Fresh Passion Meets Culinary Excellence in Ancoats
The Vision
Working closely with founder Ethan Harvey, we’ve developed an establishment that transcends the conventional restaurant model. His expertise in interior design and construction has resulted in a space that expertly balances sophistication with comfort, creating an atmosphere that welcomes guests from their morning coffee through to evening aperitivi.
The Team
The appointment of Head Chef Cosimo Torlo represents a significant coup for the establishment. Born in Muro Lucano near Naples, Torlo brings an inherent understanding of Italian cuisine that permeates every dish. Through our collaborative menu development process, we’ve created a selection of small plates that honour traditional recipes while incorporating contemporary techniques.
Signature Dishes
Our antipasti selection showcases the finest Italian cured meats – delicate prosciutto, rich bresaola, aromatic coppa, and buttery mortadella – each carefully sourced and served at the perfect temperature to enhance their distinct characteristics. The pesto flatbread, a seemingly simple dish, demonstrates our commitment to excellence: house-made dough finished with vibrant, freshly prepared basil pesto.
The truffle and parmesan arancini represent everything we strive for at Bruco – traditional techniques elevated through premium ingredients. These golden spheres of risotto are delicately perfumed with truffle and aged parmesan, creating an indulgent yet refined small plate.
Our slow-cooked short rib lasagne epitomises our innovative approach to classic dishes. The meat, braised for seven hours in our house-made tomato sauce, creates a depth of flavour that transforms this familiar comfort food into something extraordinary. It’s quickly becoming our most requested dish.
The octopus dish reflects Chef Torlo’s coastal Italian heritage – tender octopus complemented by rosemary and lemon, served with creamy butter beans and sharp capers. Each element works in harmony to create a plate that transports diners to the Mediterranean coast.
Our tiramisu provides a fitting finale – layers of coffee-soaked savoiardi, mascarpone cream, and the finest Italian cocoa powder create a dessert that honours tradition while delivering pure indulgence.
The Experience
Operating from 8am until midnight, Wednesday through Sunday, Bruco embodies the evolution of Manchester’s dining scene. The restaurant’s location in Ancoats provides a fitting backdrop for this new chapter in the area’s gastronomic story.
The Wine Programme
The wine selection has been meticulously curated to complement our culinary offerings. Our carefully chosen list includes distinguished varieties such as Gavi and Primitivo, available by the glass or bottle. The spritz menu, ranging from classic Aperol to our house-special Limoncello variant, adds another dimension to the dining experience.
Looking Forward
As Manchester’s restaurant landscape continues to evolve, Bruco represents a commitment to excellence that I’ve championed throughout my career. The combination of Ethan’s vision, Torlo’s expertise, and our collective industry experience has created something truly special in the heart of Ancoats.
The enthusiasm we’ve witnessed since opening confirms what I’ve long believed: Manchester’s dining public has a sophisticated palate and appreciates authentic, thoughtfully crafted cuisine. Bruco not only meets these expectations but sets new standards for casual fine dining in the city.
