Reviews in Manchester City Centre

We normally always eat out at Velvet with our friends as the food/service is consistently good, but we decided to have a change and meet at Taurus. I should point out that out of the four of us, it was only really me who had a bad experience, but both of my courses were a real disappointment considering the cost. The service was absolutely excellent, smiley and attentive and very welcoming, which was a real shame considering the standard of the food. I ordered soup for starters and bangers and mash for my main course. When the soup arrived, I had no problem with the size of the portion, as it was served with what looked like a full baguette of bread and plenty of butter, which is always a high point. Unfortunately, the soup itself was full of what looked like stringy bits of unappealing cabbage and was freezing cold. I have to say that my friends' starters looked far more appealing and they all praised them highly, so I hoped my main would be better. I was very shocked when it arrived and I discovered my potato was of the packet variety and was like plastic in terms of taste and consistency. The gravy was equally tasteless and the sausage was nothing to write home about. In terms of presentation, I can only describe it as a congealed heap. It was also topped with what looked like parsnip shavings and was a far cry from my husband's succulent looking steak. I'm not usually picky about my food and will usually eat anything if hungry enough, but this is the first meal I have had anywhere where I found it completely inedible. Thankfully, my friends' fillet steaks looked fabulous and I'm told they were. The wine we had was reasonably priced and enjoyable and the atmosphere was nice for drinks, but I will not be eating here again.

Having visited Akbars in Leeds we were not quite sure whether to go here or not, Leeds being very busy, noisy, full and a long wait for food. Anyway we took the plunge and were really glad we did. The setting is fabulous and so is the decor, although by the time the back wall had changed from white lighting to deep red we could hardly see, especially as the menus are on black background. However we finally managed to pick what we wanted off the very interesting menu and took in the atmosphere. We had gone around 6pm on a Sunday night and the place was getting very busy. We had a fabulous meal with very attentive staff at all times. Only disappointment was that there was only bottled beer for sale and no draught but it didn't spoil what was a lovely meal. Cost is very reasonable as well. Hoping to go back within the next couple of weeks.

I went out with a group of friends Friday night then we saw the Villaggio restaurant we was greeted at the door by the manager and then sat down to eat. when the food came out the presentation was outstanding we was all amazed with the food/they also have a good selection of wines too. we had 1 bottle of Chianti then my friend tried a cocktail it was perfect. the staff was good specially the manager his name was flavio he made everything a perfect evening. i venture into Manchester a lot so i will definitely will be going back to the villaggio for a meal again. whoever the owners are keep it up /and to ALL the staff /if anyone reads this message you must try the 3 course set menu its excellent? caio tu che dici

We went as a group of 4 on a Saturday night. The restaurant is close to Albert Square and is in a good location for pedestrians but if you're trying to find a parking space nearby on a weekend you'll need to get there early. Our friends booked a table 8 weeks prior and were asked for a deposit to secure the booking. The food was good but the choices were about the same as any other Chinese restaurant in Manchester. The prices are considerably more than in China Town. A bottle of beer cost £4 . The restaurant is clean and the service is good. I would go back to this restaurant.

I've eaten here twice now, 1st time as a takeaway, i had the chicken chilli udon which is 20% off for takeaway, portions were large and tasty, not the hottest dish i've had but pretty good, plenty of veg and beansprouts as well as chicken and noodles. my 2nd experience was eating in on sunday lunchtime, i had the 2 courses for £4.95 and my green salad was quite tasty and not too filling , but the main course was excellent, i cant remember what it was called but it was a kind of vietnamese pho noodle broth, with large chunks of braised beef with hardly any fat/gristle, the noodles were excellent with very fresh bak choi and i slurped my way through the bowl and was left warm and nourished, i am looking forward to having lunch there very soon.

