If there's one thing Manchester's spoilt for, it's Italian restaurants. With the likes of San Carlo, Rosso, Felicini, Don Giovanni's, we can't move for a sea of pasta and a big bouncy castle of fluffy garlic bread.
OMG... and I very rarely use that phrase, but... let's just repeat that. Big bouncy castle of fluffy garlic bread. It's my pungently-scented fantasy.
Ahem. Back to the task at hand, reviewing San Rocco. There's no doubt that the village of Hale in Altrincham is delightfully, beautifully pretty. There are a few San Roccos dotted around Manchester but this one is really complemented by its environment. Situated opposite the bowling green it maintains a picturesque veneer and doesn't disappoint inside. Because you're out in the 'burbs you're likely to find it busy with couples and families (as you would in the city of course), but with a much less rushed, less stressed, more relaxed atmosphere.
The decor has really undergone attention to detail here - it's stylish without forsaking comfort. The food is perhaps not traditionally authentic Italian but it's extremely tasty; little touches like adding egg yolk, cream and crispy pancetta to a Carbonara make it all the more special, and chilli oil on a salami pizza. There are warm spices and tangy herbs at work in most dishes and it really does feel like a treat, albeit a reasonably priced one.
If you ever need to get out of the smoggy centre once in a while I'd highly recommend Hale anyway, and if you're hungry I'd advise you to go here. The service is smooth and friendly, and the food will please you just as much. read more