Popular Manchester pizza spot to launch new Rome-inspired concept

A much-loved veteran of Manchester’s flourishing pizza scene has announced it will launch a brand-new sister concept next month.

The award-winning team behind Ciaooo will open a new by-the-slice city centre venue, specialising in authentic Romana pizza al taglio.

Baked low and slow on large trays in an electric oven, then cut into generous 9×6” slices, pizza al taglio (which translates to “by the cut”) is known for its crispy base, light and airy dough, and fresh Italian toppings.

Ciaooo By The Slice will serve a daily line-up of eight flavour-packed toppings, from pulled pork and truffle oil, pepperoni and homemade hot honey, to being loaded with a fresh chicken salad (a Roman staple), alongside Margherita and Marinara-based vegetarian and vegan options, and shifting monthly specials.

The menu will be ever changing, with a lineup that depends entirely on the freshest ingredients available to the team through their trusted suppliers, sourced straight from Italy. Slices will be priced from £4, served in custom boxes for one or up to four slices.

The new venue, located in Shudehill, replaces Ciaooo’s Loaded Garlic Bread. With diners continuing to choose the original restaurant for pizza and garlic bread together, co-founders Stefano Mordecchi and Lory Grigorie saw an opportunity to try something different – and return to their roots.

Originally from Rome, the duo previously ran two Roman Pizza shops in the capital, with Stefano training under renowned Roman chef, Gabriele Bonci. After moving to Manchester, Stefano earned his crust as head pizza chef at Double 00 in Chorlton, before launching Ciaooo in 2018.

“We’ve always been passionate about Roman pizza – it’s where we started,” said Lory. “Opening Ciaooo Loaded Garlic Bread gave us the chance to try something new, and while people loved the garlic bread, they still wanted great pizza too. That made us realise it was time to bring something different to Manchester – something that really reflects our roots and what we love.”

In addition to pizza, Ciaooo By The Slice will serve Lory’s handmade tiramisu in flavours including Classic, Biscoff, Pistachio, and Kinder Bueno, and also serving up a rotating special, kicking off with a combination of banana, salted caramel and crispy pancetta.