Eats

Piccolino Caffé Grande – Manchester’s Italian restaurant institution reveals stunning revamp

Beautiful interiors for a beautiful menu.

Clementine Hall - 29th March 2024

Piccolino Caffé Grande has been serving the city for 23 years, and it still stands the test of time as a destination for elegant dining.

Located proudly on Clarence Street overlooking the Town Hall, Piccolino Caffé Grande is basically an institution at this point.

Serving customers day-in, day-out with delicious food and proper Italian hospitality – it’s no surprise that this spot has been loved by locals for decades.

And their brand-new refurbishment sets them in good stead for decades to come.

Piccolino’s iconic blue interiors are met with elegant gold accents, a statement brass ceiling, impressive floral instillations and beautiful chandeliers.

The new refurb has also seen the instillation of an open kitchen, so you can see the chefs at work as they craft mouthwatering pasta dishes, fantastic pizza and impressive sharing cuts of meat on the grill.

Outside Piccolino Caffe Grande, an Italian restaurant in Manchester city centre — The new interiors at Piccolino Caffe Grande, an Italian restaurant in Manchester city centre. Credit: The Manc Group

The new interiors at Piccolino Caffe Grande, an Italian restaurant in Manchester city centre. Credit: The Manc Group

Diners can take a seat at the decadent bar area and watch their cocktail being made before heading over to their table in one of two huge dining rooms.

The authentic Italian menu remains superb, highlights included the Capesanta king scallops topped with confit garlic and breadcrumbs, as well as the Arancina with saffron and spicy vegetarian nduja – a new dish for Spring which is sure to be a firm favourite.

The Devonshire crab ravioli in a sumptuous shellfish butter was the knockout dish though, beautifully al dente pasta stuffed generously with flavourful crab served swimming in a silky sauce – utter perfection.

Capesanta king scallops topped with confit garlic and breadcrumbs and a squeeze of lemon. — Piccolino Caffe Grande in Manchester is an Italian restaurant institution. Credit: The Manc Group

Spaghetti Frutti Di Mare from Piccolino Caffe Grande Italian restaurant in Manchester — Piccolino Caffe Grande in Manchester is an Italian restaurant institution. Credit: The Manc Group

And of course you can’t go wrong with Spaghetti Frutti Di Mare, packed with plenty of mussels, clams, prawns and squid in a sauce which had a cheeky kick of chilli which was very much welcomed.

But it wouldn’t be a trip to Piccolino’s if you weren’t treated to the exceptional Italian hospitality that they pride themselves on, and our waiter José was none other than a master of his craft.

A Manchester institution loved for decades, and we predict for many more to come. Welcome back Caffé Grande – it’s great to see you.