We’ve been searching out the best Italian food in Manchester. Italian cuisine has long been regarded as some of the best in the world, and unsurprisingly Manchester has a series of Italian restaurants that rival the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking for pizza, pasta or something fancier, you’ll find everything you need right here in this great city.
Salvi’s is one of a kind. It stands apart in the Corn Exchange, hidden underground, far removed from all the chain restaurants and smash-and-grab diners. This unassuming but loveable space is one of Manchester’s true hidden gems with wonderfully-cheery staff who know all too well how good their food is, and are damn proud of it. It’s not just the best Italian restaurant in Manchester, it’s hard to think of a better Italian eatery in the whole of the North.
Don Giovanni’s has been one of the city’s most well-known Italian restaurants for over thirty years, providing gimmick-free meals with a focus on traditional Mediterranean ingredients. Keep an eye out for the special events featuring guest chefs such as Jean-Christophe Novelli. Although the regular menu differs from these dishes, when he next returns, it’s certainly worth booking a table.
Based in an up-and-coming area of Ancoats, Rudy’s Pizza has a host of rave reviews and it’s no surprise why. The pizzas on offer are top-class, and the restaurant boasts a charming laid-back feel.
San Carlo Cicchetti is a little Italian outfit tucked under the retail wing of Kendal’s, a diminutive department-store-diner owned by its bigger brother across the road – Manchester dining institution, San Carlo. It is small, perfectly formed and serves the kind of small plates you’ll find in Venetian bars. In other words, San Carlo Cicchetti does a mean line in Italian tapas.
The Salvi’s name makes a good showing in this guide, and for good reason. Offering a bold, cheery and bright cafe atmosphere ideal for dropping in whilst shopping or before a night out, Salvi’s Pizzera Napoletana is the new best place for pizza in Manchester city centre.
The waft of pizza and the soft music are the final pieces in an atmospheric puzzle that makes PLY one of the most welcoming pizzerias in Manchester.
MAYA is a high-end new restaurant on the corner of Canal Street and Chorlton Street in central Manchester.
Popular craft bakery, selling freshly baked goods on Manchester’s King Street.
Set in the beating heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Off The Square is state-of-the-art music and events space that plays host to live gigs as well as club nights.
A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.
Charcoal grill yakitori supper club held in a beautiful Tokyo-style backstreet cafe in the North Quarter.
Long-standing restaurant on Albert Square in Manchester, now in its sparkly new street-level location.
Swerve the queues at Manchester Airport, while enjoying food and drink curated by The French’s Adam Reid.
Grand steakhouse in the centre of Manchester. High-end cuts of meat in elegant but dynamic venue.
Unagi’s new venue in Salford Quays, serving superb quality sushi and Japanese cuisine.
Popular Caribbean restaurant in the heart of Chorlton.
Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.
Welcoming Northern Quarter venue, currently home to wonderful Brazilian food concept, Sampa.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
The best food and drink options in the North to visit in 2024.
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Best roof terrace in Manchester? We know the lot, and we're willing to share our hard-earned information.
Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.
Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.
There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.
From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.
Take me there
From Afrobeat to psychedelia, alternative rock to glistening pop, we take a look at some of the best gigs happening in early 2025.
Film festivals, animation and the art of action are amongst our highlights of a busy month at the cinema.
Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.
Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.
Munch away the Autumnal blues with this foodie orientated guide of Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North.
Take some autumnal eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
