Stock

This classy restaurant is widely recognised as one of Manchester's best Italians. It occupies the fine Old Stock Exchange building whose magnificent 50-foot domed ceiling and original marble features create instant atmosphere.

Sophisticated and relatively expensive, it's cheaper at lunchtime when there are good fixed-price menus. Stock's food reflects the best of southern Italian cooking - hearty, inventive and full of robust flavours.

A starter of thinly-sliced two-month-aged boned rolled shoulder of pork served with buffalo mozzarella and spiced olives is a delicious example. Another is veal loin steak on a bed of spinach with gorgonzola and cream, perfectly matched with your pick from the award-winning wine list. Jazz duos, trios and quartets play to an appreciative audience every Friday night from 8pm.