In the late 1800's thousand of Italians made new homes amongst the mills and factories in the run down area of Manchester city centre called Ancoats, or 'Little Italy' as it became affectionately known.
Whilst the inhabitants became the pioneers of the modern day British ice cream industry they also introduced generations of Mancunian Italians to the city.
Today there are over 120 Italian restaurants and pizzerias in Manchester and the surrounding area.
Successful Italian Restaurant chains like The Olive Press, Piccolino, San Carlo, Gusto, Pesto, Croma, San Rocco, Felicini and Est, Est, Est all started in the area whilst there's hundreds of excellent independent Italian ristorantes in Manchester too.
Whether you're looking for fine dining Italian cuisine or a cheap pizzeria, there are Italian restaurants in Manchester to suit everybody's requirements.
Traditional family-ran pizzeria and restaurant in Swinton, widely recognised as the best Italian in Manchester and very popular with celebrities despite its unfashionable location
Rio Ferdinand's plush Italian restaurant and celebrity haunt stands proudly at the top of Manchester's prestigious King Street in a stunning 116-year-old Grade II listed building. The reasonably priced a la carte menu has a wide selection of favourite dishes including pizzas, pastas, steaks and freshly prepared fish dishes, including some named after the Manchester United star himself.
Very popular, modern Italian restaurant on Oxford Street, close to the Bridgewater Hall, Palace Theatre and Opera House. A varied menu offers a range of Italian delicacies from Funghi Ripieni to Osso Bucco and high quality steaks, fresh pastas and quality pizzas. A beautiful private function room is free to hire and can accommodate upto 50 guests.
Situated in the most scenic location in Manchester city centre, a stunning position on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal in the heart of Castlefield, an urban heritage park and conservation area with one of the best alfresco dining spaces anywhere in the city, this popular restaurant offers an unashamedly British menu with some hints of Italian and favourites from around the globe
Wonderful family-friendly pizzeria in the Northern Quarter, offering great value for money fresh pizzas, made and proved on site using a special recipe which includes traditional, whole-wheat, gluten-free and dairy-free dough bases. As well as pizza, there's also a range of pasta dishes, lighter salads and speciality dough sticks
Situated on the main thoroughfare in the trendy, bohemian area of Didsbury Village, this bustling restaurant is inspired by the elegant charm of a classic Italian ristorante with a contemporary buzz, a modern, stylish interior and al fresco seating
The fantastic family-friendly Italian pizza restaurant just off Deansgate, just around the corner from the Town Hall and Manchester Opera House. From the same group as Gusto, Grill On The Alley and The Alchemist
The biggest world buffet in Europe, which serves up to a whopping 700 guests at any one time. Located on Deansgate near the MEN Arena and the shops, this plush restaurant opened in May 2011 offering over 300 freshly made dishes from around the world that include Italian, Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Cajun, Tex Mex, English and more
Very popular family-friendly pizzeria just off Albert Square, which has remained the city's benchmark for quality great value pizzas since opening back in 2000. A proud independent local restaurant, from this base, Croma has now grown into a popular national chain.
The newest in the collection of Jamie Oliver's hugely successful high street Italian restaurants opened in the former Midland Bank building on King Street in February 2012. Many original features of the 1930's Grade II listed building have been retained, including marble clad columns, intricate mahogany wall panellings and a number of historic art deco whilst the private dining room is housed within the original bank vaults
Light, bright and luxurious Italian trattoria just off Albert Square which specialises in fish and seafood courses. Classic Italian dishes are given a modern twist with influences from across the Mediterranean and modern British cuisine. Two private dining VIP rooms and a downstairs bar and club offer added exclusivity.
This imposing glass fronted restaurant on Station Road in Cheadle Hulme allows diners to watch the world go by as they dine in the
modern, stylish interior, which mixes the elegant charm of a classic Italian ristorante with a contemporary buzz
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