Escape the monotony of chain restaurants with these family-run Italian restaurants located within Manchester city centre. We’ve curated a list of the top Italian restaurants in the city, each offering something different with an Italian twist. From classic dishes to modern takes on traditional favourites, these restaurants will delight your taste buds, allow you to experience food you’ve never tried before and transport you to the heart of Italy.
Whether you’re a seasoned Italian food aficionado or a first-time explorer, these restaurants offer a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. Best of all, when you are done enjoying your Italian dining experience, you can take a stroll through the city to arrive at our hotel in Manchester city centre for a restful night’s sleep.
Piccolino Caffé Grande, Clarence Street
Experience the authentic flavours of Italy at Piccolino, an elegant restaurant featuring an open kitchen, cocktail bar, wine boutique, and large outdoor terrace with stunning city views. Enjoy a menu of classic Italian dishes with modern twists, crafted using only the freshest seasonal produce, Italian cheeses, meats, and seafood sourced from the finest artisan suppliers across Italy.
At Piccolina, they understand the challenges of catering to gluten-intolerant customers, which is why they have created a dedicated menu specifically for those with these dietary restrictions. They also offer a unique Sunday roast and specials menu and a canapés menu where guests can sample six different canapés for just £11.50 per person.
Ask Italian, One Piccadilly Gardens
This Italian eatery goes above and beyond the typical Italian restaurant, offering a truly authentic experience inspired by the heart and soul of Italian culture. From the bespoke artwork that blends the local community and the beauty of the Italian countryside, to the menu featuring unique dishes such as vegan nduja dough bites and purple pesto tagliatelle, every detail has been crafted to transport customers to the heart of Italy.
Another standout feature of this Italian restaurant is its delectable “Mini Moment” dessert, which is a trio of mini delights. It includes a creamy panna cotta, a mini tiramisu and a decadent chocolate brownie, all topped with raspberry sorbet, delicate Italian biscuits, a sprinkle of Amarena cherries and mascarpone. This dessert is the perfect way to end a meal and will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Bravissimi!, Piccadilly Station
If you’re in a hurry but still want to enjoy delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, this restaurant is the perfect choice for you. The owners, who are from Bologna in northern Italy, have carefully crafted their menu to ensure that the traditional flavours and ingredients of Italian cuisine are retained, while still providing a fast and convenient option for those on the go.
The family behind Bravissimi! got tired of the fast food imitations of Italian food that are served around the world and decided they’d create a fresh and healthy true Italian experience. By sourcing their ingredients directly from Italian suppliers and limiting their menu to only classic Italian recipes, they’ve achieved their goal of providing a fast and delicious option for those who want to enjoy real Italian food. The restaurant’s slogan, “Forza Bravissimi,” translates to “eat fresh and fast,” perfectly encapsulating the experience that they aim to provide.
Salvi’s, Deansgate Square
This beloved family-run establishment is named in honour of the owner’s father and inspired by the warm and inviting atmosphere of their mother’s kitchen back home in Naples. Each year, they host a free Italian festival in August called “Festa Italia,” where all things Italian are celebrated right in the heart of Manchester city centre. If you are lucky enough to be visiting Manchester in August you should definitely stop by and enjoy the best of Italian food, drink and live music.
These dedicated restaurant owners are truly at the forefront of bringing authentic Italian culture to Manchester. Lucky for you, there are three options to choose from – Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar, Salvi’s in Northern Quarter, and Salvi’s Deansgate – ensuring that you can experience the best Italian cuisine no matter where you are in the city.
The Pasta Factory, Shudehill
Enter into a world of pasta at The Pasta Factory, where fresh, homemade pasta is crafted daily for both in-restaurant dining and bulk purchase to enjoy at home. You can explore a diverse selection of pasta shapes including radiatori and various types of gnocchi, all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. If you have a specific pasta shape request, it’s best to reach out in advance to ensure availability as their selection varies depending on the season’s produce.
Their menu contains this selection of pasta shapes and fillings, highlighting their expertise in creating delicious and innovative pasta dishes. From stuffed pasta filled with succulent pork, sage crumble and parmesan, to delicate scallops nestled in a spicy butter and pumpkin sage sauce, every dish is crafted with precision and care to showcase the best of Italian flavours.
Vincenzo Trattoria, St Ann St.
Indulge in an authentic culinary journey at this family-run Italian gem, nestled just off St. Anne’s Square. Experience carb heaven with their mouth-watering dishes, featuring comforting Italian favourites like lasagne, spaghetti alla carbonara, arrabbiata, and gnocchi. Witness the true essence of Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the family’s passion for food and culture is evident in every dish.
San Carlo, King St.
This local’s favourite and renowned Italian restaurant in Manchester, boasts an unmatched dining experience. With its elegant decor that sets the tone for a sophisticated meal, the open-plan dining room is the perfect setting to savour the finest regional Italian cuisine. You might also spot a celebrity or two in this classy Italian hub. Their menu offers dishes that embrace local ingredients with Italian twists like their Colchester Rock Oysters.
Gusto Italian, Lloyd St.
This restaurant offers a contemporary approach to Italian food, as well as its sophisticated decor. Because of the various dining options covered in their menu, like small bites or larger sharing platters, it’s a great place to mark any special occasion, from birthdays to a friendly catchup over cocktails. If you’re in the mood for a few lite bites, you could opt for sharing platters like king prawns and pickled fennel. Or, for a more fulfilling dish, you could try one of their main-course dishes like pan-seared salmon or honey-glazed duck. They also have an extensive sourdough pizza menu, all topped with fresh Italian ingredients.
Don Giovanni, Oxford St.
You can experience the authentic taste of Italy at Don Giovanni, a beloved Italian restaurant in Manchester. Established in 1984, this timeless establishment continues to captivate diners with its traditional Italian dishes. For those on the go, Don Giovanni also offers a convenient takeaway menu that features old favourites like ravioli created with unique twists like lobster bisque with a touch of chilli.
A unique feature of this Italian haunt is their marble window theatre, where you can take in some culinary magic as you watch their chefs prepare dishes with the finest Italian ingredients. It’s also the perfect venue for pre-theatre dining if you’re catching a show at the Palace Theatre.
Enjoy A Peaceful Night’s Rest After Indulging in Italian Delights
After experiencing the delicious Italian cuisine that the city centre has to offer, take a leisurely stroll back to our 4-star hotel in Manchester city centre. You can settle into a restful night’s sleep in one of our deluxe rooms. Each room boasts comfortable King Koil beds, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with Chromecast, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.
If you book directly with us, you can save 10% on every room, every night. All you have to do is Click on Maldron.
