When is a pizza joint not simply a pizza joint? Probably when the crew behind Ramona, neighbouring Firehouse and the cavernous DIECAST warehouse space up the road are in charge. Confused? Let’s get on with the introductions. Located at an old MOT garage just off once-almost-forgotten Swan Street, Ramona is far more than just Manchester’s leading destination for Detroit style cheese and tomato pies. Known for their unique square shape — apparently the result of Michigan pizzerias using oil pans — diners will find a little taste of Motor City here in the centre of town.
Every pizza is made using focaccia dough, which has been fermented for a minimum of 24 hours before being cooked, ensuring plenty of bubbles make it into the finished product. As cheese melts around those edges it forms a ‘crown’, or frico, which makes perfect sense given everything on the menu tastes royally good. Like the Jabba, where tomato sauce, Finocchiona salami, ‘Nduja, hot honey, sweet peppers and jalapeño meet. Or the logically named Mushroom, featuring more of that Detroit-style sweet tomato sauce, fungi, cheese, Gorgonzola, balsamic onion, and green herbs.
Naturally, sides and desserts are in-keeping with the main event, so think Cali Nacho, Truffle or Salt ’N’ Pepper Tots, Chopped Salad, and Cookies By The Slice. Drinks don’t let the side down, either, with cocktails in high demand every day of the week. An extensive menu features expertly crafted classics, frozen, and bespoke innovations. Elsewhere, a large range of beers and wines are also available. So far so good, we’ve yet to touch on the small fact that Ramona has grown into a bonafide music venue in its own right. The outdoor stage and DJ booth are tucked under a covered marquee, bringing outside inside, or vice versa. A constant stream of Manchester stalwarts perform, from psychedelic pop acts to heads down house spinners, with a number of club nights taking over on Fridays and Saturdays as evening turns to night.
