They say you can’t touch a classic. The Italian, Romiley, is proof of that. In a restless region like Greater Manchester, the establishment has remarkably stood in place since 1987, when it was opened by Ferdinando Mercogliano. Originally from Naples, his ambition was to bring some of Southern Italy’s legendary flavours to the North West, giving a nod to time-honoured tradition through high quality ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. The formula is clearly working — hence expanding with a ground floor extension in 2024.
“We go for the types of dishes an Italian grandmother would feed her guests, rather than the fancy fine dining style,” the team explain. That’s fitting, considering The Italian, Romiley is still family run after all these years, having been passed on to eldest son Alessandro, who more than lives up to his father’s reputation and trademark dishes. These include Antipasti such as Bruschetta Calabrese (with spicy n’duja salami), Polpette Napoletane (braised beef meatballs in rich tomato sauce), and Gamberoni alla Griglia (whole king prawns, grilled and served with garlic, white wine and mayonnaise dip).
Risotto Cacciatore, alla Zucca, and Marinara are further highlights. Meanwhile, From The Oven expect Lasagna, Cannelloni, Penne Al Forno, and Malanzane Parmigiana, among others. Elsewhere, steaks, various chicken dishes (Pollo Alla Cacciatore, Polla alla Barca) and a range of Neapolitan pizzas are also available. But the real highlight is the pasta selection. Penne Pecoria (salami and mushroom), Linguine Dei Matti (Chicken breast pieces with homemade basil pesto, parmesan, mushrooms, spinach and cream), Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Italian potato dumplings with homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil) should not be missed. Finally, the wine list comes with plenty of Italian greats, cocktails are a big hit (every drink features at least one Italian ingredient), and Sunday to Thursday you can enjoy an Earlybird Menu — any pizza or pasta for £7.95 5PM-7.30PM.