Don Giovanni has been on Peter Street since 1984. That makes it older than most of the people eating in it. While flashier Italian places have come and gone, Don Gio just keeps going – a Manchester institution that’s survived recessions, pandemics, and the entire rise and fall of the Printworks. The walls are covered in photos of celebrities who’ve eaten here. Beckham, the Gallaghers, half of Coronation Street. It’s that kind of place.
The food is classic Italian done well rather than reinvented. Pasta dishes are generous and properly sauced. The pizza is traditional rather than Neapolitan-style – thicker base, loaded with toppings. Steaks are a big part of the menu too, and the veal escalope has been on there for decades for good reason. It’s not trying to be a modern small-plates concept. You come here for a proper meal.
The Vibe
Old school in the best way. White tablecloths, attentive service, a buzz that picks up as the evening goes on. It fills up on weekends so booking is smart. Mains run from fourteen to thirty quid depending on whether you’re going pasta or steak. Pre-theatre is good value. Don Giovanni isn’t the most exciting restaurant in Manchester but it’s earned its place, and that counts for something.
