Went last night to Isinglass after what must be a 6 year gap and was very impressed with the new outfit. We'd only gone twice after it first opened because we were so underwhelmed by what had been on offer on both those occasions. Despite being new the place was drab and uninspiring and there seemed to be a bit of an obsession with kale on the menu - not a veg that's ever really done it for me! This was hugely disappointing because in a sea of curry houses, this had promised to be the bright culinary star that Urmston has lacked for years. It's now been taken over by a brother (Anthony) and sister team and Wow - what a difference! The place is brighter and both the food and service were very good. They've got some new wines coming in including an Amarone, and are going to start serving Prosecco by the glass which is for me a gauge of any halfway decent restaurant. I won't go back to anywhere that doesn't so Isinglass can look forward to lots more visits from me on this alone, however, it deserves visiting for far more than this. If like me you've give given it a wide berth over the last 5 years because of it's previous lacklustre facade, interior and food, check it out soon - I'm sure you won't be disappointed now!
James St James
I'd been meaning to go ever since I moved to Urmston nearly 3 years ago. Having eaten all over Manchester (and the country) I was extremely impressed with both the service and the food from Isinglass. 2 main courses at 2 drinks came to only £33!!! The portion sizes were enormous and the quality of the organic, locally sourced food was outstanding. The brother and sister run restaurant is simply outstanding! (BTW guys, if you're reading this, it was a pleasure to meet you)
Mike
I've been 3 times in the last 6 weeks. All meals faultless. Excellent food, fine selection of wine and great service. I'll be back.....
Lizzie
Unfortunately myself and 4 female friends went along, on the back of strong recommendations. We were highly disappointed. It was mid week and we had gone along for the early bird menu, only to discover this didn't exist. All courses fell short of ordinary and excited about a stew in ale 2of us were presented with indigestible lumps of gristle and my 3rd friend had a bowl of no gristle let alone meat, and nowhere was there even a sniff of ale. In fact I do believe the chef had misunderstood lentils for ale?? Perhaps he had a hangover??? I could go on, however when we did say we were not satisfied, we were just met with an apology. Feeling aggrieved , one of our party felt it only fair to raise our disappointment with the owners. Unfortunately this appeared to fall on deaf ears. Not one to complain unnecessarily I find it only right to raise our dissatisfaction for other future clients to get a full story. For one we will not be returning.
Boo
We went last month for our anniversary and we made an excellent choice. The food was lovely really fresh, good portions and the service was very attentive. There was a good variety of food on the menu and the specials even for a fussy eater like me we will be going back soon.
Leib
A little gem. Fantastic food, ambience and a great hostess. Highly recommended
Lawrence
We were disappointed with our food at this restaurant. I was expecting much better. The soup starter was very good indeed and served piping hot but the mains were below par. I had a rib eye steak which was a bit tough and tasted pan burnt. The jus that was with it tasted the same. My friends mixed grill was average aswell. How can you get chips wrong? They too tasted burnt, not overdone, but the oil must have been old. I noticed other diners' chips were the same. The brandy coffee was cold and I actually took it back into the kitchen. My veggie friend though said her food was very good. The pudding choice was not great so we skipped it.
Ben
Top drawer modern English cooking, using North West's finest produce. ditch the chains this is the sort place I want! Isinglass you could push the boat out even further for some customers and try some of the real old English favourites, and more offal please!!!!
Amy
I had a very enjoyable meal at Isinglass a couple of weeks ago and couldn't recommend it enough. Both the food and the service were faultless. It's just a shame the restaurant wasn't busier, will definitely be going again!
Mhb
after reading various reviews on this site, i decide to treat myself and and members of my family today.
unfortunately it did NOT live up to the reviews.
the floor was dirty in places and the chairs were of all different types and styles.
most of the potatoes were undercooked and so were the vegetables. the meat was passable, the only shining light was the rhubarb crumble pudding.when we pointed these things out, the waiter wasnt really bothered.
my advice is think twice about booking a table at this place.
