Three Restaurants that put Manchester on the Map
Manchester is fast establishing itself as a rival to London when it comes to eating out; in fact, over the past couple of years the city’s culinary scene has become a roaring success. Whether it’s a romantic meal, a jolly social gathering or a tête-à-tête with a colleague or client, this food-loving city has got you covered.
Here are three of the best restaurants in Manchester for business eats:
Feeling French?
The French is one of the most hallowed restaurants in Manchester. It’s where Mr Rolls first met Mr Royce and where Beckham took Posh Spice on their first date. It’s where the Beatles were famously refused entry (for being “inappropriately dressed”) and where the first star for a British restaurant was bequeathed in the debut Michelin guide of 1974.
The restaurant itself is set just off the reception of The Midland hotel, a grand old stalwart just ten minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. Huge chandeliers are a nod to its former grandeur, while the presence of light Scandinavian furniture and pastel walls nudge you in a more contemporary direction. Food-wise, you’ll be offered a range of set menus featuring top-quality local produce cooked in a modern and surprising style. There are some truly inspired pairings, although dishes tend to evolve and change every few days so you never really know what’s going to be in store.
Suffice to say, this is one of the most popular places to eat in Manchester so you’ll need to book well in advance for a table.
Going Japanese?
Set below Manchester Victoria station in a black brick railway arch flanked by lock-ups, the outside of Umezushi doesn’t look like much. Venture inside, though, and you’ll experience a Tardis-like moment of supreme contradiction as a beguilingly intimate interior of varnished blond wood leaves you feeling as calm as calm can be.
Along with the cosy surroundings, this place delivers an impressively wide selection of made-to-order sashimi and sushi (plus daily changing specials) at truly incredible prices. If you and your business guest order everything and the kitchen sink then you’ll still only end up paying a little over £50 each (although you could easily fill your belly for half that). You can even treat yourself to an express lunch for around a tenner a head if a nibble is all you can manage.
The drinks menu is worth a mention, as Umezushi boasts a handpicked selection of sake and wine – including Japanese Koshu wines – to wash your Taiwanese Pork Rice down with. The availability of Coedo Tokyo craft beer is a big plus too.
Something from the Subcontinent?
If you’re looking for something slightly more relaxed than a formal French eatery and perhaps a little more convivial than an intimate sushi joint then Dera – a lively, canteen-style restaurant decorated with Pakistani village artefacts – is undoubtedly the place to head.
Along with its authentic decor, this highly welcoming option in Cheetham Hill offers Pakistani food that’s devastatingly good. The fact that the place is packed out each Friday and Saturday night with discerning foodies who know their Lahori from their Karachi is testament to how irresistible the dishes here really are.
One important thing to bear in mind: this family restaurant is unlicensed. That being said, a salted lassi or two tend to go down very nicely indeed.