Graffiti

In a market dominated by generic chains, a pizza restaurant is usually the safe but boring option for a meal out. Passing the shiny red delivery moped to enter the chrome and leather interior of Graffiti, however, funky new music playing and glam stylish photography on the wall, we knew we were in for something a bit different.

Situated in the heart of West Didsbury, Graffiti fits right into its up-and-coming setting as a unique, locally-owned business. The staff have genuine enthusiasm for the restaurant and food, while the atmosphere is modern and relaxed, with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching on the bustling Burton Road.

The menu is pizza-dedicated, and certainly gets top marks for variety. We started off with garlic pizza bread and bruscetta al parmigiano, both of which were ideal for sharing. The quality and freshness of the ingredients was evident in the taste, priming our taste buds for the next course, which, we were pleased to see, was ready for us as soon as we were ready for it. From a selection of 26 different options – including two new curry flavours – we opted for ample ten-inch pizzas The Bronx, Harlem Shuffle and Detroit Boogie, the descriptions of which sounded as good as their names. The Bronx was meaty without being greasy, while Harlem Shuffle and Detroit Boogie were pesto- rather than tomato-based, with a delicious combination of chicken, mozzarella, red peppers and artichoke hearts. The pizza bases were thin and crispy, from fresh dough made on the premises. Bottled Peroni made an ideal accompaniment. After feasting on two courses each we were all pretty full, but couldn’t resist the legendary Chocolate Fudge Crisp pizza dessert. Warm, melting chocolate, fudge, marshmallow and raspberries piled onto a pizza base was an unlikely but gorgeous indulgence to round off our meal.

For the same price – about £15 per head - you’d get a run-of-the-mill Pizza Hut meal deal, so with the quality, quantity and distinctiveness of our meal at Graffiti, we felt we were getting a bargain. Most pizza restaurants may not be incredibly sophisticated, but then Graffiti isn’t like most pizza restaurants. It’s true to its word when it says ‘pizza just got better’.
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Kirsty Dunsmore
Wednesday, June 21, 2006