| Cuisine : | Italian, Pizza |
|---|---|
| Open for : | breakfast, dinner, lunch |
| Type : | restaurant |
| Tags : | child friendly, suitable for large groups, wifi |
| Suitable for : | gluten free diet, vegetarians |
| Menu types : | a-la-carte, specials board |
| Reservations : | reservations accepted |
| Dress code : | none |
| Chefs : | Head Chef: Timmy Shirley |
| Website : | http://www.italiamanchester.co.uk/ |
| Short URL : | http://iate.at/9i5Y |
Italia on Deansgate in Manchester's city centre is the latest incarnation of Italian restaurant on the site (there has been one there since 1977). This time, the restaurant is backed by local business man Franco Sotgiu - who was also involved in setting up SoLiTa in the Northern Quarter with his brother Dom.
The refurbished restaurant aims to restore the family friendly atmosphere and reputation for great food that made it a destination restaurant in it's hay day.
On the menu are bruschettas (baked freshly each day at the restaurant), slow cooked wild boar ragu, spaghetti gamberi limone arugala, courgette fritters and of course pizzas. Desserts on offer include cannoli (small tubes of fried pastry filled with sweet fillings), as well as a selection of house-made gelato.
Review left on 03/12/2012 by dave (99 reviews)
I visited Italia in Manchester's Northern Quarter a few weeks back, and I was really impressed.
Anti-pasti from the specials board was good, especially the nduja - often when I've had this before the chilli has been completely overpowering, but not this time. My Wild boar pappardelle was great; perfectly cooked pasta with rich, meaty peppery ragu.
I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I had to take a look at their dessert bar (I can't work out if it is futuristic, or retro - but it is great fun with it's motorised glass dome, what is not to love?). In the end I went for their tutti frutti gelato - again delicious.
Three courses for four people, including wine came to just over £100 - good value.
Toilets/decor are a bit dated and could do with refurbishment - but I am sure this will come... a minor point when the food is this good.