A first look of a brand new restaurant opening in Manchester from Gino D’Acampo, which follows the successful roll-out of the chef’s new Gino D’Acampo restaurant brand. Continuing his partnership with the luxurious INNSiDE by Meliá hotels, the new venue will be housed within the hotel on First Street – similarly to his other Gino D’Acampo restaurants in Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle – bringing a brand new concept to the former First Street Bar & Kitchen, which was already operated by Gino’s team.
Receiving a whopping £800k revamp, the new restaurant promises a ‘premium’ Italian dining experience, with chic and contemporary décor and an upmarket menu. It’ll be the first name-branded restaurant by the chef since Gino’s ‘My Restaurant’ – which resided in the Corn Exchange and quietly closed back in 2022 – before D’Acampo launched his new partnership with INNSiDE.
For fans of Gino’s previous restaurants, guests can expect a more elevated experience, with table-side theatre, classic Italian dishes, and great cocktails. The venue itself will boast marble-topped tables, brass finishings, and ambient mood lighting, alongside floor-to-ceiling windows, a two-tier terrace, and an all-new al fresco dining space that can be enjoyed come rain or shine.
The colour scheme is light and airy, with Gino’s signature soft blue and neutral furnishings in a mix of butter-soft leather and thick woven fabrics providing the perfect complement to the restaurant’s solid marble tables. Each is dressed with an ornate lamp that creates the perfect ambience come nightfall.
The first of two bars features a back-lit honey onyx centrepiece serving as the perfect spot to peruse the extensive list of classic and signature cocktails, Italian and international wines, sparkling wines, Franciacorta, spirits, zero alcohol drinks, and artisan beers to be enjoyed. Found in the second drinking and dining area, you’ll find high and low-level tables and booths extend, anchored by the restaurant and bar lounge’s second bar – a beautiful bronze rotunda feature.
The menu is separated into 11 key sections – bread and olives; sharing plates; bruschetta and antipasti; carpaccio and tartare; salads; pasta and risotto; real Neapolitan pizza; classic Italian mains plates, steaks, and a speciality grill sitting alongside a generous selection of side dishes. Plus, new for 2024 and launching exclusively at Gino D’Acampo Manchester, the leading Italian chef is proud to also introduce a number of ‘at-table’ theatre dishes for an elevated dining experience.
Choose from the Baked Whole Seabass in a Thyme-Flavoured Salt Crust and flamed with grappa at the table, or the beautiful Spaghetti Al Tartufo. Featuring spaghetti alla chitarra with truffle sauce, pecorino Romano and black truffle, and served from a pecorino wheel at the table, it’s a showstopping dish and guaranteed conversation starter.
Speaking on the opening, Gino D’Acampo said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to unveil my beautiful new restaurant here in the heart of Manchester. It’s no secret I have a real love for the city and I’m super excited to open with my most exciting menu to date.
“Featuring real Italian dishes, all cooked from scratch and using the very best seasonal ingredients, Gino D’Acampo Manchester offers real Italian food as it should be. I really hope to see you here, whether it’s to enjoy one of my real Neapolitan pizzas, new ‘at-table’ theatre dishes, or simply sip on a classic Negroni, just like I intend to when I next visit.”
Gino D’Acampo Manchester is now open and can be booked here. The TV chef has also teased a further three UK sites in the pipeline for 2024, so we can expect big things in time to come.