The restaurant has recently become a permanent fixture at Deansgate Square, and for good reason – the food is simply delicious.
They invited us down to try their new menu.
With a warm an inviting atmosphere, the cosy new restaurant has beautiful soft lighting from their glass atrium windows and a lively buzz that fills the room.
Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they serve, making the dining experience all the more enjoyable.
The menu at Nonna’s Pasta is a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine, with a modern twist and slight American influences.
The focus is, of course, on pasta, and there are a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
There are plenty of tasty options.
To kick things off, I selected the – Gamberoni – succulent prawns swimming in a heavenly pool of white wine, garlic, and parsley.
The dish comes with perfectly toasted focaccia.
My colleague had the Fried Squid, a delightful and crispy squid rings, paired with a punchy paprika aioli.
This starter is delicious and a classic, with its perfect balance of flavour and texture.
At£10.50, it’s a must-try for any seafood lover.
Nonna’s Pasta is particularly famous for its Rigatoni Alla Vodka, a hearty and flavourful dish that has gained a loyal following among diners.
The rigatoni is perfectly al dente, and the sauce is creamy, rich, and laced with a subtle hint of vodka.
It’s easy to see why this dish is such a crowd-pleaser.
But there’s much more to Nonna’s Pasta than just its Rigatoni Alla Vodka Nonna Hadid (£12)
The Lobster Carbonara (£16) is a standout dish, with tender chunks of succulent lobster mixed with creamy egg sauce, pancetta, and parmesan cheese. It’s a luxurious and indulgent dish that’s worth every penny.
Recommended by a friendly waiter, that’s what we selected for the main, alongside the Pasta Al Tarfuto (£12), a delightfully light truffle with mafaldine pasta and mushrooms.
The Chicken Ate a Pizza, a twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan, is another standout dish which was recommended by our waitress.
The chicken is buttermilk fried and coated in a tangy marinara sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and pesto.
It’s a filling and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a decadent evening of comfort eating.
For something a little different, try Papa’s Pasta, a slow-braised short rib ragu pappardelle with truffle and mushroom (£15)
The ragu is rich and meaty, and the truffle adds a subtle earthiness to the dish. It’s a comforting and hearty dish.
Nonna’s Pasta also offers a range of sharing options, including the Lasagne Spirali, a perfectly-baked spirale. d lasagne for two people (£21.95).
The pasta is tender, and the layers of meaty sauce and creamy bechamel are a match made in heaven. The Tear & Share Garlic Bread with melted Mozzarella is another standout dish, with warm, soft bread infused with garlic and topped with oozy melted cheese.
They also offer a great selection of sides, including Polenta Chips with a delicious Gorgonzola Cream and Devil’s Brother Ketchup (£6).
For something more indulgent, try the Truffle and Parmesan Fries at £6.25.
The Italian Wedge Salad is a refreshing option with creamy dressing, topped with Gorgonzola and a Pepperoni Crumb, also at £6.25.
We opted for the The Cheez Wizz Mac N Cheese at £5.95 as a classic comfort food option.
Finally, if you’re after some greens, the Black Cabbage tossed with Garlic Butter and Black Olive Tapenade at £4.50 is your side of choice.
To wash it all down, Nonna’s Pasta offers an impressive drinks menu that includes a range of cocktails, wines, spirits, juices, smoothies, and hot drinks.
The Negroni is a particular favourite among diners, with a perfect balance of gin, vermouth, and Campari.
And at just £6, I think you’d struggle to get a cheaper, quality cocktail anywhere else in the city?
For something fruity and refreshing, try Nonna’s Italian Mule, a twist on the classic Moscow Mule that’s made with limoncello, ginger beer, and fresh lime.
Nonna’s Pasta also offers a vegan menu, with dishes such as Vegan Pesto Infused Burrata, Pomodoro Pasta, and Creamy Pesto Linguine.
The vegan options are just as flavourful and delicious as the regular menu, with plenty of choices too.
For dessert we went for the classic Martini Tiramisu and Peanut Butter Fondant, to round off what had been a pleasurable experience that won’t break the bank either.
The gelato is also not to be missed, with flavours such as hazelnut and pistachio that are rich and creamy.
One of the best things about Nonna’s Pasta is the authentic dining experience it provides.
The restaurant has a cozy, homely feel to it, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that make it perfect for a romantic date or a family gathering.
The staff are also friendly and welcoming, and make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
Nonna’s Pasta is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and is looking for a warm, comforting meal.
The restaurant’s dedication to pasta is evident in the quality and variety of dishes on offer, and the new additions to the menu are sure to impress.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pasta dish like Nonna Hadid’s Rigatoni Alla Vodka, or something more adventurous like the Lobster Carbonara, you’re sure to leave Nonna’s feeling satisfied, happy and most importantly, full to burst.