Need hearty, boozy Italian pasta? VIVA checks out Nonna’s pasta and loves it
| 14th November 2022
There’s a wonderfully warm welcome at Nonna’s Italian pasta pop up at the Green Lab on Manchester Deansgate, in all senses of the word as VIVA went down to check out the eatery.
The Italian for Granny, Nonna’s is just like a hearty hug and feed that we all need this month with a wonderful welcome literally in the form of a shot of Limoncello to get the dining going.
Its bright and airy, with lots of plants (it’s set up home in the Green Lab so fair enough) and offers a small but hearty Italian food that’s instagrammable and perfect for dismal November evenings or even bright sunny ones.
Jules who looked after us, typified the excellent service and warm welcome as we debated the menu which in these cash strapped times is great value for money with starters from £5.75 (if you exclude the £1 olives) and mains from under a tenner.
What’s more, there’s no holding back on the indulgence of food & drink as you can add all the extras you want, including a whole burrata to your pasta dish. O yes, what’s not to like when you can add a whole cheese.
Need hearty, boozy Italian pasta? VIVA checks out Nonna’s pasta and loves it
Speaking of which, I started with the burrata which came with prosciutto and truffle cream as well as rocket. This was £9.95 and enough to share if you’re not too greedy and want to whet your appetite. It was salty, delicious and wonderful.
We also had the gamberoni, gloriously plump prawns in a tasty parsley and white wine sauce. A fishy treat, perfect for dunking in the ciabatta.
We were washing this down with a chilled bottle of Prosecco with wine starting from just £25 a bottle. There’s also a substantial cocktail list available too, starting from £10 for classics such as martinis (espresso and the original).
Onto the main event and while there are non-pasta options, while at Nonna’s it’s got to be big bowl of love or pasta.
I opted for Nonna’s Gone to Sea, a linguini in a tomato garlic sauce (there’s a white option too), which was bursting with seafood, including mussels, squid and prawn. This was garlicy goodness with near perfect seasoning and simply lovely pasta.
Need hearty, boozy Italian pasta? VIVA checks out Nonna’s pasta and loves it
We also tucked into Posh Nonna’s Gone Wild, which was truffles, mushrooms and general creamy gorgeousness. This was rich and indulgent, bringing out the best in the ingredients.
The portion are, well Granny size, so you can easily have a wonderful treat and perfect pick me up with just the pasta main. Starting from just a tenner, this is perfect if you’re after a budget-friendly night out.
Puds are classically Italian and from £4, with a chocolate Gelato (we were stuffed) providing a proper taste of Italy.
Reservations are available via the link, however walk-ins are welcome.
VIVA verdict: Wonderful hearty Italian meals, with the sort of pasta you’ll crave and be back for.