Me and my boyfriend visited this restaurant a few weeks ago, and we were very impressed indeed. Fantastic service, we were sat rite near the kitchen, fantastic to watch the chefs.... We had olives and bread for starters, and then ostrich fillet and a kobe burger. Fantastic food and plenty, although u have to pay for side orders on some meals. We treated ourselves to champagne/ and a champagne beer, unusual?! But we enjoyed out night thoroughly....we will be back in the near future. I? recommend anyone to eat at this restaurant.

i agree with other comments, El Rincon as the feel of a typical Spanish tapas bar, I think its the white tiles. Evuna has a much more cosy modern type feel. The tapas was very nice ,served by very friendly attentive staff, yes the wine was pricey(no need to be) overall a very nice place which you would not be disappointed with. A recommendation.

We went here 2 weeks ago taking advantage of free transport for over 60's going by train and returning by bus direct to our house. we booked on line but as we didn't get a confirmation hoped they had received it. i never really got an answer to this. However the restaurant was empty at 6.00 so we had the place to ourselves for an hour. The staff were very helpful to us with our non dairy requirements and my wife not wanting anything too hot. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced so we will be visiting regularly. The only surprising point was that a waiter brought us our bill before we had had our main course seemingly a mix up to our request for more wine!

Excellent. Loved every minute. Very friendly atmosphere!

We had a meal here a few days ago, what can i say, the food was fantastic the service was superb, the staff were all so friendly nothing was too much trouble. Looking forward to eating there again.

O what a night! Took my new girlfriend and it really was a great choice to impressive. A huge choice of dishes - we chose from the specials board and it really was special. Worth the money for the overall atmosphere and quality.

Visited in a busy saturday night, wine was okay but food was pretty good with quality service. Starters were lovely, having chosen the seared raw tuna and my husband had cray fish tails on garlic brushetta, but he did find that a little over -zealous with the pepper. For mains we had Monkfish wrapped in Parma ham, - very nice and perfectly cooked, but unfortunately my husbands lamb did have to go back to the kitchen, as it was tough as old boots, so he reordered and chose the chicken which he said was pretty good. The only gripe i do have is that we were charged the price for the lamb - the chicken dish was cheaper on the menu, and a 10% service charge was automatically added to the bill, which on the menu said would be added on parties of 6 and over, we would return, but i would not be in a mad rush to do so.

I recently visited for a birthday celebration. It was fantastic. Entertainment excellent (kids and adults). I would recommend it for any occasion.

Absolutely outstanding, my GF said "I feel like I'm in Spain". Praise indeed. A bit tricky to find but well worth the hunt! A marvellous establishment.

There's no air-conditioning and it's all smoking so if that's not for you, stay clear. The bar and toilets are looking tired and in need of a makeover. Food quality went downhill during 2006 and after 3 consecutive bad meals I stopped eating there. I'm still a regular drinker there but be careful of the drinks. It's top price drinks on Canal Street for spirits and they are the cheap generic brands. On the upside, the staff are friendly and the place had a good atmosphere. They don't let in hen parties and the music level allows for conversations. It's one of the few bars on Canal Street that seems to maintain a consistent clientele. Once they get back on their game it could be a great place again and I?l hopefully be back eating there.

I have wanted to try this place for ages and I was not disappointed. It's not the easiest place to find though. I had a range of tapas and my mum had the creamed chicken main course - both were excellent. I especially liked the Tortilla Espanola which was the best I've had outside Spain. There was a nice atmosphere there too. I would definitely go again.

Food was very good, though rather sweeter than expected from previous thai experiences. Felt that it was rather expensive and service was rather lacklustre and with the wrong food brought at one point. Wouldn't actively go there again as there are plenty of better restaurants in Manchester.

Very good restaurant. Nice to go somewhere where big steaks and cigars are the done thing. One or two others suggested it should be non-smoking, perhaps they could go to some non-smoking restaurants (there are plenty) rather than making puritanical rants about how everywhere should be designed just for them. They would have enjoyed Hitler's company, the first militant anti-smoker.