Croma

Croma is a set of independent Italian restaurant chains with 7 stores in the United Kingdom, mainly in the Manchester area.
I visited Croma two times in late November /​early December 2015, and sadly have only got round to writing the review now, but it is quite a nice place in Prestwich.
Croma is located inside a small complex with a café, a bar and a Costa Coffee and is near enough next to Marks and Spencer, but the complex it is in requires parking outside. Croma don’t own this so it is just the luck of the draw with opening a restaurant here.
On my first visit, the car park machines were out of order so I was concerned in getting a ticket, the staff seemed polite enough and even told me that they are not licensed to issue tickets anyway, still they got the number for me and I rang them to explain.
On my first visit, I ordered an Aglefino which is usually £8.65, but was an extra £1.50 for gluten free, I found this to be a little expensive especially for the pizza, which is basically haddock, leek, egg, lemon juice and parsley. I didn’t like the combination on the pizza — I guess it was okay but still it was just a combination that shouldn’t happen, the only reason I couldn’t stop eating it in disgust was probably with the parsley and egg added, and the gluten free base was quite nice.
This is quite a nice higher end place, but still some of the prices do not warrant that, although some do depending on the pizza you order.
The second visit, I ordered just a pepperoni pizza, to take out, It was quick enough and was ready by the time I pulled up in my car and entered the restaurant. The pizza was once again quite nice, although more cheese would have been nice, but still it was a nice pizza, and this was much cheaper being £7.75 and then an additional £1.50 for gluten free, which still may be a little expensive, but I don’t mind paying for quality and gluten free, and this pizza was one of the better ones I have had from other chains, beating Pizza Hut, Domino’s and even Bella Italia by a mile!
The staff on my second visit did seem a little posh and rude, when I asked how long the pizza would take, they basically reacted in shock, but the staff here mainly seem good so I’m willing to let that slide.
One of my pizzas was up to a good standard, and on one, I found it to be quite poor, which although I admit I made the wrong choice, I don’t want to blame myself as it wasn’t good quality, and they should simply not have put it to the menu. I would say 3 stars is a good rating for Croma, as they have shown stages of a great place to eat, but due to some minor issues such as the haddock pizza, paid parking, minor issues with the staff I feel I can only give 3 stars for now, as I want to see if other pizzas are still up to a good standard — as for now only ½ have been, so sadly Croma doesn’t warrant 4 stars for me yet. Even charging gluten free at the same of a normal base would be nice, as this is what most other companies do such as Bella, Pizza Hut and ASK.

I bloody love Croma. At first glance, it’s a bog standard Italian restaurant — pizza and pasta. But look closer at the menu and it’s much more interesting. There are pizzas topped with tandoori chicken, chicken caesar salad, hoisin duck, black pudding and many more unusual toppings. But more importantly, they all taste incredible. The pizza bases are also some of the nicest I’ve had, crispy and light. Starters are just as incredible — tonight I went for black pudding and chorizo topped bruschetta, Sparky went for prawns and both were fantastic. It’s also nice to see local options — we had a guest beer from Congleton. To top it all out the staff are friendly, polite but professional with it. You’re never rushed, you’re never ignored and they’re there when you need them.
They only take bookings for tables of 6 or more, anything less than that and you may have to queue but it’s definitely worth the wait. They also have some great midweek and early bird deals. Since it’s less than 5 minutes’ walk from Prestwich Metrolink, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Great pizza is what you expect from a pizza joint and well… It’s bang on here!
⁴⁄₅ due the brashness of some if the staff, example last time placing down two drinks with little care and then talking to another member staff when we tried to order SND ask for the bill!
Will be returning soon, on a date I think so hope it’s better!

I know many people who prefer the pizzas at Croma over any other high end pizza restaurants in Manchester… hands down! The simple reason is that you really do get a far superior meal that is served with more love in my opinion. The menu offers more interesting variations on this dough based dish too (around 20 to choose from) but more to the point you are not going to charged over the odds for the experience! As with Cromas other venues in Manchester, this one is warm and inviting, the staff seem to enjoy their work and certainly do an excellent job in keeping the flow of your evening enjoyable. You can easily dine here for under £10 each!

Croma’s real positive point is that it serves up good Italian food: a variation from the usual tired Pizza Express/​Pizza Hut menu. And it really is good value for money. We are talking £6 or £7 for most of the main courses with desserts still at the standard almost £4 or above price.
Its a good alternative to the chain restaurants that you see everywhere without actually being too strikingly different.
The atmosphere is good in the evenings as it caters well for groups. The waiters don’t rush you through your dinner too much which you sometimes get at lower priced restaurants.
As with everything else, the food won’t blow your mind but its good enough to make you go back: I’d recommend the Duck Salad which comes with their delicious dough balls plus croutons. My sister and I have learnt to ask for the sweet chilli jam on the side as less is definitely more.
Croma is good for get togethers with friends on a budget, not necessarily for big occassions. I wouldn’t dress up too much to go to Croma.

Full marks from me. Prestwich has been crying out for a place like this for a while so full credit to Croma for moving the business into The Radius building. The fact that it’s full every night over the weekend proves just how good this place is and priced perfectly.
The interior is great and the staff is friendly and the service has been good on the whole. Sure we have had the odd problem when it’s been packed out but nothing too serious so to ruin a night out.
I usually go for the Garlic Prawn starter which can be a little hit and miss but the for main there is only one dish I go for — The Anatra pizza — peking duck, plum and hoi-​sin sauce, spring onions, cucumber, mozzarella and fresh coriander (no tomato). Has to be one of my favourite dishes ever!