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.
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.
The menu is pared back and varies, as they use locally sourced ingredients, but there were vegan options and gluten-free is also available.
Everything is made fresh for you, and you can watch the kitchen staff in action.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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...
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.
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.
We were guests of Capocci's to review.
wow
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