L’Aquila shares plenty in common with its namesake town. Both are steeped in authenticity and invoke a sense of heritage, yet each is also known for innovation and a youthful energy. The small city between Rome and Pescara owes this to its thriving university population. The Italian restaurant in Prestwich, north Manchester’s, can thank the head chef and father figure behind this family-run business, who brings 25 years of experience but also a commitment to keeping things fresh.
That’s certainly the case with the flavours he plates up in the kitchen. Only the highest quality ingredients are used, many sourced straight from the Old Country itself, with fish and meat a particular point of pride, and coming direct from local markets. “Our steaks are our biggest recommendation,” we’re told in no uncertain terms, although the menu has plenty more to go at. As is tradition, things start at Antipasti (pane aside), and there are many stand out options. Like Chargrilled Asparagus Spears, Gamberetti (cocktail of baby prawns, Marie Rose sauce and salad leaves), Capesante (pan fried scallops, pancetta, creamy basil-pesto sauce), and Funghi di Bosco (pan fried mushrooms, garlic, onions, tomato, chilli).
Moving towards mains, there’s a huge choice of pasta to go at, ranging from staples such as Spaghetti alla Bolognese, Lasagna and Penne Arrabiata, to Farfalle L’Aquila (fillet steak, broccoli, and pine nuts in a creamy black cracked brandy sauce). The Risotto game is also top notch, and if you’re really going all out, as we mentioned before, the fish and meat selections are excellent (prime fillet with porcini mushrooms, rib eye with stir fried vegetables Julien, corn-fed chicken breast with pancetta and gnocchi, pan-fried seabass with lemon butter and white sauce, king prawn and scallop skewers… you get the point). Add a well-stocked bar including a modest-sized yet expertly-chosen wine list and imported beers, with two highly experienced ‘tenders also on hand to pour excellent cocktails, and the deal should be sealed — whether you want a table for two, or full hire of an upstairs function room with a capacity of 45 people.