Good news for any pasta lovers out there as there's a brand-new Italian restaurant you'll be wanting to add to your list.
GiGi Gusto Griglia, which is set to open in the historic former City library on Deansgate this September, is a re-imagining of the landmark Gusto restaurant, an Italian grill room and bar inspired by the glamour, energy and style of Italy’s golden age.
The kitchen will be led by renowned Manchester chef Sam Astley-Dean (Onda/Lina Stores), whose career has taken him through some of the country’s most respected kitchens and made him one of the city’s most exciting culinary talents.
Sam oversees a menu built using the best seasonal ingredients à la griglia (on the grill), with fired, blistered and charred plates all made with Gusto from the open kitchen and grill room.
The menu will include steak Florentine, prawns, lamb chops, rare breed cuts, antipasti, spuntini, fresh pasta and pizzette. All made to Sam's own recipe.
Sam Astley-Dean says: "The menu is built for sharing, in the spirit of Italian famiglia dining. The dishes feel familiar, but the quality of the produce and the care taken in the kitchen make them special. It is proper cooking, served generously and without fuss."
At the heart of GiGi is the decadent Bar Eleganza, a grand, centralised bar that will be home to the city’s first ‘House of Negroni’, specialising in Negronis, Martinis and Sgroppinos alongside a considered list of wines. Bar Eleganza's drinks list has been developed by leading Manchester libation specialist Errant, the team behind Stray.
The difference here is the musicality, with a classic baby grand piano transporting you to 1950s/60s Italy in a classic hotel bar, but with songs you’ll know and love. Those in the know will head straight for the secret speakeasy entrance on Jackson’s Row.
GiGi Gusto Griglia has been created by veteran restaurateur Jamie Barber, who says: "I wanted, quite selfishly, to build a restaurant I want to go to, somewhere I can sip a proper Negroni, share handmade pasta and pizzette, listen to great music and finish with a well-rested piece of rare-breed steak.
"From the kitchen to the piano, bar to the DJs and management, every part of GiGi is designed around the pleasure of eating, drinking and staying out. That’s why we’ve spent the last year working with the best talent in Manchester to create something truly special alongside beautiful interior design from the well-renowned Russell Sage (Gordon Ramsay/The Savoy), who brings timeless, classic and lavish finishes.
"We have huge respect for where Gusto came from and the people who grew up with it. GiGi is the next step on. More glamorous, more ambitious, and a proper night out."
Find out more here.