Established Italian in Manchester
Having previously visited Don Giovanni’s for a cocktail event in June, anticipation was high to return to review the latest Italian offerings from the Manchester restaurant.
Stepping into the establishment, the décor and service paints an inviting yet refined atmosphere. As you first enter Don Giovanni’s you are greeted with a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and bread kept in rustic Italian style wicker baskets, adhering to conventions of Italian hospitality.
The restaurant runs on a theme of orange and black, which depict sophistication and contemporary vibes yet in still in keeping with the restaurants authentic aesthetic. The bar area is modern, with a long marble bar running down to the open plan kitchen, giving guests a glimpse of their dishes pre-eating.
During our visit, we were seated in one of the stylish and comfortable booths. In keeping with the colour-coded theme, the orange booth was complimented by one large black diffuser lamp shade suspending over the round table.
Sampling Steak
Having surveyed the menu pre-visit a few dishes had already been decided upon, with our party opting for classic steak. Accompanying this was the painstaking choice of choosing a wine to suit, in the end we settled on usual tipples, selecting the refreshing Castel Firmian Sauvignon Blanc and sweet tasting Pinot Grigio Rose respectively.
Starters included Bruschetta Al Pomodoro, a usual suspect choice for this writer, with the Calamari as secondary sampling. The bruschetta included a crisp piece of bread sitting beneath a bed of rocket and tomatoes marinated in pesto and olive oil – leaving the mouth watering at even the sight of it.
The calamari was equally as delicious but entirely different in palette and texture. The squid rings were delicately battered with a spoonful of tartare sauce on the side and a slice of lemon for dressing. Both starters were light but satisfying and left us content but very much with room to spare for the main courses.
Chateaubriand was shared for the main course as a new venture for both diners, usually opting for the more traditional Sirloin. The chateaubriand arrived on a wooden plaque, accompanied by a rocket and cherry tomato side salad and also a bowl of parmesan baby roast potatoes.
The dish was sliced and divided into two even portions before being plated, ideal for sharing and easy to devour. Request medium rare, the Chateaubriand came cooked to perfection; deliciously tender, juicy and almost melted in our mouths. Sauce chosen to dress our steaks were standard peppercorn and Italian-suited porcini, a rich creamy sauce with mushrooms in.
The beauty about Don Giovanni’s is in the array of varying dishes, guaranteeing that there is food for everyone to eat and enjoy.
After absolutely demolishing every last bite of our main courses we were both comfortably full and satisfied. However, there was still (of course) room for dessert, which was reaffirmed as we were handed the menu and feasted our eyes on the tempting selections.
Dessert Selection
Waffles came topped with maple syrup, vanilla ice cream, cherries and a generous amount of cinnamon sprinkles, moreishly good and too tempting to turn away. A pretty, delicate orange flower was placed on top of the ice cream as a finishing touch, showing attention to detail in the eatery’s presentation – always a strong sign.
The Panna Cotta came coated in sweet winterberry compote and decorated with raspberries and blueberries complete with a cherry on the top. A delightfully fruity affair set to appease those with richer taste buds over sweet-toothed fans.
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