Ahhhh......what a little undiscovered gem this is! We ended up at ASK Italian because it was the only place we could book a reservation the same day at 8pm on a Saturday in Manchester. And I'm happy everywhere else was full! It's a modern Italian eatery situated in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester. I wasn't expecting much as the gardens is kind of a hangout for hobo's, students who don't study, skateboarders, beggars and anyone else wanting to rest their backsides when all the benches are full or they've been turfed out of everywhere else in Manchester. It wasn't the cheapest of places nor the most expensive. But the ambience and decor is so lovely, modern, fresh and bright it made a refreshing change from entering a restaurant where your eyes have to refocus to night vision. The little blonde waitress we had was a darling, so pleasant and chatty and she let us sit in a booth by the window which we hadn't reserved. The menu is kind of like an Italian Nando's/McDonalds which probably sounds awful but the food was impressive. She recommended a wine her dad loves...her dad being a multi millionaire by the sounds of it as it was the dearest on the menu but she's forgiven for being savvy. I kind of like the fact they were playing Northern Soul music in the background which made me smile. ...and I like the fact they told the family who came in after us laden with McDonalds takeaway which they proceeded to spread out all over the place to put that away (some people have no shame, seriously!). They did eventually order half the menu though. So no ranting from me in this occasion. We bought the balsamic vinegar and olive oil they had on the table (new of course, not the scabby ones everyone else had been using) ...because they were to die for. It was the sweetest balsamic I ever had and that's after trying genuine Italian balsamic in Italy. I'd definitely come here again because I like basic food well done and this was it. Huge thumbs up from me.

Popped in to Ask as it took ages to get served somewhere else as glad we did. Food, service and views are great. Delicious three courses each and a bottle of wine, beer and all for under £70. Pasta was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Our waitress was attentive and made an extra effort with our baby which was a lovely touch. We planned to compliment her on the service but she did ask us to tell her manager if we had time, which isn't nice to be asked to so but was glad to anyway.

I've visited this Ask several times both for lunch & dinner since it opened in 2015 as it is just below my office and have never been disappointed. The service I received was always excellent & you can even order in advance if pushed for time. It's a great central location, in proximity to Piccadilly station & many bus lines from Piccadilly gardens. There's even outdoor seating, where you can take in some of the rare (!) Manchester sunshine & enjoy a refreshing glass of wine/beer all for very affordable prices.

This restaurant was very busy but luckily we had booked a table. We were sat near the door, so every time some one came in it was a draft, which wasn't great. I know in other restaurants they have put glass screens up to stop this and they really could do with the same here. I had bruschetta and for the main course I chose tagliatelle with ham in a creamy sauce. Finally I had ice cream.

Give this place a try, you won;t be disappointed. I like the decor and relaxed dining. Fab starters, calamari, anti pesto- good portions, Mozzarella ok , toms fab,. Fettuccine Bolognese lovely ragu Great welcome - friendly service, satisfying. Olive oil is lovely. Nice to have a view outside and not feel cramped. Italian cheesecake- nice raspberry, and gelato- quite sweet, No grappa.