Insolito serves traditional Sicilian and Italian food in central Manchester. The restaurant is the brainchild of two Italian students who teamed up with a veteran chef to bring the taste of home to the city. The chic, minimalist, monochrome interior has the feel of a stylish bistro, with abstract art on the walls and exposed bulbs hanging from the ceiling. This would make the ideal destination for a lunch stop while shopping, a night of casual dining with friends or a relaxed date.
Insolito’s menu is overseen by veteran chef, Costantino, who offers his own twist on traditional Italian cuisine. Sicily’s aromas, flavours and coastal influence are at the heart of everything, with ingredients sourced from the best Italian producers. Overall, the menu blends much-loved classics with quite a few surprises. Pizzas are made from a dough matured for over 72 hours to make it very light, before being topped with premium Italian ingredients.
All pasta is also freshly made and has a strong seafood focus, with dishes that might include penne mediterranee with swordfish cubes, risotto Danubio with lumpfish roe caviar, gnocchi Tirolesi with ham & cream, and the vegetarian friendly penne with aubergines & tomatoes. A range of meat and fish dishes are also served, including pork loin in an orange blossom glaze and chicken breast with parmesan & garlic. Insolito makes all of its own desserts and ice cream, including classic Italian favourites, lesser known patisserie specialities and fresh gelato. The cream of Italian wines are also on offer, many sourced from Sicilian vineyards.
Insolito is on Mosley Street, a 10-minute walk from Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop and 12-minutes from Manchester Piccadilly train station. There is also an NCP car park on nearby Princess Street. The restaurant is handily close to Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Central Convention Complex and the Odeon Manchester Great Northern.