Undoubtedly the perfect sunny day lunch spot, Ad Maiora has to house one of the most bountiful bites the Northern Quarter has to offer. Comforting, flavourful and enormous, you can almost imagine your Nonna preparing this to feed you herself. Their lunch deal runs from Monday to Thursday, and if sandwiches bigger than your head sound good to you then, go grab yourself a traditional schiacciata sandwich and a drink for only £10.90.
Situated between lots of admittedly more attractive cafes on Tib Street, Ad Maiora may appear unassuming at first glance but do not be fooled. Inside you will find a plentiful deli counter, which is home to as assortment of veggies, cheeses and meats nestled together to get your mouth watering from the first step in.
Openly supporting Manchester City (which I will admit took some getting over), Ad Maiora boast customers such as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, with the former as the namesake for a popular menu item. Whilst I may not support the football team, I must say this is an first rate meal nonetheless. And yes, even though it is ‘just’ a sandwich I do say meal, because that is how big these sandwiches are!
@chailattebro Absolute perfection 🥪 Parma Ham, Burrata, Pesto, Truffle Oil, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Rocket, Pistachios & I added Olives! @admaioramcr #sandwich #food #erlinghaaland #Foodie #FoodTok #FoodLover #foodies #foodreview
♬ LDN – Lily Allen
Their signature Schiacciata, a type of bread for those of us not doing an Italian degree, is perfectly golden and crispy without being oily. Thin enough to accommodate the mountain of fillings generously slathered on top, without ever taking away from these delectable combinations, it takes these sandwiches to a new level.
Ad Maiora offer nine incredible sandwiches in their Norther Quarter shop, each having been thoughtfully composed to provide some truly magical mouthfuls. The Nonna and Bella Ciao are also vegan giving you plenty of options for everyone!
However, the more specific diner also has the flexibility to build their own sandwich with a wide choice of cheeses, meats, veggies and sauces. We tried the Nonna, and a sandwich we composed with veggies, burrata and fennel salami. From the undeniable crunch of the bread to the punch of flavour inside, we will not forget these sandwiches in a hurry.
If you do build your own sandwich, the truffle sauce is a must, as it adds a gorgeous earthiness and that classic truffle flavour without any unwanted grease. The burrata was also plentiful, to say the least, and exactly the right combination of creamy, soft and mild, never overpowering the other flavours but complimenting them graciously.
Ad Maiora’s ingredients are imported from Italy and used as authentically as possible which makes all the difference. £10 might sound like a lot for a sandwich, but for the quality and volume you get, your lunch is sure to be great value for money.
The staff could not have been friendlier; they greet every customer with a smile on their face and a ‘how was your day?’ which I must say is welcome after a gruelling library session or that slightly too long lecture.
With picturesque seating in Stevenson Square, just down the road, Ad Maiora has to be your new go to picnic lunch. But when the weather inevitably turns (which we all know it will), they also have indoor seating and are now on Deliveroo, so can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home!
All in all, there is nothing about Ad Maiora that could not be commended. Not only is the food delicious and affordable, but the people are lovely and, it is only a half hour walk from campus. All I would suggest is to get a bag when you take your sandwich away as if, like me you can’t finish it, you will absolutely want to take it home for later. My final recommendation is to ask for napkins and thank me later!
