Pesto at the White Horse
Quick info
About Pesto at the White Horse
Pesto at the White Horse is an Italian restaurant on Leicester Ln in Leicester, built around piattini, small plates meant for sharing, with three to four dishes recommended per person. The menu runs through chicken wings, garlic mushrooms, arancini, and pollo alla parmigiana, with rack of ribs also on offer. Desserts include a trio of mini chocolate cake, panna cotta, and tiramisu, alongside sticky toffee pudding. Set menus are available, with the option to bring in dishes from the other menus. Waitstaff bring dishes to the table, and the room carries Italian decor and music. The restaurant takes walk-ins rather than reservations. Parking is available on site.
Good to know
“Pesto at the White Horse combines the comfort of a traditional English pub with the vibrant flavours of Italian cuisine. Located in Desford, Leicestershire, this charming venue offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu full of Italian small plates (piattini), perfect for sharing. Whether you're popping in for a light lunch, a leisurely dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, Pesto at the White Horse delivers great food, warm service, and a memorable dining experience every time.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention arancini, sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu and trio of desserts.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention arancini, sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu and trio of desserts.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out the sharing plates as the draw, with the chicken wings, rack of ribs, and garlic mushrooms called highlights alongside the arancinis, pollo alla parmigiana, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu, and the trio of desserts. Reviewers consistently describe portions as small individually but generous when three to four dishes are ordered per person and shared, making it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions. Service is most often called friendly, quick, and helpful, though one reviewer felt the restaurant seemed understaffed, leading to a wait to be served, and another mentions food arriving without cutlery. The Italian decor and atmosphere draw praise for making the space feel lively despite being packed, and several call the prices reasonable or competitive for the amount of food. One reviewer suggests three to four dishes per person as the right amount to order. The visits close on repeat custom, with multiple reviewers noting they return for special occasions and plan to come again.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out the sharing plates as the draw, with the chicken wings, rack of ribs, and garlic mushrooms called highlights alongside the arancinis, pollo alla parmigiana, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu, and the trio of desserts. Reviewers consistently describe portions as small individually but generous when three to four dishes are ordered per person and shared, making it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions. Service is most often called friendly, quick, and helpful, though one reviewer felt the restaurant seemed understaffed, leading to a wait to be served, and another mentions food arriving without cutlery. The Italian decor and atmosphere draw praise for making the space feel lively despite being packed, and several call the prices reasonable or competitive for the amount of food. One reviewer suggests three to four dishes per person as the right amount to order. The visits close on repeat custom, with multiple reviewers noting they return for special occasions and plan to come again.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Impeccable service from Shauna and the team here today... A beautifully decorative restaurant with charming staff and great food. A must if visiting the area ... Thank you for a really enjoyable visit (D) 😊”
- Google user
“Me and my family in special occasions always go to this restraunt because we love it. The food is not in big portions but split off so your family can share it. The food is exceptionally good and some of the best we've had. The traditional Italian decor and music makes u feel like your in Italy. The service is always good as they can carry large portions of plates and it is quite quick. It is perfect for families or a nice date. Finally, the aranchinis are a must try for everyone.”
- Google user
“Very nice, portion sizes are about right for 3 per person we had 6 between the 2 of us the pollo alla parmigiana was my favourite, the tiramisu was also very nice. Staff were friendly and helpful and the food didn't take too long. Would come again.”
- Google user
“Lovely meal out here for the first time. Massive menu with a huge range of food to choose from. Great service and decent prices.”
- Google user
“Food is always great here & competitively priced. Never fails to disappoint. 10/10”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Italian Restaurants near Pesto at the White Horse
- 4.9 mi£20–80
chicken alfredo without pasta, cocktails, bruschetta
- Pesto at the Axe & Compass4.62,9519.2 mi away£20–30
olive oil and bread missing, tiramisu, margarita pizza
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pesto at the White Horse | 4.52,470 | — | — | arancini, sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu |
| Secret Garden Bar & Lounge | 4.1255 | 4.9 mi | £20–80 | chicken alfredo without pasta, cocktails, bruschetta |
| Pesto at the Axe & Compass | 4.62,951 | 9.2 mi away | £20–30 | olive oil and bread missing, tiramisu, margarita pizza |
The 2 nearest italian restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.