Marleo Little Sicily, a cafe-bar on Oldham Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter, has become one of the city's best lunch spots, serving authentic Sicilian street food inspired by the culture of the island. Founded by Maria and Leonardo Croitoru, the business started in a shipping container in Pollard Yard and has expanded to a permanent site in the city centre.
From container to Oldham Street
Maria and Leonardo have been running Marleo, a portmanteau of their first names, for almost three years. They opened the Oldham Street site in June, joining neighbours such as Bada Bing, Companio and Rustica Ad Maiora. The couple's approach is simple: focaccia sandwiches, golden arancini and sweet treats, all made from scratch using recipes inspired by Leo's family bakery in Trapani, Sicily.
The team starts at 3am each morning to prepare everything before the queues form. Many ingredients are imported from Italy, sent over by family, to give the food an authentic taste.
A taste of Sicily in the Northern Quarter
The interior features fluorescent yellow walls, lemon tree branches and mirrors, creating a distinct Italian atmosphere. Customers can grab a quick espresso and a pastry to take away, or sit at the back to enjoy their meal. The menu includes a range of focaccia fillings, from spicy Nduja and Stracciatella to Mortadella and pistachio, as well as arancini in varieties such as mushroom cheese and béchamel, ham and cheese, and a signature Bolognese.
Reviewers have praised the Porchetta focaccia, which comes with pork, roast potatoes and mozzarella, noting the quality of the bread and the standout flavour of the fried potatoes, a Sicilian street food staple. The arancini, described as a meal in themselves, are also highly recommended, with a golden crisp shell and rich, comforting fillings.
A growing reputation
With its authentic recipes and dedication to quality, Marleo Little Sicily has embedded itself in a corner of the city known for fresh sandwiches and baked goods. For those who still have room, the dessert counter offers treats like Sfogliatelle ricce and cannoli, ensuring visitors have plenty of reasons to return.
