The best pasta restaurants in Manchester

Ornella's Kitchen in Denton is one of the city's hidden gems, especially if you're a pasta fan. This simple and cosy restaurant serves food all day. Brunch and Italian sandwiches are available but the authentic pasta recipes are what really attract a crowd. The menu includes classics like carbonara and lasagne, plus inventive options like minty lamb shoulder ragu.

Rigatoni's operates a couple of sites in Manchester, and the clue is in the name when it comes to the type of food to expect. The straightforward menu centres on house-made rigatoni served with a variety of fresh sauces. Extras like focaccia toasts and deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches are also available at this rustic dining destination.

Bold and colourful Italian eatery Lucky Mama's has a real buzz around it and has even appeared on the BBC. Pasta and Roman-style pizza are on the menu; the pasta is freshly made on-site each day and served with sauces like cacio e pepe, pesto, and alfredo. You can even get your pasta in a pizza dough bowl.

Onda Pasta Bar is a big name in pasta in Manchester, having operated at several sites around the city before opening at Circle Square in 2024. Here you can expect big portions of comforting pasta dishes, from classic recipes to creative options made with seasonal produce. It's a bustling and popular spot so be prepared to queue.

Check out Linguine Restaurant if you're after pasta in Sale. Affordable Italian cuisine is served in modern and cheerful surroundings here. On the menu you'll find antipasti, pizza, and meat and fish, as well as various pasta recipes from lasagne to spaghetti with seafood. Dishes for children are also available at the restaurant.

The Pasta Factory, the first authentic pastificio in Manchester, specialises in serving fresh pasta that's made by hand each day. Try it with various types of sauce or go for ravioli filled with tasty ingredients. Antipasti and desserts are served as well. This bustling and rustic venue also offers pasta masterclasses and sells Italian deli products to take home.

Glamorous Italian restaurant Cibo has locations in Manchester and Cheshire. These elegant venues feature marble tables, striking artwork, and a refined sense of style. Classic Italian recipes are on the menu, including a diverse range of pasta dishes. Whether you favour penne with salmon, spaghetti carbonara, or a hearty lasagne, you'll find some delicious pasta here.

Giovanni's has been serving Italian food to Mancunians since 1984. This award-winning city centre restaurant looks crisp and refined with smart tablecloths and tan leather seating. It's a traditional Italian menu that includes a varied selection of pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese, ravioli, and spaghetti with lobster. Wash your pasta down with some Italian wine.

Experience an authentic Sicilian meal at Sicilian NQ. This friendly restaurant gives off the feel of a traditional trattoria, decorated in a simple style that's rustic but also contemporary. The menu here changes regularly but includes tempting regional pasta dishes like tagliatelle with Sicilian ragu and spaghetti vongole. Sicilian street eats are also available here.

You'll see a few branches of Salvi's in the city centre. These polished but casual restaurants are popular destinations for Italian meals. Traditional dishes are on the menu like bruschetta, caprese salad, pizza, and plenty of pasta with tempting sauces and ingredients. The Deansgate venue also runs pasta classes where you can learn to make pasta from scratch.

The Italiana Fifty Five restaurants are sleek and polished destinations for Italian dining. Authentic dishes are served here in a style-conscious contemporary space. Plenty of pasta dishes are on the menu but this place is best known for its linguine pecorino, theatrically flambéed at the table in a giant cheese wheel. Complete the meal with Italian wine.

Vero Moderno in Salford is modern, cosy, and welcoming. You might spot some famous faces here as it's popular with Man City players. The decor is rustic with tiles, plants, and wood panelling. The menu of Italian favourites includes plenty of pasta options, with vegan and gluten-free pasta dishes available as well.

The Gusto Italian restaurants focus on serving authentic Sicilian dishes. The menu includes antipasti, sourdough pizza, meat dishes, and pasta recipes including ravioli, bucatini carbonara, mushroom fettuccine, and lasagne made with three different meats. Cocktails and mocktails are also served at these classy and sophisticated restaurants.

Casual restaurant Benvenuto Ristorante has a reputation for serving delicious Italian cuisine. The exterior is painted red whilst inside it's a simple space decorated with images of Italy. Dishes like polpette and mozzarella fritta are available to start, after which you can try pizza or one of the various pasta dishes like cannelloni or spaghetti carbonara.

Located in St. John's, Don Marco has been serving Italian cuisine for over 15 years. This family-run restaurant serves classic dishes made using authentic recipes. It's a welcoming spot with an atmospheric interior and a covered outer terrace. The menu includes pasta dishes like spaghetti di mare and penne arrabbiata. Pizza, meat, and fish are also served.

Family-run restaurant Vincenzo Trattoria offers laid-back Italian meals in an attractive setting with exposed brickwork and flowers hanging from the ceiling. The inclusive menu of favourite recipes includes options for dietary requirements. Pasta dishes are available as a starter or main course, and there are plenty of classic options like cannelloni, spaghetti and meatballs, and pappardelle with rabbit ragu.

You can experience authentic Italian dining in Deansgate at Dom's Italia. This rustic restaurant has an interior with exposed brick, wood panelling, and intimate lighting. The menu features classic Italian recipes like bruschetta, minestrone, and pizza, plus a varied range of pasta - think lasagne, penne vodka, and cannelloni. Cocktails and Italian wines are also served.

Open since 1978, Giorgio is one of Manchester's oldest Italian restaurants. Fine Italian food is available here like Neapolitan pizza and pasta dishes ranging from spaghetti arrabbiata to spinach ravioli or lasagne. A curated wine list is available too. The venue is low-lit and slick, with attentive and friendly service.

Gino D'Acampo's Manchester restaurant opened in 2024 and quickly became a popular spot for Italian food in the city. The setting is elegant and full of light, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of botanicals. Authentic dishes from across Italy are served, including a selection of refined pasta recipes like prawn ravioli, trofie with smoked salmon, and bucatini carbonara.

Speedy Italian food is served in a casual environment at Bravissimi! This place offers a curated menu prepared with specially-selected ingredients to give diners flavour and convenience. A number of different pasta dishes are on the menu, including halal and non-halal lasagne. Pizza, salads, and paninis are also available here.

Opened in 1996, Gio Ristorante is the younger sibling of well-established restaurant Giorgio. This spot serves similar classic Italian cuisine. Traditional dishes here include Neapolitan pizza and a varied range of pasta recipes with different sauces. The modern and colourful dining space has big windows and metallic details.