfaction rating.
What people say
Excellent food
Friendly service
Authentic Sicilian cuisine
Reasonable prices
Memorable experience
Services
Restaurant
Our restaurant serves authentic Sicilian and Italian cuisine in a warm, family-friendly environment. Dishes are freshly prepared using traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can watch chefs at work in our open kitchen while enjoying lunch or dinner during our service hours.
Gluten-Free Menu
We offer a comprehensive gluten-free menu featuring pastas, sauces, and desserts. All items are clearly labelled and prepared separately to prevent cross-contamination. Our staff receives regular training to ensure proper handling of dietary requirements.
Children's Menu
Designed for younger guests, our children's menu includes classic Italian dishes in appropriate portions. Meals come with activity sheets to keep children entertained. High chairs and baby-changing facilities are available upon request.
Pre-Order Service
Customers can pre-order meals for collection using our downloadable order form. This service caters to those seeking freshly cooked Sicilian food to enjoy at home or special events. Orders require 24 hours' notice for preparation.
People
Filippo Amato
Head Chef
Filippo brings 18 years of experience as a head chef across Europe, specialising in Sicilian cuisine. He oversees all menu development and kitchen operations, ensuring authenticity in every dish served at Amato's.
Rosa Amato
Business Manager
Rosa manages the restaurant's operations and customer relations. With a background in accounting and a passion for hospitality, she ensures the business maintains its high service standards while remaining financially sustainable.
Questions
Do you offer gluten-free options?
Yes, we provide a comprehensive gluten-free menu with pastas, sauces, and desserts prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I book a table without prior reservation?
While we'll try to accommodate walk-ins, most tables are pre-booked. We recommend reserving a table in advance to guarantee availability.
What are your speciality dishes?
Our menu focuses on Sicilian specialities like handmade pasta, seafood dishes, and traditional antipasti, all prepared using family recipes.
Is the restaurant accessible for wheelchair users?
Our premises have level access from Abbey Street, making the restaurant fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.
Do you cater for large groups?
Yes, we regularly host groups of up to 14 guests. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements and preferred booking time.
Reviews (4)
Home Quinlan
Dec 30, 2021
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Fantastic food and excellent customer service. The best Italian (Sicilian) restaurant in Carlisle. Especially love the Arancini starter. This is our 'go to' restaurant for any occasion.
Elisha
Dec 12, 2021
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Very nice place, tasty food and excellent service. Didn't have to wait ages for food to be served. Highly recommended
Lynn Hall
Dec 07, 2021
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First time I have been here. So pleased we were given seats in the front room. The food was lovely. A lovely meal out.
Luis Eckersley
Nov 19, 2021
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A very nice evening meal. Good service very clean and tidy. Tables well spaced out. Good selection on the menu. We all really enjoyed our meal and would certainly recommend it.