Don Giovanni

A Manchester fixture for decades, the much-loved Don Giovanni opened its doors in 1984. It’s still independent, it’s still buzzing, and it’s still one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. Famous for floor to ceiling windows that overlook St Peter’s Square, the sleek, sunny environment is a great place to kick back and enjoy an authentic Italian meal.    

All your Mediterranean favourites can be found here, from sirloin steak to thin-crust pizzas. Look out especially for the Ravioli Aragosta, in lobster sauce, and the Filleti di Branzino, one of the best sea bass fillets you’ll get in Manchester. The ribeye, sirloin and fillet steaks also come highly recommend for meat-lovers. 

There are plenty of high-quality vegetarian options, such as delicious gnocchi with gorgonzola, and there’s a good range of gluten-free choices too, such as the Saltimbocca a la Romana, better known as veal escalopes in a soft butter sauce. Dietary provisions are taken seriously, with Halal options are available too, and many dishes can be converted on request.   

Look out also for the remarkably affordable lunch and theatre menu, the seasonal specials, student discounts and the helpful round of offers and deals regularly posted to Don Giovanni’s website. Don Giovanni know their clientele and care about the diner’s experience as well as the dining experience. You’ll find the waiters and waitresses friendly and knowledgeable, more than happy to explain the menu items in detail and help to accommodate your needs.   

The large, spacious restaurant is perfect for all kinds of visitors, from couples to corporate parties, and proves especially popular with the pre-theatre crowd. Close to trams and buses, it’s a stalwart of Manchester’s food scene that’s always worth a special trip, particularly in the summer months when the light spills through the tall glass windows and you can fancy yourself in the sophisticated environs of Roma or Fiorenza.