This spot was recommended to us for a coffee and desert stop. The part owner here also has a…read moreItalian restaurant and italian cooking school. We ll be here for a treat tomorrow.

"A man that never spends time with his family can never be a real man" famous words from one of the…read morebest onscreen characters on film, Don Vito Corleone. I'd like to think that philosophy is transferable when it comes to Mancunian foodies. You see,us North Westrians are lucky to have sibling cities such as Chester and Liverpool within half an hour's drive. I therefore make it my business to travel within this foodie heaven golden triangle as often as I can. On one such trip over the Easter weekend I stumbled upon this magnificent establishment. Wow. Mama Mia. Chamone. Superlative overload. Even Belissimo doesn't seem to cut it! We live in a world of monotonous corporate food chains. Yes, in twenty year's time Paolo & Donato's may well be one of those chains, such is the inevitability of expansion. But for now here it is, in all its glory. It was an absolute pleasure meeting Paolo the main proprietor, it's difficult to miss him actually. Wearing a genuine warm smile, his approach to greeting customers was more family like than business orientated. When you first visit this may seem a little strange, a bit like those overzealous fake smiling employees at Selfridges who ask you if you need any help every 2 minutes. (I can say that, I used to be one) Not the case here, the staff are extremely helpful and attentive. Love and affection oozes from the place. From the meticulously decorated deli counter, to the large family portrait that adorns the wall. I may just have found THE Italian go to place in the entire region. That coming from someone who hasn't even tried any of their food. No, this was just a quick pit stop for some ice-cream. Not just any ice cream folks, this was home madelicious, the good stuff. I chose a flavour I hadn't tried before, it had an Italian name that escapes me, but I'm here to report it was arguably THE most refreshing and tasty thing I've had for a long time. The sandwiches and pastry desserts looked and smelled heavenly and I have no doubt the taste buds won't be disappointed when I return to sample them. Keep an eye out for a more extensive review after my second trip. I did do my best to all but beg Paolo to open his next Deli in Manchester. He seemed very agreeable with the idea. Hallelujah P&D's is coming to Mancytown! Don't believe me? Next sun sponsored weekend, get in ya car and go check this place out peeps. You won't be disappointed, me promise!

Deli Fonseca is one of the few places that makes me wish I was loaded…read more A fab independent deli in Liverpool's business district, it's packed floor to ceiling with all kinds of mouthwatering goodies. The gigantic counter displays a myriad of delicious cheeses, hams, olives, pates, anti-pasti and salads whilst the nearby baskets display fresh sticks and loaves of bread. To top it off, they have dozens of wooden shelves groaning with all kinds of lovely store cupboard treats from organic granola, cereals and cookies to oat cakes, chutneys, olive oils, vinegars, sauces and spices. Now, where did I put that darn lottery ticket?

This review is for the upstairs restaurant area - and sadly it is not a good one. One Saturday…read morelunchtime, I popped in for a light lunch. Nothing complicated - in the end, I ordered a Greek salad and a plate of Serrano ham rather than the pricier mains on the blackboards. I'm not sure how two really basic things could be so disappointing. I think it's because on the surface, this looks like a place that prides itself on sourcing and attention to detail. On the specials during my visit were such items as hand foraged local samphire, Cumbrian lamb and Pink's award winning sausages. So why was the Greek salad about 50% raw onion? Why did it feature those mealy crunchy supermarket basics tomatoes, cold from the fridge? Even the black olives mentioned on the menu were green. And they clearly did have black olives in the kitchen, because my four slices of Serrano ham (almost £6) came topped with a single olive. They boasted it was "20 month aged" - most of it had clearly been in their fridge, as it featured a faint tang of refrigerator and managed to be unpleasantly rubbery. Not sure how Serrano ham can even go rubbery but there you go. If you've boasting of excellent ingredients then it's unacceptable for the basics to fail so badly. I wouldn't bother returning.

Clarke's Richmond Deli is a really decent sandwich and salad take-away. They sell a wide range of…read moredifferent sandwiches from standard barms, panini's to baguettes. Their menu's offer delicious combinations of fillings so there is usually something that suits everyone's taste. The food is all of a healthy nature and even their burgers are great quality. I ordered a burger (freshly cooked in a couple of minutes) with raw onions and mayonnaise for just £2 which was served in a large plain white bun; that definitely filled me and I would go back again whenever I'm in need of a convenient lunch. Since they boast such a wide variety of ingredients such as various pre-cooked meats, sliced salads and other condiments, the choice is really yours. In addition, they sell jacket potatoes which sound mouth-watering and tempting (especially on a cold day)! Clarke's Richmond Deli is much better than your average sandwich bar. Plus, the lovely aromas that are emitted make you want to go even more.

