Onda Pasta Bar Menu Authentic Italian Flavors in Manchester
When you look up STK Menu A Modern Take on the Classic Steakhouse Experience, you’ll see a focus on meat and elegance. But if pasta is your true passion, nothing beats the charm of Onda Pasta Bar — a restaurant where Italian tradition meets Manchester’s urban style. The Onda Pasta Bar menu delivers authentic handmade pasta, a cozy ambiance, and creative touches that have made it a local sensation.
About Onda Pasta Bar
Onda Pasta Bar is located at 3 Symphony Park, Circle Square, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7FS. The restaurant started as a pop-up and quickly became a full-time spot due to high demand for fresh handmade pasta.
The idea behind Onda is simple — create fresh pasta daily, serve it in a vibrant, modern space, and let flavor speak louder than presentation. The restaurant was initially guided by experienced chefs who had worked with Michelin-starred names like Simon Rogan and Phil Howard.
The Onda Pasta Bar menu focuses on seasonality, simplicity, and Italian soul food. The team’s goal is to make every guest feel like they’re dining in a Roman trattoria, only with a modern Manchester twist.
Location, Ambiance, and Dining Style
Location:
Circle Square, 3 Symphony Park, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7FS
Ambiance:
Open kitchen design where guests can watch chefs hand-roll pasta, toss sauces, and plate dishes in real time.
Style:
Casual yet sophisticated — with marble counters, soft lighting, and warm energy.
Customer Reviews and Public Opinion
The restaurant holds an impressive 4.8/5 rating on OpenTable and receives praise for its energetic service and outstanding pasta quality.
What people love:
- Fresh handmade pasta and bold flavors.
- The famous Tiramisu Drawer.
- Cozy, welcoming service and modern décor.
What could improve:
A few reviews mention occasional slow drink service, but the food quality remains exceptional.
One TripAdvisor diner wrote, “The vodka pasta was perfect — spicy, creamy, and balanced.” Another shared, “The pumpkin fritters were the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
The Onda Pasta Bar Menu
The Onda Pasta Bar menu is divided into four main sections — Stuzzi (starters), Pasta, Pizzetta, and Dolce (desserts). Every dish reflects Italian simplicity, with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Stuzzi / Antipasti
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Focaccia (vegan) | £3.50 | Freshly baked bread, served warm. |
| Olive Oil & Balsamic | £2.50 | Premium dipping oil from Two Fields. |
| Trio of Butters | £3.50 | Garlic, Parmesan, and ‘Nduja flavors. |
| Nocellara Olives | £4.00 | Imported from Sicily. |
| Rocket & Mint Salad | £5.00 | Light, zesty greens. |
| Pumpkin Fritte | £6.00 | Crispy fried pumpkin slices. |
| Suppli Milanese | £7.50 | Italian-style risotto balls. |
| Handmade Burrata | £9.00 | With olive oil and fennel pollen. |
| Curing Rebels Salumi | £9.00 | British artisan cured meats. |
| Caesar Salad | £9.00 | Classic Italian-style salad. |
Pasta
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti Aglio e Olio | £9.00 | Garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs. |
| Linguine alla Puttanesca | £9.00 | Tomato, olive, caper, and basil. |
| Bucatini Cacio e Pepe | £10.00 | Pecorino Romano and black pepper. |
| Fettuccine ai Frutti di Mare | £13.00 | Mussels, garlic, and white wine. |
| Fettuccine al Granchio | £16.00 | Cornish crab with fennel and chilli. |
| Bucatini Carbonara | £14.00 | Guanciale, egg, and parmesan cream. |
| Lumache alla Vodka e ‘Nduja | £15.00 | Spicy and creamy with southern flair. |
| Mafaldine al Ragu di Manzo | £15.00 | Slow-cooked beef shin ragu. |
The pasta section of the Onda Pasta Bar menu changes with the seasons, ensuring the freshest ingredients. The Mafaldine Ragu and Carbonara are consistent favorites among diners.
Pizzetta
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic, Parsley & Mozzarella | £8.00 | Soft crust and fragrant herbs. |
| Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella | £8.00 | Mini Margherita. |
| Cacio e Pepe | £8.00 | Creamy cheese and pepper base. |
| Tomato, Anchovy & Olive | £9.00 | A tangy and bold topping. |
| ‘Nduja, Mascarpone & Honey | £10.00 | Sweet and spicy contrast. |
| Pepperoni Pizzetta | £10.00 | Classic crowd favorite. |
Guests can add a parmesan crust for £2.00 for an extra crunch.
