Manchester is arguably the UK’s top culinary hotspot outside of London and boast’s some of the country’s finest restaurants. With well over two million people in the surrounding area and a rich multicultural society, the city offers everything a diner could ever hope for, from sumptuous Indian banquets to delicious and delicate Chinese food to unique contemporary spins on traditional British favourites. With new restaurants in Manchester opening every month, it can be tough to keep up the city’s cultural scene but those who take the time to seek out the best new eateries will find themselves richly rewarded.
If you’re after decadence and exclusivity in a restaurant, they don’t come much better than Vertigo, a new restaurant and bar which opened on John Dalton Street in April 2011. Set over five floors, Vertigo is sumptuously decorated with stylised crystal chandeliers and plush furniture. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Ian Armstrong, takes the best local ingredients and puts a unique spin on traditional favourites with a few continental additions. The grill is something of a speciality at Vertigo and meat-loving guests can expect to enjoy everything from glorious steaks to grilled lobster.
Australasia, which opened in May 2011 at Spinningfields, Deansgate, is a pan-Pacific Rim restaurant that brings the best of the Antipodes to Manchester. The menu, which was designed by Australian chef Paul Greening, combines European-inspired Australian cooking with flavours from all over the Pacific, with Indonesian, Malaysian and even Japanese cuisine all making an appearance. As well as a unique and intriguing food menu, the restaurant has a late-night license at weekends which allows diners to enjoy cocktails until 3am.
Some of Manchester’s leading hotels also offer excellent restaurant facilities, as well as the enduring appeal of the late-opening hotel bar, the perfect place to unwind after a sumptuous dinner. The exclusive Alto, located near the Gmex conference and convention centre, serves a French-inspired menu amidst stylised modern surrounds. The Brasserie near Piccadilly Station, meanwhile, prides itself on the finest in British cuisine served in opulent, warm surroundings that are equal parts cosy pub and Victorian lounge.
If you are ever stuck for a place to eat, there are a variety of different smartphone apps available for each of the most popular mobile platforms that will help you find the best Manchester restaurants near you in seconds. Simply let the app determine your location using your phone’s GPS and you will be presented with a handy list of all the best eateries nearby, complete with user reviews. It’s ideal for those visiting Manchester for the first time, as well as for long-time residents looking to seek out the city’s hidden gems.
Catherine Clay writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
