Salvi's Deansgate Square

Salvi’s has long been one of the most respected names in Manchester when it comes to Italian food, and their newest venture feels like both a homecoming and a celebration. Set within the sharp lines and glass towers of Deansgate Square, this sprawling 3,000 square foot venue is part restaurant, part deli, part terrace bar – and all heart.

The space itself is an evolution of everything the Salvi’s team has built over the past decade. Elegant and expansive, it features everything from private dining areas and open kitchens to an Italian-style garden terrace complete with heated seating. At the centre of it all sits a gold pizza oven that quite literally shines – a fitting symbol for this glammed-up incarnation of the Neapolitan favourite.

But it’s the food that keeps people coming back. The menu is a tour of southern Italian classics, guided by the Cecco family’s own heritage and recipes. Think rich tomato sauces made from San Marzano fruit, silky mozzarella di bufala flown in weekly, and handmade pasta that straddles comfort and luxury in every bite. Signature dishes like the Nonna Teresa – pasta dressed in pistachio pesto and finished with guanciale – offer a direct link back to the kitchens of Naples, while the seafood section brings fresh mussels, octopus and seabass into the spotlight.

There’s an impressive variety here too: cicchetti for sharing, mains from the grill, crispy arancini, and an entire deli section where you can stock up on charcuterie, cheeses, and hard-to-find Italian pantry goods. The sweet selection is just as tempting, from pistachio cake with iced ricotta to homemade gelato served by the scoop.

On the drinks front, expect a strong showing from Italy – wines, spritzes, and cocktails built around regional liqueurs like Campari and Frangelico. There’s even Chinese Cabernet Sauvignon if you fancy something a bit different.

Salvi’s Deansgate Square is a big swing that lands beautifully. It manages to feel polished without losing its soul, slick but still familial, rooted in tradition yet open to change. It’s ideal for everything from leisurely weekend lunches to celebratory dinners, and with its deli and takeaway options, it even caters to those on the move. A modern Italian institution in the making, this is Salvi’s at full volume – and Manchester is better for it.