Saturday 14 September 2019

Capocci's Pop Up Restaurant Review - Manchester Media City

We were invited along to be among the first people to try out the food at Carpocci's. This unique pop-up restaurant opened it's doors to Media City customers in Manchester on Wednesday and will be here until September 22nd, before it moves off around the country.

Capoccis Pop Up Italian Restaurant Review collage of photos of food and staff

I wasn't really sure exactly how a pop up restaurant might work in September in Manchester, but I knew we all like Italian food, and Capocci's promised traditional Italian food full of flavour and a warm family dining experience.

Capocci's Pop Up Restaurant Review warm welcome from staff standing in makeshift doorway between painted oil can tables

My first fear was quashed, Capocci's was very easy to find, right next to the Media City Metrolink. Seating is outdoor, but I my second fear was also quashed - there is a roof and you are actually snugly tucked in, so you really aren't sat in the wind and weather.

capoccis pop up italian restaurant what does it look like where do you sit

The menu is pared back and varies, as they use locally sourced ingredients, but there were vegan options and gluten-free is also available.

Capocci's Pop Up Restaurant Menu Manchester nibbles starters mains sides

Everything is made fresh for you, and you can watch the kitchen staff in action.

Capoccis pop up kitchen with pizza oven and chef preparing food

The seating is really very comfortable. Repurposed wooden church chairs and benches, along with the turquoise and light wood tables and backdrop, glassware on the tables and fresh flowers, make for a really warm, clean environment. We also bumped into Jane from Hodgepodgedays, enjoying a meal with her son.

Capoccis pop up restaurant review showing seating and tables with fresh flowers

For his starter my 9 year old chose garlic bread with mozarella from the Bambini menu, and I had the Pane All'Aglio (rosemary and sea salt garlic bread). The dough was lovely and it was perfectly cooked for me. My son says his was the best garlic bread ever, so it's unanimous.

Capocci's Pane All'Aglio (rosemary and sea salt garlic bread)

Capocci's Italian Restaurant review bambini garlic bread pizza

For main course my 10 year old loves trying new things and chose the most impressive item on the menu, Porcetta - slow roast suckling pig. It was accompanied by beautifully crisp potatoes, plus green beans and baked apple sauce.

Capocci's Italian Restaurant review porcetta slow roast suckling pig cut into thick slices and arranged on plate

Capocci's Italian Restaurant review suckling pig porcetta on plate with baked appple sauce and potatoes

I went for Capunti Con Verdure (£9.50), a vegan pasta dish. It was so fresh and full of flavour. Interestingly it was dusted with Engvita, yeast flakes, which is rarely seen and massively under-rated as a seasoning.

Vegan Capunti Con Verdure Capoccis Italian pop up restaurant review

My partner chose the Pizza Prosciutto for his main, and my 9 year old picked Carbonara from the Bambini menu. We were all delighted with our choices and ate the lot, and it was a really satisfying meal.

Capocci's Italian Restaurant main pizza prosciutto with fresh ingredients over baked dough with tomatoes

Capocci's Italian Restaurant bambini menu main meal carbonara with fresh pasta

My partner and 10 year old had a little room left for a dessert, and they both went for a single scoop of the gelato - with their own choice of toppings, sauce and biscuit. Capocci's are famous for their gelato - and you can see why.

Capocci's Italian gelato 100 year old recipe with toppings sauce biscuit

I also snapped photos of the gelato chosen by Jane and her son, because they really are gorgeous - and I think we all agreed it was as delicious as it looked - even with a spoonful taken out!

Capocci's Italian gelato review with pistacio biscotti in large glass

Capocci's Italian gelato review with chocolate sticks and caramel

The prices at Capocci's are very fair and the food is served quickly, but you don't feel rushed to eat it. They also sell food for you to take away, including that famous gelato...

Capocci's famous gelato take away menu for pop up italian restaurant

The food at Capocci's was special. The quality was excellent and the freshness was really clear. Being so close to the chefs you feel almost a part of the whole experience, including the cooking. The welcome was incredibly warm - not just for us - everyone was well cared for and the ambience was friendly and relaxed. It was perfect for a family meal, but really a comfortable place for anyone to eat.

location of capoccis manchester at media city by the tram stop

You can check out the sample menu and find out where Capocci's will be on the Capocci's website - it's Birmingham next and they'll be back in Manchester later on too! To stay in touch with latest offers, plus competitions and promotions for discounts and special offers, by following them on social media - Facebook or Twitter

media city view over manchester shipping canal at night


We were guests of Capocci's to review. 

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