It was considered to be one of the city’s ‘first true Neapolitan’ restaurants
Salvi’s in the Corn Exchange has closed down after 16 years(Image: Salvi’s)
The owners of a popular Italian restaurant and deli which has been a part of the city centre for over 16 years have announced they have closed down at the weekend.
Salvi’s, in the Corn Exchange, was first founded in 2010 by owner Maurizio Cecco and was, at the time of opening a year later, one of the original inhabitants of the then Triangle shopping centre before the Grade II-listed building took back its original name in 2013.
Known as ‘Manchester’s first true Neapolitan eatery’, the deli, mozzarella bar and restaurant served dishes made with authentic Italian ingredients. Over the years, it had opened sites in the Northern Quarter and Deansgate as well as retaining the original site.
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But the Northern Quarter site closed in 2020, whilst their 3,000 sq ft Deansgate Square spot, hailed for its al fresco garden, also closed in August last year as bosses teased it was making room for an ‘exciting new concept’.
It has now been announced that the original Salvi’s and the sole remaining restaurant in Manchester for the brand, which had been refurbished in 2024, has now also followed suit and closed. Its last day of trading was on Sunday (July 26).
Salvi’s in the Corn Exchange was described as ‘Manchester’s first true Neapolitan eatery’(Image: Salvi’s)
In a post on social media yesterday, owner Maurizio wrote: “For sixteen years, Salvi’s has been part of Manchester’s story. We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve built together. As the city changes, independent businesses have to change too. Today will be our last day of trading at Corn Exchange. Thank you for everyone who has been part of our journey all these years.”
The news was understandably met with sadness from many of the restaurant’s regular customers. One person commented: “I can’t believe it! My fave!” Another said: “End of an era!”
Another shared: “Oh no so sad. I know u have other amazing dreams to realize. I wish you all the best for your new ventures.” One other posted: “Thank you for all the amazing memories – this has always been my fav go to in town!!”
Salvi’s owner Maurizio Cecco in the kitchen(Image: manchester evening news)
However, in the post, Maurizio said that Salvi’s was not leaving Manchester altogether with further plans teased and in the works. He added: “This isn’t the end of our story, it’s the beginning of a new chapter- stay tuned. Grazie Mille.”
Over the years, Salvi’s has received a number of awards to its name, including being named the Best Food and Drink Retailer at the 2016 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards. A year later, it was alos granted the top Marchio Ospitalità Italiana award, which is a global honour issued by the Italian government recognising the best authentic restaurants.
The family behind Salvi’s are also the organisers for the popular Festa Italiana event, a huge city-wide celebration held each August in Cathedral Gardens with cooking demonstrations, food pop-ups and talks from renown international chefs.
Dining and Cooking