Dolce / Desserts
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tiramisu | £9.00 | Served from their famous “tiramisu drawer.” |
| Sorbet | £4.00 | Clementino or blackberry flavors. |
| Estate Dairy Gelato | £3.50 | Smooth milk gelato. |
| Affogato | £5.00 | Espresso poured over gelato. |
| Olive Oil, Honey & Salt | £6.00 | Subtle sweet-salty delight. |
| Chocolate, Cherry & Meringue | £6.00 | A rich Italian finale. |
Opening, Closing, and Delivery Times
| Day | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday – Friday | 4:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Saturday – Sunday | 12:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Monday – Tuesday | Closed | — |
The last seating is 9:30 PM, with final kitchen calls around 10:00 PM. Currently, Onda Pasta Bar does not offer delivery — the team believes pasta tastes best fresh from the pan to your plate.
Ingredients and Philosophy
The team at Onda believes in simplicity, freshness, and craftsmanship. All ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, with a focus on sustainability and authenticity. The pasta flour, olive oils, and cheeses are premium, and vegetables are sourced locally whenever possible.
Onda’s concept is not about overwhelming choice but perfecting a few dishes. Their chefs tweak recipes seasonally, keeping the experience dynamic and aligned with the freshest produce.
Why Diners Love the Onda Pasta Bar Menu
The Onda Pasta Bar menu shines for its authenticity and innovation. Each pasta is made from scratch daily. The sauces are cooked to order, and the dishes arrive steaming, fragrant, and perfectly portioned.
Their tiramisu drawer presentation has gone viral, offering a fun and interactive way to end the meal. Diners say it’s “creamy, boozy, and irresistible.”
Compared to fine dining like the Jacuzzi London Menu: A Luxurious Italian Dining Experience, Onda’s charm lies in its approachability — you can enjoy restaurant-quality pasta without luxury prices.
The Onda Pasta Bar menu also caters to vegetarians and pescatarians, with at least half the dishes meat-free.
Price Range and Value
The restaurant offers great value given its quality. On average:
- Starters: £3 – £9
- Pasta: £9 – £16
- Pizzetta: £8 – £10
- Desserts: £4 – £9
A meal for two with drinks typically costs between £60 and £80, depending on your selections.
Experience and Service
Onda’s open-kitchen format lets you see chefs rolling pasta and tossing sauces in real time. It feels both lively and intimate, making it a popular choice for dates and social evenings.
Though the service is friendly, it can get busy on weekends. Reservations via OpenTable are highly recommended. The staff are known for explaining the Onda Pasta Bar menu clearly and suggesting great wine pairings.
Dining Tips
To get the best experience:
- Visit between 5:00 and 7:00 PM for a relaxed crowd.
- Order Pumpkin Fritte and Carbonara — they’re local favorites.
- Don’t skip the Tiramisu Drawer.
- Expect a short wait; the kitchen operates at a deliberate, handcrafted pace.
Tips for Visitors
- Reserve early: Especially for weekends; walk-ins fill up fast.
- Best time to visit: Between 5:00–7:00 PM for a calm atmosphere.
- Must-try dishes: Vodka Pasta, Pumpkin Fritte, and Tiramisu.
- Pairings: Ask the staff for wine suggestions; they’re knowledgeable and friendly.
What Makes Onda Unique
What sets Onda apart is its simplicity. The Onda Pasta Bar menu isn’t long, but every item is crafted with purpose. Instead of pages of options, Onda offers perfection in every plate.
The use of local suppliers and seasonal produce ensures both quality and sustainability. The staff’s passion is visible, and the kitchen team’s creativity keeps the experience exciting every visit.
Conclusion
The Onda Pasta Bar menu captures the spirit of Italy with a Mancunian twist. From its creamy Carbonara to the playful tiramisu drawer, every dish is a reflection of the restaurant’s love for pasta.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a casual dinner with friends, Onda Pasta Bar offers something warm, flavorful, and distinctly handmade. It’s not just about eating pasta — it’s about celebrating it.
With its high ratings, delicious simplicity, and unique charm, Onda Pasta Bar is more than a meal — it’s an experience worth savoring.
