We know the Big Mamma Manchester restaurant will be all kinds of gorgeous.

There are a few things that spring to mind when thinking about Big Mamma's restaurants: Circolo Popolare's wisteria-filled Sicilian trattoria ceilings; the Roman statues and Murano glass chandeliers of Jacuzzi; Ave Mario's funky Florence-inspired maximalism; the plant-covered exterior of 70s Capri-style Gloria; and new kid on the block, Carlotta. Mostly though, it's the fact that all their UK locations are down in London - booo. However, that may all be about to change...

There are whispers that the Parisian restaurant group have chosen Manchester for their next venture, setting their sights on the St Michael's development alongside Japanese-Peruvian hotspot Chotto Matte. Big Mamma co-founder Victor Lugger has had his eye on Manchester as a "second city" since last year, following in the footsteps of brands like Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat, The Treehouse Hotel and Flat Iron - all of which have either recently made, or are in the process of making, our streets their next home.

There's no opening date for Big Mamma Manchester yet, but Chotto Matte aren't launching their rooftop spot at St Michael's until 2025, so we can assume that will be the minimum wait time here. Meanwhile, you can keep dreaming of the Italian food they'll have in store. Think spaghetti served in cheese wheels, signature pasta smothered in creamy sauce and topped with freshly shaved truffle, veal that cuts like butter, pizzas galore and huge wedges of that lemon meringue pie. To accompany? Everything from twists on classic cocktails to fine wine and limoncello.

Ciao bella.

While you wait for further details about Big Mamma coming to Manchester, check out this guide on Italian restaurants and sign up to our newsletter.