What did the Romans ever do for us? Italian food, that’s what and that’s all you really need to know. Manchester may have the Curry Mile but that’s not to stay it’s dominated by spice. It’s also bustling with a large Italian community in fact, the Italian Association of Manchester goes back as far as 1888. For me Italian food has always been a personal favourite of mine. Comforting and filling in the winter months and light and fresh in the warmer weeks; Italian food can be anything you need it to be. We’ve put together a collection of Italian eateries which are as far away from a jar of Dolmio as you can get.
Previously a greasy spoon Le Delicatezze is now a gem in Manchester’s Italian dining crown. With reasonable prices, great ingredients and ample portions it’s everything you would want in an Italian eaterie. Owned and ran by Bruno Polluthi La Delicatezze it is every bit as authentic as Bruno is. Disarmingly understated from the outside it’s the food here that’s the real star of the show. The exceptional rustic dishes mean that the restaurant is always busy so it’s best to book in advance although the warm and friendly staff will try their best to seat you should you show up on the fly. Enjoy one of the huge pizzas or even better yet let Bruno share his recommendations with you.
A small family run business Azzurro is an intimate restaurant with a speciality in Italian seafood. With a lot of seafood actually imported from Italy to the UK it’s almost as if we really don’t know what we’ve got being an island. With Market fresh seafood served every day it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the specials board for something truly marvellous. The food is beautifully presented but never pretentious and with Chef Patron Emil carefully preparing each plate that leaves the kitchen this old barber shop will have you returning faster than you can say Gino Di Campo.
Gusto has quite simply has everything going for it. Elegant 1920’s architecture and delicious food that will make you want to send the Chef a thank you note. Gusto lives up to its name with larger than life vibrant dishes and desserts to die for. Try the bombolini (homemade mini doughnuts, Chantilly cream and chocolate sauce) if you don’t believe me. Try the pizza with salami sopressa which comes from the Veneto region if Italy, often envied never duplicated. Then just when you think you can’t have it all, they do gluten and wheat free pasta and plenty of vegetarian options too. Magnifico!
Although not the small family run business of your Italian food fantasies San Carlo being one of the big boys does not mean this restaurant has lost any of its Mediterranean passion for food and so it remains one of the most authentic Italian eateries in the country. Award winning, modern, clean and vibrant are just some of the words associated with San Carlo. A well-known celeb haunt its clear to see why it’s a success, although decadent it has managed to remain quintessentially and authentically Italian with its Manchester venue being the feather in this chains cap. The Medaglione Alla Crema Di Tartufo (fillet of beef medallions wrapped in Parma ham in a creamy truffle sauce) is just one of the many delights San Carlo has to offer and if Mediterranean Fishes Carpacci served with crispy seasonal vegetables, mint and olive oil Swordfish Carpaccio with Pachino tomatoes, capers and black olives doesn’t sway you, nothing will.
I know what you’re thinking, the name doesn’t exactly scream Italian food but don’t let this seemingly odd misnomer fool you Avalanche does Italian well. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere? Check. Family size portions? Check. Attentive service? Check. Freshly made pasta? Check. The food at Avalanche is outstanding; the generous portions are filled to the brim with the absolute freshest ingredients and you will never feel shoved out the door so your table can be turned over for the next guest. Ideal for families and large group of friends it’s a great place to simply stay and eat Italian style. One look at the menu will have you truly falling in love with everything Italian and with 50% off on a Sunday it’s the perfect place to gather up those you love and get positively snowed under with all the culinary delights Avalanche has to offer.
