There’s no skirting around it. Mondays in hospitality have become a bit dead. They are, in effect, the new Sunday – widely adopted as a day of rest after a busy weekend’s trade, a welcome opportunity to save some money on the quietest day of the week, or both.
That’s not the case at Ornella’s, though. This tiny Tameside pasta kitchen may have only opened just a few months ago but it’s completely overflowing when we visit, chancing our luck with a lunchtime walk-in (not the smartest move on my part, considering it’s a half-hour drive from town).
Having managed to sneak in early and snag the last free table, we wouldn’t recommend that you do the same. We soon overhear eager diners being politely turned away, despite the fact that It’s only ten past twelve. They’re already fully booked.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
We’ve heard great things about this place – and when the food hits the table, we soon see why there’s such a clamour at the door. This unassuming little Denton cafe is, no shadow of a doubt, serving some of the best pasta dishes in Manchester.
Sicilian-born Ornella’s perfectly plump lobster ravioli is the star that draws us in, but it’s a butter-drenched crispy sage and hazelnut spinach ricotta ravioli that has me closing my eyes and murmuring sweet nothings.
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Another bowl of carbonara bucatini has a similar effect, its fat ribbons are liberally doused in pepper and egg yolk, with crisp flecks of guanciale on top, all glistening in the sun. I think this might be pasta heaven.
We also order a few slabs of gorgeously fluffy, spongey focaccia as a vehicle to hoover up a creamy pot of hummus, a rich pool of olive oil swimming happily on its surface. Prior to opening her kitchen, Ornella was the head chef for Pollen, and it is clear she picked up a few tricks along the way.
There’s more to shout about here too, not least the satisfyingly smooth pearls of cantaloupe melon that come nestled inside very generous pockets of parma ham. The accompanying rocket, however, I mostly leave untouched.
As for the arancini – my god. Crunchy and crisp on the outside, but not greasy or oily in the slightest, it’s the most perfect specimen I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy, a gooey nduja and mozzarella center positively oozing and made even better by an accompanying hot honey dip.
There is pudding, too, in the guise of a classic tiramisu and traditional Sicilian gelato-filled brioche – another example of Ornella’s bread-making talents. They’ve run out of pistachio, and instead, offer vanilla with an added layer of fruit compote, a suggestion we gladly accept.
Unbelievably, my dining partner has already reached her limit after a few scoops of tiramisu so I valiantly soldier on, doing my best two eat two desserts at once. Sometimes this food reviewing lark really puts you to the test, let me tell you. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.
Inevitably, the last morsels of the soft, buttery brioche bun defeat me – but not before I mop up all the best bits. Simply put, food like this is too good to go to waste. It’s no wonder she’s so busy.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
Food & Drink
Seven Brothers have brought back a beloved British fizzy drink, only now it’s boozy
Danny Jones
Local brewmasters Seven Brothers have brought back one of the UK’s most beloved former fizzy drinks and reimagined it as their latest beer.
The Salford-based brewery, who now boast multiple locations across the North, is no stranger to perfecting creative craft beers, but the latest addition to the 7 Bros lineup is sure to be as firm a favourite as the original soft drink.
If it wasn’t already blatantly obvious, we’ll give you a hint: this tropical twist on pale ale contains hints of pineapple and grapefruit – and it looks an awful lot like an old can of Lilt…
Yes, bringing back the British corner shop staple as an alcoholic version, no less, let us introduce you to Seven Brothers’ new ‘Lilty’ flavour.
Still part of Coca-Cola, who also own the likes of Fanta, Powerade, Minute Maid, Schweppes and many more, Lilt has since been rebranded as ‘Fanta Pineapple & Grapefruit’.
However, it doesn’t have quite the same bright white, green and yellow scheme, and maybe it is just the packaging, but it does feel like it hasn’t quite tasted the same since.
Fortunately, we now have an alternative that not only captures all of those Caribbean and citrusy notes but that packs plenty of punch at 6% per tin.
The originalThe upgradeLilt didn’t walk so ‘Fanta Pineapple & Grapefruit’ could run; it was so ‘Lilty’ could get you well on your way to tipsy. (Credit: Press shots)
Now available in 440ml cans, this is actually the latest iteration of the first attempt at the drink launched back in July 2024, only now they’ve fine-tuned the recipe, and we can’t wait to drink by the gallon-full, or at least by the pint.
