Sheffield’s culinary scene has recently welcomed a new Italian gem – Borgo, a proud traditional restaurant that has quickly become a must-visit destination for those seeking a slice of la dolce vita. Nestled on Oakbrook Road in Fulwood, Borgo opened its doors just a few months ago, and since then, it has been buzzing with activity and regularly booked out at weekends, drawing in foodies from right across the city.
Vito, one of Borgo’s co-founders, shared insights into the restaurant’s rapid success. “It’s been an amazing start,” he admitted. “We’ve been very busy since day one – every day, whether it’s the weekend or a weekday. People are really loving it, not just the food, but the service, the atmosphere, the feeling. It’s somewhere you really want to go to and stay all night.”
Borgo, which means “village” in Italian, aims to capture the essence of a traditional Italian neighbourhood restaurant. The concept is rooted in community and the warmth of Italian hospitality, offering a traditional, rustic dining experience that feels like home.
“There’s a big emphasis on community and the feel of it all,” Vito explained. “There are a lot of vibes – good vibes. It feels intimate and it’s a place for people to talk to each other; there’s a lively atmosphere and all our waiters are Italian. It’s authentic and exactly what we wanted it to be,” he added.
The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine, with dishes crafted from the finest ingredients. One of the standout features is the Carbonara, served in a cheese wheel and prepared tableside – an almost theatrical experience that has quickly become a crowd favourite.
In addition to its stellar menu, Borgo’s location on Oakbrook Road places it among a small but vibrant community of independent eateries, bars and cafes. “There’s a nice mix of independent restaurants and bars around us, like an Italian deli next door, a coffee shop and the Wonky Labrador for a drink before or after,” Vito mentioned.
Borgo also boasts an inviting outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a meal during Sheffield’s milder evenings. As the weather warms up, the bar upstairs has also started to attract more visitors, offering a cozy spot to unwind with a drink after dinner.
Despite its early popularity, Borgo’s team is focused on maintaining the high standards that have made the restaurant a hit with Sheffielders. When asked about future plans, Vito was clear: “We’re going to keep going as we are because there’s nothing wrong with it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Borgo’s success is not just a testament to its excellent food and service, but also to its ability to create a sense of place – a small Italian haven in an increasingly bustling part of S11. The restaurant has already built a loyal customer base, with many locals visiting multiple times a week. “We get a lot of local people who come two or three times a week. They can walk over to us, enjoy nice drinks, a bit of food, and feel part of our little community here,” Vito shared.
As Borgo continues to thrive, it complements the offerings of its sister establishments, each bringing a unique slice of Italian cuisine to Sheffield. From fresh pasta at Grazie to wood-fired pizzas at Paesani and small plates at Bottega, Borgo squares things off nicely with its traditional menu. “It’s like a working combo,” Vito explained. “Four different Italian dinging experiences, all coming together nicely.”
borgosheffield.co.uk //
@borgosheffield
139-141 Oakbrook Rd, S11 7EB
