Traditional Italian or British restaurant in Manchester

[brianb]

It's the wife's 30th in a few weeks and were looking for a nice restaurant for the friday evening, ideally walking distance to the printworks in Manchester as we're staying in he crown plaza

Any recommendations?

[Sway]

Italians:

San Carlo (good, but very busy and 'lively' ambiance, which may or may not be an issue)
San Carlo Ciccetti (Venetian tapas, so richer, smaller dishes and the opportunity for pick and mix)
Rosso (Rio Ferdinand's place, I liked it but colleagues didn't)

Trad British:

Mr Thomas' Chop House
Sam's Chop House (don't bother with anything other than one of these sister restaurants. Blooming superb)

Job done.

[Sway]

Oh, another one, perhaps more limited in selection but brilliant quality - the Grill on the Alley.

Classic steakhouse, where they really do know how to handle lovely chunks of beef (including Waygu - lush). Also shellfish/other similar dishes. Garlic rub bread as an appetiser can't be beaten, so simple yet great)

[escargot]

I second the chop houses.

Try the corned beef hash - bloody lovely.

[Vvroom]

CORNED BEEF

CORNED BEEF

CORNED BEEF

Has anyone mentioned that the corned beef hash in Sam's is magnificent?

You could also try the new place-Artisan. It's in Spinningfields. I had a fantastic salmon grill plate there the other day.

[Soir]

As sway suggested.. San Carlo cicceti

For me it's the best (alongside Australasia) restaurant in manchester

[jazzybee]

Ha - clicked on the link ready to pass along the 2 restaurants I like to eat at in Manchester - Beaten to it again. Another vote for San Carlo and Mr Thomas' Chop house

[Sway]

Looks like my 8 months working in Manchester were well spent!

Is Artisan the new one with the big terrace balcony on Deansgate opposite Spinningfields?

[Vvroom]

^ no- Artisan is behind Oast House, facing Neighbourhood.

[Blown2CV]

there can only be the chop house. It is epic. Mr Thomas for real britishness. I love it there.