Big. Big butties. Big potatoes. Just big pieces of meat and non of this namby pamby modern lark…read morejust big food so get it down yer neck! If that could be a motto or brand slogan for a deli - sorry butty shop! - then that might be a good one for Clarke's. It seems to denegrate them some what but this succint description of a fine sandwich emporium is meant entirely in the best possible way. There seems to be little mucking about with things like rocket - which I hate, it is horrible no matter how many chefs and foodies use it these days, it's a weed! - Clarke's serve good, some might say traditional sandwiches, in a straightforward manner like roast beef, ham - just ham nowt fancy done to it - and various chickens - coronation and tikka basically - and all at very cheap prices - usually below £3 - for a good size butty.

Gill's is a strange household, gift, takeaway mix on Rake Lane in New Brighton. If you need a…read morebirthday card--they have it. If you need a pasty--they have it. If you need a ball of string--um, actually, what shop really does sell balls of string? And why do people need balls of string? Anyway, it's an interesting conglomeration. They seem to be almost a combination of a card shop and at takeaway, though the sign claims they sell pretty much all your basic household goods and emergency grocery needs as well.

Yummy's Café is another great little eatery in Walassey Village, which for some reason seems to be…read moreoverrun with such small delis and cafes. But they must do well because they are all well established and settled. The food at Yummy's is fairly average in variety--sandwiches, soups, etc.--but it is yummy, so never fear. I would also recommend this café over some of the others because I think it's really cutely decorated and has a homey feel. And who can resist the name? The staff here are fairly attentive and generally friendly. It's not usually busy, and it's a good place to bring the family--unless of course you have a really big family, because it's not exactly the largest café.

Almost np vegetarian options, ugly interior, drab, terrible food. .. I could have forgiven all of…read morethat though, if they hadn't blatantly forgotten or order and started cooking our food after they SERVED people who came in after us, and not apologized.

I don't think I'm quite as big a fan of this place as other people, don't get me wrong, the food is…read moredelicious; it's very fresh, high quality food, cooked on site but it's so expensive! £1.60 for ONE SLICE of turkey, yes, it was very tasty turkey, but still... As well as this, the name delicatessen is somewhat incongruous with the butcher's environment of Hampers; there are chains hanging from the entrance door, huge glass counters and white tile walls: it's a butchers, and I don't like butchers, they make my stomch turn! Further, the service is a little brusque, I know the shop is popular and can get busy, but whenever I have called in the place is empty yet the staff still seem a little rushed and I feel something of an inconvenience. As I say, the food is good, and the establishment is clean, if a little uninviting, but I don't go out of my way to visit.

If you looked at this shop's sign quickly and then looked away again, I suppose you could be…read moreforgiven for thinking it was some kind of nappy shop. It's not, though. What it actually is however is a lovely little delicatessen in Crosby. Hampers sells a great selection of fresh cooked and uncooked meat that is all very tasty, putting their supermarket rivals to shame. As well as selling various deli meats, Hampers also sells a range of freshly made pies and, interestingly for a deli, fresh packaged bread (even if it is just Warburtons or another major brand, it's still a nice touch). Sometimes they even combine the two (bread and meat, who'd have though it) and sell barms stuffed with sausages or chicken if you so wish. The staff in Hampers are friendly if a little intimidating at first, but I always think butchers are a bit (maybe it's something to do with Fred Elliott off Corrie, or those massive meat cleavers they wield) and I always find they're more than happy to help with any request you have. A good place to go for all your delicatessen needs, and then some.

I love the name of this. I guess anything with the word Quarry reminds me Silas Marner (excellent…read morebook--go read it, right now.) But naturally that's where the similarities to literary characters stop. This is a fairly average English takeaway/deli and if you're hungry and you like sandwiches you won't be disappointed. Food is good quality and prices are low. It makes a great place to stop in on your lunch break, or to take visitors from out of town who want to see what this area is like.

We had a wonderful dinner here last Thursday night. The COVID-19 measures were firmly in place and…read morethat made us feel very comfortable. The restaurant has a beautiful, relaxed vibe and is flooded with light at sunset. The food was excellent, as always, and the staff were warm, welcoming and efficient. Can't wait to go again. Thanks to Tom and his colleagues for making our family dinner -- our first meal out since lockdown -- a night to remember.