The most incredible Italian eateries in Manchester

This establishment is new to Charlton, but it has fitted into the area superbly. They serve homemade pizza and pasta dishes, aiming to provide wonderful neighbourhood Italian food. They sell large pizza slices from £3, including margherita, verde and americana pizza slices. The param dough balls and cannoli trio are also fantastic dishes. But then there are the focaccia specials. La numero uno has chorizo, feta, honey, roasted peppers, olive tapenade and mixed leaves inside a focaccia. Meanwhile la tonnata has tuna, onions, sweetcorn, mayo and rocket inside their delicious homemade focaccia. These homemade dishes are worth trying.

Inspired by Southern Italy but made in Manchester, Sugo Pasta Kitchen aspires to serve scrumptious pasta in the growing area of Ancoats. Their pasta dishes include their classic house Sugo, which is orecchiette pasta served with gorgeous beef shin, pork shoulder and nduja ragu. A genuine masterpiece. A dish from the ocean and one of our favourites is the Sugo scoglio which is calamarata pasta with shell on king prawns, porcini mushroom, pangrattato and walnut ragu. Another great pasta dish is the strozzapreti which is broccolini pasta with anchovy butter, house chicken stick and pangrattato. As you will be able to tell from the ingredients, these recipes are made with love and care, using fresh and high-quality ingredients.

An important Italian institution in Sale, Greater Manchester South is this amazing and traditional Italian restaurant. They combine traditional dishes with the new, specialising in Mediterranean dishes and especially spare ribs. From homemade Sicilian bruschetta to antipasti dishes like their soup of the day, fresh muscles and the Gamberoni aurora (king prawns with cream, garlic, herbs and tomato sauce), the amount of specialist Italian dishes available here excluding pasta and pizza is eye-opening. Their special penne Borello is a must try and is served with penne pasta, chicken, pancetta, cream and whole grain mustard. Their pizzas plus other mains such as the chicken and beef grilled dishes (which come with a choice of some lovely side plates) are mouth watering too. Unfortunately there is not enough space to cover the quality and breadth of the menu, but that says a lot about the emphasis on choice, Italian tradition and detail in Borello.

Nestled in Manchester’s historical Corn Exchange building is Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar. Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar is not just a restaurant, it is also a deli dedicated to tasty Italian food produce. You will find the very best olive oil and mozzarella here in Manchester. Cheese, charcuterie, sauces, pastries, fresh vegetables and much more is available at the deli and the eatery. The Restaurant is tucked inside the basement and the stairs will be visible once you go past the deli upstairs. It has a very cosy and friendly feeling to the whole establishment. Bring dishes from Naples, expect great quality. As they are a mozzarella bar, look at their mozzarella dishes like the insalata caprese (buffalo mozzarella and beef tomatoes) and the parmigiana melanzane (fried aubergine, mozzarella and tomatoes) are amazing antipasti plates. Also browse their delicious pizzas and pastas and be sure to ask the staff the recommendations and specials.

It might be one of the smallest restaurants in Manchester’s Northern Quarter but what Sicilian NQ does have is incredible food and passion for delivering this food to its customers. This neighbourhood bistro and bar serves traditional Sicilian food, desserts (the gelato is gorgeous) and drinks (including tasty cocktails). One recommendation we must give is to try their famous arancini. These Italian rice balls are an amazing example of the Sicilian street food that this establishment provides. From Sicilian mixed antipasti plates to Sicilian street food like Mr Mt Etna (Stuffed with slow cooked beef and pork ragù and cheese) and mains like portobello pasta, gnocchi pesto and the incredible la Siciliana pizza fritta (Little brioche’ dough fried calzone filled with tomato and mozzarella). If that is not enough to convince you, they also have a great breakfast menu and also a splendid dessert menu, such as setteveli cake.