Best Pasta In Manchester

Dating back to as early as 400 BC in Italy, it's safe to say that pasta has been a staple of our diets for some time. And while it may be a quick dinner at home, there's nothing more sophisticated than tucking into a big bowl of the stuff at a restaurant.

Our city is full of brilliant places to get your hands on carbonara, bolognese, lasagna, ravioli and so much more, whether you're after a casual spot for a quick meal or a high-end date night destination. So for the very best pasta Manchester has to offer, read on to find our top picks.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 9th October 2024




Salvi's Mozarella Bar and Restaurant

If you're a fan of cheesy Italian dishes then the family-run Salvi's Mozarella Bar and Restaurant might just be the place for you - the clue's in the name. Located in the Corn Exchange and claiming to be Manchester's first independent Neapolitan restaurant and deli, this versatile space boasts a stunning outdoor terrace and aperitivo bar, and if you head downstairs you'll discover a sophisticated dining area too.

As for the menu? Kick off with a classic bruschetta, before diving into plates of octopus and spicy nduja pasta, spaghetti vongole or a classic puttanesca. All of this is inspired by the owner's mother and her recipes back in Naples, though the venue is named after his father.

ASK Italian Manchester

For pasta fans, you can't go wrong with a trip to ASK Italian, as these guys are slinging out all sorts of delicious dishes. This casual spot is filled with natural light from their floor-to-ceiling windows, and the roomy dining area is perfect for big groups and couples alike.

Choose from classic pasta dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro and crispy pancetta carbonara, alongside signature dishes such as king prawn and crayfish tagliatelle or aubergine parmigiana ravioli.

Riva Blu - Manchester

One of the prettiest Italian pasta restaurants in Manchester city centre, Riva Bu can be found in the Corn Exchange. The striking blue furniture stands out as soon as you walk in, and on sunny days their outdoor terrace is the perfect place to watch the world go by with an Aperol spritz in hand.

They use only the freshest ingredients to create the traditional dishes on their menu, which range from seafood linguini to pork cheek carbonara and pesto pasta topped with burrata - with gluten-free options available too.

Vapiano Manchester

A firm favourite for cheap pasta in Manchester, Vapiano in the Corn Exchange is a modern, open-plan restaurant with simple white walls and high ceilings - letting in plenty of natural light from the domed glass ceiling.

You can choose your own handmade pasta shape, with a selection of sauces and toppings to suit all tastes. We're talking cacio e pepe, spicy arrabiatta, chicken alfredo and so much more, all of which is made fresh right in front of you in their open kitchen.

Piccolo - Manchester

You can enjoy views of the city centre from Piccolo, which can be found on the second floor of the Manchester Arndale Centre and has a floor-to-ceiling window that looks out over the streets below - alongside a striking 23-metre island bar.

The open kitchen is slinging out a wide array of authentic Italian fare, and their pasta is to-die-for - whether you're in the mood for king prawn and courgette spaghetti, aubergine ravioli or a slow-cooked beef ragu bolognese.

Don Giovanni

Pre-Theatre Menu | 2 course £23.95 | 3 course £27.95 and 2 other offers

Don Giovanni has been serving the city centre for over 35 years, so it's clear they know a thing or two about making delicious pasta dishes. This stylish space is located on Oxford Road, flaunting floor-to-ceiling windows and a trendy interior that's filled with bright, colourful furnishings and pretty plants.

You can tuck into all sorts here, including beef or vegetable lasagne, gorgonzola gnocchi or spinach and ricotta ravioli. And if you're looking for halal pasta in Manchester, they offer that here as well.

Piccolino Caffe Grande Manchester

Serving up some of the best fresh pasta in Manchester city centre, Piccolino Caffe Grande is a stylish space decked out in white marble, plush leather seats and golden lighting. You'll find this place on Clarence Street, just off Albert Square, with an open kitchen where you can watch them whip up your dish.

Choose from Devonshire crab ravioli, slow-cooked beef ragu lasagna or a classic spaghetti carbonara, and be sure to pair your meal with one of their refreshing cocktails - we recommend the lychee and raspberry daquiri. What's more, they offer gluten-free options here too.

Gusto Italian - Manchester

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With venues in both Spinningfields and Didsbury, Gusto has got you covered for authentic Italian fare all over the city. Their city centre venue can be found inside the Deansgate's Elliot House, and both locations are filled with opulent decor and plenty of greenery - perfect for glamourous date nights or special occasions.

Take a seat in one of their cosy booths to enjoy the likes of crab fettucine in a lobster bisque, rigatoni arrabbiata or three-meat lasagne, with plenty of refreshing gins and spritz cocktails on the side.

San Carlo

Offering one of the biggest selections of traditional Italian pasta in Manchester, San Carlo is a gorgeous spot for date nights and group meals alike. You'll find marble-topped tables, beautiful hanging lampshades and plenty of greenery here, with a modern, elegant atmosphere all round.

With both standard and gluten-free pasta available, you can choose between creamy chicken and baby prawn penne, rigatoni alla norma, baked tomato gnocchi with burrata and much more. What's more, they've got a second, more intimate location in Selfridges.

Fumo

Decked out in marble-topped tables and colourful furniture, Fumo is a classy spot for an Italian meal - part of the popular San Carlo group. The St Peter's Square destination has plenty of pasta to get stuck into, from homemade ravioli filled with cheesy truffle to bowls topped with slow-cooked lamb meatballs and Argentinian red prawn linguine. And if you head there on a Friday or Saturday, expect lively DJ sets while you eat.

Tre Ciccio

Situated in Altrincham, Tre Ciccio is a family-run, Southern Italian restaurant with rustic interiors like exposed brick walls, a tiled bar and simple wooden furnishings. They've also got a gorgeous outdoor terrace that soaks up the sun during the summer months, surrounded by beautiful trees.

And while they may specialise in pizza, their pasta offering is pretty damn delicious too - think ravioli filled with chestnut mushrooms and goats cheese or a slow-cooked tagliatelle bolognese. All of this is made using the highest quality Italian ingredients, from San Marzano tomatoes to Amalfi lemons.