“The best bar outside Manchester” one online review wrote about Vicino. We’re not quite sure how wide that net was cast, but Vicino — which is much more than a neighbourhood watering hole — certainly ticks multiple boxes. Priding themselves on serving the “true taste of Italy”, focusing on authentic dishes from the mothership of foodie nations. Nestled in the centre of Royton, a stone’s throw from Royton Park, the intimate, charming eatery has established a firm reputation with clientele across the region, which speaks volumes about the standards here.
All dark woods and open brickwork, similar attention to detail has been applied to the menu, which focuses on using locally sourced meat and vegetables where things don’t have to be imported from Italy itself. Offering two sittings, each day begins with Brunch, and a generous serving at that. From simple staples like Sourdough Toast & Preserves, a Breakfast Muffin with smoked bacon or Cumberland sausage, and Free Range Egg Omelette, to more complex and decadent options such as Steak ’n’ Eggs, Baked Eggs, Vicino Pancakes (Crispy Bacon & Maple Syrup, Nutella & Berries, Biscoff & Banana), it’s all hearty, homely but also perfectly prepared and presented. A range of sandwiches — from hot ‘butties’ like Posh Fish Finger to Grilled Cheese — are also available, as is the iconic 8oz Black Angus Beef Burger.
Later in the day, the Main Menu focuses squarely on the Mediterranean diet, opening on Antipasti including Bruschetta, Salumi (cured meats, cornichons, capers, sweet peppers), and a Charcuterie board, things then move to Carne and Pesce. Think Polpette (lamb meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce, mint gremolata, and aioli), Crostini (marinated anchovies, aioli, roasted pepper), Gamberoni (King Prawns, borlotti beans, tomato, fennel, chilli, lemon). Elsewhere, plates of vegetables such as woodland mushrooms with potato gnocchi and gorgonzola, Ceci (chickpeas, smoked aubergine, tomato, chilli) and Arancini of butternut squash are also highlights. Pizza Margherita and build your own round off the options. All that aside, as the online claims suggest, Vicino is also a top rated spot for drinks only, offering an excellent selection of wines, spirits, beers and more.