Rosso can be found located on Kings Street in Manchester. Having visited numerous times before, we were looking forward to returning. This restaurant has a fantastic reputation in Manchester, and we are yet to be disappointed by the experience.
Being a Grade II listed building and being 116 years old; this restaurant’s setting is quite stunning. Features include stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings, along with the old, it was refreshing to note the new, the restaurant was beautifully refurbished last year, and we couldn’t wait to enjoy it once again.
Somehow, despite its reputation and popularity, Rosso always manages an atmosphere of calm, which is appreciated by its diners. This occasion saw no exception to that rule as we sat down to dine at our table.
We decided to begin our evening with a pre-dinner cocktail. I opted for their classic Negroni, which is a personal favourite. My partner chose the Old Fashioned which is mixed with Bulleit Bourbon, sugar, bitters and orange. Both cocktails were well crafted, and we enjoyed each and every sip.
“This restaurant really does offer a little slice of Italy in Manchester’s city centre.”
To begin our dining experience, I chose the spaghetti alla carbonara – a classic which saw spaghetti with smoked pancetta, garlic, egg, parmesan and a touch of cream. My partner chose the penne alla Bolognese, complete with penne pasta and slow cooked classic beef ragu. These traditional Italian dishes were executed to perfection and we were very pleased with our choices.
For our main courses, I decided on the wonderfully authentic margherita pizza, complete with San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. My partner opted for the Capre e Pollo pizza, which was complete with tomato sauce, goat’s milk cheese, spiced chicken and sun blushed tomatoes. The pizzas were simply delicious, and the freshness of the ingredients used was certainly noted and greatly appreciated.
Alongside our dinner, we enjoyed a bottle of the 2012, Tolaini Al Passo, Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy. This wine was wonderful in both colour and flavour, being deep garnet in colour with a palate of dried fruits, spices and mild earthy and roasted notes. It provided the perfect accompaniment to our meal.
Once again, we enjoyed our evening at Rosso and will certainly be returning. This restaurant really does offer a little slice of Italy in Manchester’s city centre, and for this reason it comes highly recommended by us as a great place to dine in a wonderful setting.
The Bill: £53 per head
