Bruco

Bruco is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. Set in the former Trove site in Ancoats, it’s part Italian restaurant, part wine bar, and part all-day hangout, designed to feel welcoming from your first coffee to your last glass of red. It blends the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality with a relaxed, modern approach that feels perfectly at home in Manchester’s most food-obsessed neighbourhood.

The menu works around the rhythm of the day – a more casual focus on sandwiches, salads and lighter plates at lunch, with things moving into share-friendly small plates, generous mains and comforting pastas as the evening rolls in. Rather than being bound to rigid courses, it encourages a more spontaneous way of eating, with dishes arriving when ready, making it as well suited to a quick solo snack as to a long, chatty table with friends.

Bruco’s style is rooted in Italian traditions but happy to bring in a few fresh ideas. The emphasis is on quality ingredients, seasonality, and careful sourcing – from seafood and cured meats to fresh produce – backed up by a wine list that celebrates Italian bottles from small, characterful vineyards. Prices are pitched with approachability in mind, ensuring it works just as well for a midweek treat as for a special night out.

Inside, the atmosphere hits the sweet spot between stylish and easy-going. Natural light and thoughtful touches make the space feel lived-in and comfortable, while service is warm without being fussy. It’s the kind of place where you can just as easily start the day with coffee and pastries, drop by for an early evening spritz, or settle in for a slow dinner that unfolds over a few hours.

Ancoats has no shortage of places to eat, but Bruco brings a balance of charm, quality and versatility that makes it feel like it’s been part of the neighbourhood for years.