So in 2017 my partner and I decided that we would attempt to eat and drink in as many places as possible across our home city and cultural metropolis, Manchester. In hindsight, it was an attempt to make the most of 'date nights', midweek meetings and offers within the town centre. Come the end of the year we had totalled around 75 eateries, restaurants and bars, some of which we had even been led back to more than once, be it by the fantastic food, alluring atmosphere or even the innate sense of homeliness that so many of our favourites bring.
After careful consideration, I have decided to put together what I would consider being my favourite five places to eat in Manchester and believe me I will give ample reasons for each.
5. Burger and Lobster - The casual lunchtime classic
Nestled into the ancient towering buildings of King Street, sits a quirky yet pleasant eatery suitable for everything from a quick in and out lunchtime bite to eat all the way to a dressed to impress evening meal. Between the arched doorway sits a complete juxtaposition, a pink neon sign in handwritten script, totally suitable for the eclectic mix inside.
Upon entry, you are welcomed by a wall of lobster sitting patiently waiting for their impending doom, yes I get that it's not for everybody but if you are going somewhere to eat lobster it's what you expect, right? The menu is simple and offers lobster in many manners as well as a burger which is as succulent as any you will find in specialist burger joints. You don't know what to decide, well, of course, you can take both on one plate, I mean would it really be fair for you to miss out?
The decor is high end, although a little dark and dingy at times but for what it lacks in light it makes up for in character. Seated booths circle one wall and face in towards the centrepiece table, which is raised just in front of the kitchen but disguised enough for those seated to enjoy their meal away from the prying eyes.
The cocktails are also excellent especially those which are tailored for the lunchtime visits; it's important to remember it's never too early for a Bellini.
4. Grand Pacific - The reasonably priced taste of extravagance
As far as interiors go Grand Pacific is the apogee of restaurants and in my opinion for your money its worth every single penny you're willing to spend. The Asian fusion menu is as flavoursome as any I have come across and once again for the opulence and drama of the experience it's an absolute steal. The sesame crusted tuna melted before even touching your tongue as was the quality of the dish.
The cocktail menu was something I couldn't recommend enough, the peacock was incredibly pretty and tasted distinctly like a far-off beach, which was desperately needed when we visited in December! Little needed saying about the Grand Pineapple, I mean who doesn't love the option to buy a giant metal pineapple? But in all seriousness, if a drink was to represent its surroundings adequately, this is undoubtedly the one.
3. Tattu - The aesthetic paradise
What says boutique restaurant more than a 4 metre Cherry blossom tree situated in the heart of the dining room? The answer is nothing, nothing does. Catching the eye is something that Tattu does effortlessly, it goes to sleep and wakes up just as immaculately dressed as the previous evening. The tree itself gives the place as feel as if she never sleeps, breathing life into the vast open space. The food is pretty unforgettable too which is an incredibly difficult task in a place this beautifully decorated.
There is an array of great cocktails, all of which as are valuable to your Instagram stories as the restaurant itself, so be sure to take a seat in the bar area while waiting for your table, soak in the graffiti and get your photos taken because once the food arrives it will be gone before you can reach for your camera.
I would love to say to you, choose this, and this and this, but truth be told we randomly picked a number of things from the menu and everything was brilliant. Therefore close your eyes run your finger up and down and go for it!
2.Umezushi - The only sushi spot you need to know
When you strip a restaurant back and only give value to the food it serves, Umezushi is lightyears ahead of anywhere else. In a tiny little unit space, which is more suitable for kitchen fitter than a world-class sushi experience, Umezushi goes about its business without ever shouting too loudly or indeed treading on anyone's toes. Don't let the wooden panelling which reminds me so much of my grandmother's bedroom furniture in the 90's fool you, behind that counter are chefs who have forgotten more about sushi than you will ever know.
The food itself has so far gone unmatched for me, in fact, it was nothing short of perfect and of course as if often the way with Sushi I could have continued to eat all night. As to be expected your table is only reserved for a set amount of time, but with only 10 or so in the building itself, you won't be waiting long for your first serving, or indeed your second, third and fourth.
Once all was said and done the pineapple, and cinnamon dessert was a fantastic way to cleanse the palate and left us desperately wanting to return as soon as possible.
1.Randall & Aubin - The all-day number one
A seafood specialist with a difference, the music and atmosphere is charming and comfortable and entices me back time and time again. The staff are as attentive as anyone I have eaten across the world but seem to have found the perfect balance in being so. There is none of the hanging around your table waiting to ask you ill-timed questions regarding the quality of the food, just old-fashioned welcoming service. The decor is high-end without being in your face or pretentious as is often the theme with new restaurants in Manchester.
I remember something my grandmother said many years ago that made me laugh profusely, " it's so fresh you can taste the sea." As funny as that was at the time it is the only way to describe the food at Randall & Aubin. Everything we have tried from the fruit de mer to their take on fish and chips, it has been a class above anything I have tasted. On our last visit we paired the fruit de mer with the lobster, and once again it blew me away. It's hard to say anything negative about this place whatsoever; it is the perfect way to get over those holiday blues even if the Aperol spritz is slightly more expensive.
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