The best delis in Manchester

As a family-run establishment with a passion for its Neapolitan heritage, Salvi’s is your one-stop-shop for everything Italian. Set in the heart of the Corn Exchange above the basement restaurant, this deli is a sight to behold, lined with cured meats, mozzarella and sweet treats. Bursting at the seams with unique produce, most of the deli items have been sourced and imported directly from the streets of Naples. Alongside the homemade sauces and assorted pastas, you can also find rare Italian wines and fresh cannoli, made from authentic goats’ ricotta. The deli is only one arm of the much-loved independent chain, with several charming restaurants across the city centre, including the Northern Quarter and John Dalton Street.

For almost two decades, Katsouris has been the quintessential delicatessen in Manchester, sitting proudly on the corner of Deansgate and providing a filling cross-continental lunch for office workers everywhere. Whether you’re looking to sit down or you’re in a rush, there’s an endless menu of sandwiches, freshly prepared and packed with a whole array of local produce. But you’ve been warned – the website even comes with a warning that the half ciabattas are still huge! While the name might be Greek, the food here comes from every corner of the globe, with everything from German frikadellen patties and hot carvery meats to spicy paella and Italian cold meats.

If you’ve a firm fan of Indian cuisine or vegetarian food (or both), a visit to Lily’s Deli is a must. Stocking all the essentials to create your own delicious dishes, the shop is packed with everything from store cupboard staples to freshly made Indian sweets. The family-run business has been bringing the flavours of India to the people of Manchester since 1972 and they are rapidly expanding their leading brand across the city’s most popular suburbs – including Ancoats and Chorlton. Alongside the grocery shelves lined with over 100 spices, the deli is also ideal for grab-and-go lunches with a range of bhajis, samosas and dal – as well as the famous ‘atom bomb’ potatoes.

Home to a delectable selection of meats, cheeses and charcuterie, The Butcher’s Quarter is a traditional speciality butcher in the heart of the Northern Quarter. You can choose from a range of beef, pork, chicken and lamb, all sourced sustainably from local Cheshire farms, alongside a range of sausages, burgers and marinades made on site. The venue has also partnered with leading cheesemongers, bakeries and vineyards to offer as much high-quality produce as possible. Inspired by delis from the streets of Rome, it also offers tasting rooms onsite where you can sample the goods before you take them home.

Inspired by the Canary Islands, La Bandera is a tapas restaurant that prides itself on the freshest ingredients and bringing the sunshine to Manchester with its bright yellow interior. Alongside serving an impressive spread of tapas plates, it also sells ingredients in its deli shop so you can cook up a Spanish feast at home. Choose from premium cured meats, cheeses and oils, alongside a selection of DIY kits with everything you need to make a punchy paella or some sugary churros. Packed with a pile of continental treats, including olives, chorizo and chutney, the tailor-made deli hampers would also make a thoughtful gift for your loved ones.