Locals in Worsley are no strangers to good food, and plenty of neighbourhood establishments have garnered attention across a much wider area, turning a village in north Salford into a dining destination in its own right. Neon-hued Leopard Pie is just one example, a wood-fired pizza specialist that gives you a welcome every bit as warm as the oven itself (well, almost), and has built a strong reputation for matching the quality of experience with what’s served up on those plates.
The restaurant comes with a bright and laidback aesthetic, vivid yellows and greens contrasting natural woods and brickwork. Even the statement pizza oven is adorned with graffiti style mural work — complete with iconic smiley faces — ensuring first impressions stick. The same can be said of the food, with starters focusing on simple Italian-inspired dishes like Rocket & Parm Salad and the Burrata Starta. The Main Event, as the pizza menu is named, is where most of the attention falls, with a host of classics sidling up next to less common toppings. So Marinara and Carne, or Tuscan Pie — the latter comprising fennel-based Finnochiona salami, with mozzarella, olives, and chilli flakes. All come from 72-hour fermented dough.
Pizzas can also be made to order, in fact it’s actively encouraged by way of a simple pricing system for every Leopard Pie. Meanwhile, sides include the in-house created Honey Butter Rings, cheese and nduja optional. Sweet Treats take the form of Tiramisu and Affogato, as if there could be anything else, and gluten free Cannoli. Choose from chocolate and hazelnut, pistachio, ricotta or cappuccino. Wines and digestives continue with the Italian focus, and both vintage Prosecco and Veneto sparkling gem Durello prove the team here know a thing or two about vino. Strong rosé, red and white lists emphasise that point, including Gavi De Gavi, and Valpolicella. And you’ll also find several beers from the old country, along with craft cider, if that’s more your leaning.