Adam C.
Yelp
I'd heard plenty of praise for Rudy's, including claims of it being some of the best pizza in Manchester. I've tried plenty of good places so I didn't really take much stock in this until I gave it a try myself.
It's in Ancoats, but in a quiet section off a modern square, seemingly away from everything else. It's an unassuming small shop front, with a little blackboard outside saying to come in and try the pizza. I always listen to little blackboards.
Rudy's has gone one step further than the general Northern Quarter style of decorating. Instead of bare brick and filament lightbulbs, Rudy's is wholely industrial, with unfinished concrete walls and floors and floodlight uplighters. Seating is made from a solid wood construction built against the walls, as indicated by marker tape and spraypaint which is still in place. Other tables are more traditionally modern, as well as bar seating.
As you walk in, you see a seating area on the left, along with bar seating around the kitchen prep area, where you see the pizza being hand made, and shovelled into the giant flaming pizza oven. If you progress further back, you find more seating including bigger tables, and modern artwork on display for both enjoyment and purchase.
The menus and a chalkboard on the wall explain the ethos behind Rudy's style of pizza, classic Italian Neapolitan pizza from Naples, made by enthusiasts. Dough is made on site and proved for 24 hours before being cooked for just 60 seconds. They explain that this means the pizza is 'floppy', not crispy like American style pizza, and so can't be ordered "thin and crispy" or "deep pan". They recommend using a knife and fork to eat it, which might send some people into meltdown, but if the experts say that's how to do it, just give it a try.
It was also an interesting aspect to see that the venue appears to be dog friendly. A dog sat on a man's lap at the bar seating, and another sat under the bench on the table next to us, as a member of staff brought it a bowl of water. I personally love this, but I imagine some people might find it uncomfortable.
The menu is simple, showcasing the traditional pizza options that Rudy's wants to present, including the option to have a 'white pizza' which is without the usual tomato base. The menu also offers some smaller nibbles, and has a good wine, beer, and general drinks offering.
I opted for the Prosciutto Cotto, which is tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, cooked ham, basil, oregano, sea salt, parmesan and garlic oil. All wholesome traditional ingredients, no modern additions like BBQ sauce or pineapple or pulled pork here.
Staff are young friendly types, being both professional whilst still remaining casual and relaxed in style.
The pizza was really good. Fantastic flavours with really fruity tomato and top quality tasting ingredients. The base was soft as promised and rustic, but also thoroughly delicious. This was a hand-made, 14 inch, fresh, Naples style pizza made to order, in the city centre of Manchester, for less than 8 quid. It was superb, filling, and genuinely on a par (if not better) than pizza I tried when in Rome and Florence! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a great lunch or dinner, and I will most definitely return. Benissimo, Rudy's!
