Reviews in Manchester City Centre

Based on Sugarvine's write-up, decided to try out Manchester's lastest Chinese experience and we weren't disappointed! Atmosphere-wise it reminded me of a bustling authentic Chinese in Hong Kong - that's to say it was small, busy, bustling and full of local Chinese people eating authentic and "proper" Chinese food! (I did pluck up courage to ask the people on the table next to us what they were eating and it turned out to be Sea Bass stew - looked amazing - head and tail sticking out of a big white bowl!) In fact most of the diners were eating stew-type dishes with vegetable and rice on the side. We (as usual) plumped for the safe "banquet for 2" option which at £22 per person offered more than enough for 4! Choice of soup to start, followed by a plate of Chinese nibbles - crispy wonton, ribs etc., next quarter duck (melt-in-the-mouth), followed by main courses of sizzling beef and prawns with house speciality rice. A bottle of house wine (French and dry) weighs in at £10.50 - a little pricey. (Always think it's a shame more Chinese restaurants don't offer an affordable dry Riesling which goes well with the mix of Chinese flavours), Only disappointment for me was the soy sauce - a little on the salty side, rather than the nicer caramely side. The nibbles dip too was just red sauce - shame it wasn't a Red Chilli dip! On the whole - Red Chilli definitely spiced up our evening. Friendly service, lively atmosphere, great tasting food & lots of it! (And don't be put off if you want to play safe - they're welcoming wether it's Sea Bass stew or sizzling beef!)

What can I say? Awesome! A friend had told me about this place and I was a little reserved on my judgment. Well, what a meal! I'm not bothered with the ambience malarkey and so this was right up my street. The guy who served me, Marik, was really friendly and, again, the food (the only reason I went in in the first place) was 9.7 put of 10. Absolutely fantastic. GB

I went for my birthday last Friday and was blown away with the quality of food, the service and ambiance of the restaurant. A real gem in the city I shall be singing from the rooftops about this place for weeks to come. *****

Stylish, lively, bright, modern, chic. Food average, service on the poor side. Best at lunchtimes.

Looking for lunch? Follow the crowds to Soap Street and eat till you pop. The original & best rice 'n' 3 in town.

pre- or post-cinema/theatre/shopping you can't beat this noodle bar for quality inexpensive food

I have eaten at El Rincon on a number of occasions though i admit that it is not my favourite Spanish eaterie. The ambience is authentic and the service is fine but alas the ping of the microwave is all too frequent,often supported by the arrival of molten dishes. Not really what i expect in a restaurant these days.Maybe its just my perception?

Awesome food, friendly staff, good atmosphere. I eat here a lot and always leave feeling pleasantly full and in a good mood. Try it on a Saturday afternoon.

Have been to Gio's quite a few times both before and after the recent refurbishment. Have always found the food to be very good quality and very tasty. Service is also good and the staff are friendly and efficient. The place is popular,especially at weekends so expect a little dealy but relax and enjoy the ambience over some good wine!

Okay, we all know Frankie & Benny's is a chain of restaurants but it's surprisingly not bad. I had the chicken dippers salad to start with, which whilst pricey was an ideal size for a starter. The chicken was admittedly bite-sized, but the whole dish was reasonable for a starter. It can be frustrating to get a huge starter which fills you up and empties your pocket. I would have been more impressed if the price of the starters matched the size of them, but anyway... Main course came and was again a perfect portion size to not be over-filling but definately ensured we left with my hunger satisfied. Service friendly and reasonable, whilst the surroundings were in need of a clean, for the booth we were in at least (food on the floor under the table). I'd definately go back if I want a light and reasonable American Italian meal.

If you've tried other Mediterranean restaurants you'll know all about the mediocre food and high prices charged by some establishments in Manchester. How refreshing then, to come across Efes, an authentic Turkish taverna which truly expands its offering beyond kebabs and homous. Service was very friendly and professional, whilst the food introduced us to a number of different turkish dishes.

Unfortunately the excellent meal was marred by the service - they kept forgetting us so we had to badger them to get cutlery, to order, to get the water we'd asked for, to order dessert. A shame as the food was very good and the place is a lot warmer now they've redesigned the doorway!

At last a good restaurant with food entirely made on the premises. Three of us were dining and all of our meals were excellent. The food is simple Italian fayre but exectuted very well. The pizza bases are thin and chewy with a lovely wood smoked flavour and their vegetables and meat are of top quality. The service was patchy and brusque, as some Italian male waiters enjoy affecting but the quality of the food and wine more than made up for this. We thoroughly recommend this restaurant but book ahead as it is very busy.

the best asian food you can get

I have travelled extensively in Thailand and this is the best Hot and Sour soup that I have had since getting back to England. Bring it on!

I had lunch here today and just had a starter of an assortment of gnocchi in a wonderful garlicky cream sauce. I had to wait a long time for the meal, but was worth the wait. I will definitely go again.

Definately the best Chinese in Manchester at the moment!!

Do not let the modest entrance to this city centre institution fool you. The Armenian Taverna is quite possibly one of the best restaurants that Manchester can boast and the best thing is, that it is truly without any of the pretensions which many of the so called ?tyle?eateries in the city come loaded with. Unless however you are a regular to Armenian cuisine, do not choose from the menu yourself. Instead allow the owner, Matise, who? larger than life character is barely contained within the four walls of the building to make recommendations for you; his knowledge and passion for the food which this venue creates is magical and well worth reserving a table for alone. The exquisite menu is complimented further by a wine list of equally unpretentious but well sought out and enjoyed labels, and the Armenian Taverna is also one of very few establishments to stock Ch?au Musar. There are few restaurants in Manchester that can compete with this restaurant which must be seen to be believed.