Touting teal leather chairs, exposed pipe ceilings and atmospheric lampshades, Riva Blu is a bit of a beaut. It also rustles up scrumptious Italian fare, from stalwart classics to signature dishes, with fun cocktails to match.

With more than 35 years in the business, multi-award winning Don Giovanni is one of the best Italian restaurants in Manchester city centre. This top-notch date night destination is absolutely fab, thanks to an a la carte menu of fish, meat and pasta dishes. 

The best Italian in Manchester city centre? Piccolo has to be right up there, not only for its handy Arndale location but also for delving out everything from king prawn bruschetta to calzone and affogato dessert.

A restaurant with chic interiors and open kitchen, Piccolino Manchester is a grand shout for Italian dinners. Settle in for mushroom and vegetable ragu, king prawn linguine and wood-fired pizzas, alongside wine or espresso martinis to accompany. Plus, you can check out the Didsbury and Hale locations too.

Another Corn Exchange favourite, Vapiano is dishing up amazing Italian fare across an open-plan space. Expect handmade pasta favourites like cacio e pepe and carbonara alongside a choice of mushroom risotto or pizzas.

Salvi's Manchester is a favourite out of the best places for Italian food, thanks to it bringing traditional pasta plates and dishes to the Corn Exchange. When you're not dining on mouthwatering food? Get authentic deli bites from their shop.

If you're looking for classic Neapolitan slices and a chilled out atmosphere, this pick of Italian restaurants in Manchester Northern Quarter is just the ticket. It's got tasty toppings by the boat load, all made with quality ingredients and served up on fresh slices from their open kitchen. 

Situated in Altrincham, Tre Ciccio is one of the best restaurants in Manchester for many reasons. The Italian family-led business is slinging out the most scrumptious eats - think arancini, spicy roasted chicken and wood-fired pizzas.

With pizzas for less than a tenner, Proove is the hotspot when it comes to cheap Italian restaurants in Manchester. Alongside sumptuous slices, you can sip through gelato milkshakes, Aperol spritzes and negronis galore.

Another luxe offering from the San Carlo group, this fun (and date-worthy) Italian restaurant follows the signature style of sister sites. Head to Fumo to find sunny splashes of yellow from the banquette seating through to an eye-catching wall feature. 

A casual restaurant, PLY is definitely a must-visit if you fancy munching through pizza. Enjoy innovative bites of Italian food and wash it all down with a cracking cocktail. Our fav? The Notorious P.I.G, which is topped with fior di latte mozzarella, crispy bacon, spicy sausage and a fried egg.

Inspired by Southern heritage and formerly Sugo Pasta Kitchen, SUD is the Italian restaurant in Ancoats that's all about home comfort alongside communal dining. Convivial atmosphere comes as standard, accompanied by fresh dishes, such as orecchiette with flaky beef shin and pork shoulder.

When we think about pizza, there's one name on everyone's lips across our city: Rudy's. Known for using the finest dough to craft perfectly floppy slices, these guys also have a number of regularly specials in addition to the main menu.

Located on the second floor of Selfridges, the San Carlo Manchester menu brings Milanese vibes to the city. Make it a liquid lunch with their list of proseccos and spritzes - best mopped with a couple of cicchetti (that's small plates to you and me).

Neapolitan-style pizza, anyone? Double Zero is the place to head in Chorlton when you get a craving for the good stuff. Whether you choose hot honey and nduja-slathered number or a truffle mushroom cream base with ham and chicken, your slices are sure to satisfy.