REVIEW: Avalanche Italian Restaurant – exceeding expectations

I’m not quite sure why you would call a restaurant Avalanche. It sounds like the title of disaster movie and doesn’t really say anything Italian – at least not in a good way.

For those of you who don’t know, it’s a charming Italian restaurant just off Albert Square that took over Lime Bar in a bit of a fanfare over a year ago. They’ve spent a fortune refining the brand and the interior and received a knowing nod from the foodies that it’s just the Italian job.

it’s good to know
there’s another great
Italian in town”

We’re greeted by Giorgio, an Italian gentleman wearing a loud and proud D&G belt. After some warm gestures of greeting which stop just short of a kiss, he gracefully takes us to our table for two next to the window.

It’s excellent, reasonably priced Italian cooking. Italian head chef Carlo Rossi has earned his stripes at San Carlo Chiccetti and a host of other good Italiano eateries in our fair city. He’s also recently just got back from working in Miami.

It is a lovely, curvy space. Sophisticated monochrome, glittery silver cutlery, neon blue lights with cool iceberg and outdoorsy accents throughout, so maybe that’s how they got the name. Or maybe not.

It was busy and bustling with a relaxed ‘people enjoying themselves’ vibe.

There’s a area on the side of the main room where you can hold events and even get married and a downstairs space that they use for special events and live entertainment on given nights such as an incredible acoustic guitarist and a recent jazz evening (they have a 2am license).

Starters are from £5.95 and there’s a choice of classic Italian dishes. I opted for Beef Carpaccio with rocket and parmesan that was tenderly perfect with a peppery sting in its tail.

The wine is perfectly quaffable with house from £15.95 and they also have a gorgeous cocktail area if you just want to drink (we dipped into Espresso Martinis at the end and they were as good as you get anywhere).

Onto mains and their pizzas are from £7.95 (if the garlic pizza we were given is anything to go on, these will be good) and pasta from £9.95. A steak will knock you back £22.95 plus. The fishy side of things has been curtailed with four main dishes.

My dapper companion opted for the Lobster Risotto which was just short of £12 and very, very good. Better than San Carlo and on par with any he’s had in Italy. He would go back for this dish alone.

I ordered a fillet steak – Filetto alla Griglia (£24.95) – which was cooked perfectly. The kitchen clearly knows how to treat meat.

The restaurant was relaxed and chatty. It’s the kind of place where you start talking to your next door table (‘are you food critics?’) and just generally feel relaxed and sated.

I’m pleased to report that Avalanche exceeded my expectations – it’s good to know there is another great Italian in town, especially one nearly as good as San Carlo.

If you want to dip your toe in the water, try the lunch deal – two courses for £13.95 or 3 courses for £16.95 – or just take the plunge and do dinner. You won’t be disappointed.

What’s more it’s 50% off on Sundays. Ciao!

Contact & book

Booth St, Manchester M2

0161 237 1101

avalancherestaurant.co.uk

@AvalancheRest