With its cosy, long dining area, brick and wood-lined interior walls, you could be forgiven for thinking Dokes Pizzeria was bang in the centre of Manhattan, rather than Manchester’s beloved suburb of Prestwich. And that’s part of the idea. Inspired, in part at least, by New York and Philadelphia’s world famous pizza culture, this goes for more than design choices — food here takes a lead from the style of base, dough and toppings commonly found in those two US cities.
Run by the team behind Ancoats’ excellent Elnecot, Chef Patron Michael Clay spent months working on the unique cold-fermented recipe that gives the pizzas here a unique flavour. He then took lessons from his other restaurant and applied to the ingredients, using only the best British heritage grain flour, and carefully sourced produce to finish things off. Cooked for longer than Neapolitan bases, things get even more unique when it comes to what’s happening on top.
The menu says it all. The Beowulf, for example, combines pepperoni and nduja with Welsh Wagyu beef meatballs. Oki Dokes, meanwhile, mix prosciutto coppa, mushrooms, capers, burrata and rocket for an incredible flavour combination. Ananas comprises prosciutto cotta, caramelised apple, and spicy confit. And vegetarian option Mistero Buffo goes for roasted squash, goat’s curd, caramelised red onion and chilli.
By now you get the point, but it’s vital to also point out exceptionally good non-pizza options. For example, rigatoni of braised puttanesca lamb, or the pumpkin seed penne. Add a fantastic wine list, strong selection of beers, and expertly made cocktails, and it’s no wonder Dokes quickly became a firm favourite among the local community, and word has now spread much, much further. Children’s menus are available, and lunch and supper clubs are also on the cards at Dokes Pizzeria, so check their Instagram for updates.