There’s something about going to a deli that’s so exciting to us. The smell of fresh bread. The endless jars labelled in beautiful packaging. The locally-made pastries that are so irresistible in their brightly lit counters. And, of course, the posh booze. Basically, whatever the occasion, there’s no escaping the hold that a deli has empty-handed. From specialist shops stocking some of the finest Mediterranean produce, to those championing the best North-Western producers, here’s our guide to the best delis in and around Manchester.
1. Salvi’s
Found at both Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar at the Corn Exchange and their swanky restaurant at Deansgate Square, Salvi’s Deli is the perfect place for picking up some traditional Italian ingredients. From sauces and spreads to tinned produce, pasta, biscuits and preserves, visitors can pick up authentic Italian treats that are shipped into Manchester every single week. Salvi’s Deli, 1, The Corn Exchange, Corporation St, M4 3TR | Deansgate Square, Owen Street, M15 4TQ.
2. Katsouris
If you work in the Spinningfields/Deansgate area of Manchester, you’re probably pretty well acquainted with Katsouris already. The go-to deli for a filling lunch, Katsouris offers a fantastic menu of endless barms – with tons of fresh produce to choose from when picking out your lunch. From sausages and bacon to grilled halloumi and carvery meats, there’s a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. Katsouris, 113 Deansgate, M3 2BQ| 22-25 Market Square, Bury, BL9 0BD.
3. Barbakan Delicatessen
A lovely gem found in Chorlton, Barbakan is the kind of place where you don’t leave empty-handed. We’re talking fragrant fresh bread, freshly made soups and quiches, locally produced charcuterie, speciality pastas, sauces, jarred goods and so much more. Guests can enjoy a cup of award-winning Italian roasted espresso out on the terrace, or let the team cook up a hot meal to fill your tum if you don’t fancy cooking yourself. Barbakan Deli, 67-71 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9PW.
4. Lapwing Deli
Also known as Fusion Deli, Lapwing Deli is a quaint, neighbourhood deli packed with all the posh little bits and bobs we could only wish our cupboards were full of. Find everything from locally-produced gins to fresh bakes in this Aladdin’s Cave of food, alongside tons of British cheeses (perfect for when you’re entertaining), endless wines, fancy sweet treats and so much more. Lapwing Deli, 109 Lapwing Ln, Didsbury, M20 6UR.
5. Lily’s Deli
Consider yourself an Indian food fanatic? A visit to Lily’s Deli is an absolute must. A haven for Indian sweets, ingredients and grab-and-go curries that can’t be found anywhere else, Lily’s Delis bring the flavours of India to some of the busiest Manchester suburbs – including both Ancoats and Chorlton. Find everything you need to make the most authentic Indian food possible, alongside traditional mithai, chaats and homemade vegan curries. Lily’s Deli, Unit 2C Henry St, Ancoats, M4 5BA | 102 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9SZ.
6. The Little Greek Shop
Bringing a slice of the Aegean Sea to Manchester, The Little Greek Shop is so much more than a souvlaki stop. Serving delicious breakfast wraps, authentic gyros, salads and keftedes, guests can expect a proper flavour of Greece when grabbing lunch here, alongside authentic pastries, Baklava, and pittas with typical Greek dips. The Little Greek Shop, 86 Princess St, M1 6NP.
7. The Cheese Court
A specialist deli focusing on, you guessed it, cheese, The Cheese Court is pretty special indeed – not only stocking some of the best British produce, but serving up cheese, charcuterie and wine to enjoy in-house, too. In addition to artisan cheese, expect locally-sourced preserves, freshly baked bread (including gluten-free!), and artisan sweet treats such as fudge, biscuits and even cake. The Cheese Court, 18 Crofts Bank Rd, Urmston, M41 0TS.
8. Off The Wheaten Track
Found in Altrincham, Off The Wheaten Track is one of the only specialist coeliac-friendly delis in Greater Manchester, ensuring that those on a gluten or wheat-free diet don’t need to miss out on the good stuff – including all the tasty grub that traditionally includes flour. Shop fancy bits and bobs such as cheese and wine, before getting lost in their counter of delicious coeliac-friendly cakes, loaves, tarts, pies and so much more. Off The Wheaten Track Deli, 8, 10 Oxford Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2DY.
9. The Butcher’s Quarter
While The Butcher’s Quarter is mostly known for its butchering efforts, the lovely local business is also home to a quaint deli, which perfectly complements its meaty offering. Browse British-sourced cheeses, cured meats and wines that champion small producers, in addition to fresh loaves, and, of course, tons of meats sourced right here in the North. They even have a tasting room inside, too, so you have an excuse to stick around! The Butcher’s Quarter, 66 Tib St, M4 1LG.
10. Petit Paris Deli
Indulge in all the freshest delights from across the Channel at one of the cutest and first French delis in the centre of Manchester. Whether you’re after store cupboard staples like jams and cornichons or fancy a charcuterie board complete with divine cured meats, cheese, bread and more then head to Petit Paris. Oh and by all means enjoy a glass of vino whilst you’re there! Petit Paris Deli, 10 King Street, M2 6AG.