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
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.
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.
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
The casual dining rooms inside the plush Midland Hotel, next door to The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Central & MICC, offer a British & Italian menu with great pre-show offers. You can even return after the show to finish your desserts
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
Mediterranean fusion restaurant in a beautiful setting, by the canal in Castlefield. Opened in August 2011, it offers a quality taste of Italian, Spanish and Greek influences with exciting food, deliciously cooked and served in such a way that will be a very unique for people who appreciate high quality Mediterranean food.
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