The transition of Marleo from a shipping container at Pollard Yard to a vibrant new cafe in the Northern Quarter brings a dedicated space for Sicilian street food to the city centre. Customers who previously visited the outdoor container can now step inside a fully realised eatery, where the team showcases their expanded range of hot deli items and fresh bakes in a brightly lit, permanent setting designed to evoke a Mediterranean holiday.
Authentic Sicilian street food
The glass display cabinets dominate the shop floor, stacked high with traditional Italian lunch options. Thick, pillowy wedges of focaccia bread are sliced open, packed with cured meats, fresh rocket, and sliced tomatoes, then finished with a heavy pour of olive oil.
The hot food selection highlights massive, golden-fried arancini that break apart with a distinct mozzarella cheese pull, alongside classic variations stuffed with a rich minced meat and pea ragu. Traditional little pizzette, topped with a simple tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a single black olive, are also served fresh from the kitchen oven.
Specialty coffees & sweet treats
Beyond the savoury street food, the bakery offers a wide selection of Italian pastries and desserts. Customers can choose from crisp cannoli, thick ice cream sandwich cakes dusted with icing sugar, and large croissants piped full of cream and fresh strawberries.
A focal point of the cafe is their specialty coffee menu, specifically the custom drinks available in pistachio, Nutella, and Biscoff flavours. The signature pistachio latte is meticulously crafted by spreading a thick layer of bright green pistachio paste inside a cup, pulling a fresh shot of espresso directly over it, and finishing with expertly poured milk art.
Inside, the cafe leans into a sunny aesthetic, featuring bright yellow walls covered in decorative vines and lemons. The main dining area offers a mix of tables for sitting down with a meal, while the front counter manages the steady flow of quick takeaway boxes.
A dedicated deli section lines the back wall, acting as a small market for imported Italian groceries. The black metal shelves are fully stocked with bags of regional pasta, jars of pesto, premium olive oils, and classic European beverages like Sanbitter, allowing visitors to easily pick up pantry staples on their way out, as though they’ve just nipped to Palermo on their lunch break.
📍 You can now find Marleo at 95 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW.
