One of the undeniable gems of the Manchester pizza scene has rightly claimed its place as one of the best pizzerias in Europe.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria has been tirelessly dishing out the authentic flavours of Italy to the hungry people of Manchester for over six years now, so it’s only right that it’s claimed a spot on the list of the 50 best pizzerias on the continent.
Renowned travel website Big 7 has updated its restaurant rankings just in time for summer to “celebrate the places that take pizza to new levels alongside those that honour classic traditions and techniques”.
And Rudy’s has bagged a seriously-impressive fifth spot on the list.
Following the success of its first location, a second site was launched on Peter Street in the heart of the city centre in 2018 – with owners continuing to expand across the UK to Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham.
Believing Neapolitan pizza to be the best in the world, Rudy’s dough is made fresh daily using Caputo 00 flour – which has been left to ferment for at least 24 hours – alongside the best quality ingredients imported twice a week from Naples, including San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.
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It really is the best of the best, and it’s not hard to see why it’s so celebrated.
Rudy’s has bagged a seriously-impressive fifth spot on Big 7’s top 50 list / Credit: Rudy’s
Explaining why Rudy’s has taken the fifth spot on the list, Big 7 said: “They stick pretty close to tradition at Rudy’s, crafting their pies pretty much in exactly the same manner that they do in Naples.
“Creating the dough here is a true labour of love, as they let it double ferment for 24 hours before throwing it in the oven for just 60 seconds to cook.
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“There’s a reason why so many locals think this is the best pizza in Manchester.”
Da Michele still uses the same recipe today as when the first restaurant opened / Credit: Instagram (@pizzeriadamichele)
Da Michele gained a global reputation as the ‘Sacred Temple of Pizza’ since opening in Naples over 150 years ago, and is known for serving the “only two types” of pizza – margherita or marinara.
It shot to international fame after featuring in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts.
Manchester truly is spoiled for choice when it comes to pizza, right?
Featured Image – Rudy’s
Food & Drink
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant unveils big refurb
Thomas Melia
Much-loved Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five has just unveiled a beautiful refurbishment at one of its Manchester sites, along with a new menu of fresh, handmade pasta.
Gone is the famous yellow colour palette of this Italian eatery as they swap in a sophisticated and regal turquoise blue at their Liverpool Road restaurant.
This establishment is known for its impressive shop-window pasta making stations where you can see your food prepared live in-store and while walking past outside the venue.
They’re continuing their foodie legacy serving carby creations, like a flaming cheese wheel pasta where staff blowtorch the cheese to ensure it’s as melty as possible.
One of the biggest menu highlights at Italiana Fifty-Five is the cappellacci, which comes in two equally gorgeous forms and much like its English translation, emulates tiny hats.
These cute little plates come in two delicious stuffed pairings – the burrata, combined with a tangy tomato and beef filling, and a salmon with cream sauce and fresh lemon for a match made in heaven.
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb. Credit: The Manc GroupInside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group
How can you think of anything more ideal than a table full of hearty and home-comforting meals than one that also features an array of beautiful sides?
Usual delights like the burrata on a bed of rocket, tomato and finished off with a balsamic vinegar glaze area great addition to your already faultless food.
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is quintessential when dining in an Italian restaurant, and Italiana 55’s lovely flavour-packed favourite is a go-to when ordering here.
The Liverpool Road restaurant also has a tonnata pizza which uses toppings that are an exact ingredient breakdown of the Mediterranean sauce, which it shares its name with.
In photos: Italiana Fifty-Five has undergone a refurb. Credit: The Manc Group
What better way to wolf down some incredible Italian feasts than with some perfectly paired alcoholic offerings like the classic Aperol spritz, trusted espresso martinis and a selection of fine wines.
Their menu is staying as tasty as ever with their delicious pizzas and pastas, with the new fresh pasta menu available at their restaurants on Liverpool Road and in Didsbury.
Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap
Daisy Jackson
Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.
The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.
The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.
More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.
And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.
In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.
“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.
“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”
The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.
Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.
With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrongHuge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage
Emily Sergeant -
25th June 2021 