The description reads as follows: “This lilty little pale ale is a tongue-tingling throwback to fruity pop days gone by. Packed with pineapple and grapefruit flavours for a proper tropical punch.
“Immerse yourself in a wave of vibrant, tropical flavours with a generous double-hit of Amarillo and Mosaic hops taking centre stage. Juicy, fruity, fresh and fun with no bitter goodbyes, it’s basically sunshine in a tin.” It also happens to be vegan, which is a nice little bonus, isn’t it?
Seven Brothers’ brand new flavour is being rolled out as we speak, and we suspect it won’t be long before you see plenty of people asking for a ‘totally tropical taste’ at the taproom, their Ancoats Beerhouse or over in Media City (rest in peace, the Middlewood Locks site).
21 of the best tapas places in Manchester city centre and beyond
Danny Jones
Probably one of the questions we get asked most is, ‘Where does the best tapas in Manchester?’, so much so, in fact, that we’ve had to start breaking our answer down into traditional Spanish, Catalan and everything else.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to finally succumb to another big round-up listing some of the best places for tapas in the city centre and further out into Greater Manchester.
Because, in case you didn’t know, while our weather might often fall short, our city’s ever-growing take on food from the region and other Latin countries doesn’t disappoint.
So, we hope you’re hungry and willing to divvy up the portions and the bill, because here are some of the best restaurants for tapas, small plates, and Spanish sharing platters in Manchester (in no particular order, because we can’t hack too much favouritism)…
Where to find the best tapas places in and around Manchester
1. Bar San Juan – Chorlton
Up first, where better to start than with, arguably, the current gold standard of tapas in Manchester: San Juan in Chorlton, which if you haven’t heard of it before, is regularly placed up there with the best of the best around these parts – our review back in 2022 included.
The beloved Beech Road tapas bar is known for brilliant gambas soaking in chilli, garlic and the most flavourful oil for dipping, along with plenty of other lip-smackingly salty seafood options, their unbelievable bite-size saquitos de cordero (filo dumplings filled with lamb), and so much more. Stunning.
Heading into the city now, we’re going for a personal favourite and one that genuinely feels like it transports you to some taverna in Spain. We’re talking about El Rincon, a.k.a. Rafa’s, which has been a cult classic tapas spot in Manchester for more than 30 years – just look at the atmosphere.
Opened back in 1994, they barely need to advertise these days; the ‘comida’ has never dipped in quality, with their filetitos pimienta, padrón peppers and chorizo cooked in red wine all delicious. Also, is it just us, or does this stunning shop front convey pretty much everything you need to know about the place?
Not too far up the main Deansgate strip and just a short turn onto King Street, you’ll find Tast: a Catalan tapas restaurant co-owned by Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, and overseen by multi-Michelin-star-winning executive chef, Paco Pérez. Put simply, the food is as top-notch as the footy.
Specialising in specific cuisines from the municipality’s main regions – Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona – we consumed a lot of boquerones (anchovies), cod fritters and prawns here, but you can never go wrong with their top cuts of jamón ibérico and charcuterie boards either.
We used to love the aubergine dish served in the deceptively shallow plate from a few years back. (Credit: The Manc Group)
4. Campo Blanco – Whitefield
Next up is beyond the city limits and over Bury way, where you’ll find Whitefield’s neighbourhood gem, Campo Blanco, known for wonderful tapas bowls, a popular tasting menu, as well as paella if you fancy using your small plates as more standard starters before one big main. This place is built for sharing.
As for what their tapas offerings have besides other places in Manchester, you’ll find light and refreshing salads such as chicory and beetroot Salad, burrata and courgette with grilled peach, not to mention harissa-baked seabream, saffron and orange-cured salmon, and plenty more creative dishes.
Ironically, we’re not just heading back to the city centre for number five but right next door to Tast, where you’ll find long-standing Merseyside and Manc mainstay, El Gato Negro. This place needs no introduction, really, but we’ll give it a bit of one anyway. We also love their spin-off, Black Cat Club.
The spot headed up by Simon Shaw is still one of the most reliable places for proper patatas bravas, croquetas, spicy sausages, sangria and so on, but they also always freshen up their menu with plenty of specials, meaning we could never skip past including this on our Manchester tapas guide.
Returning to Chorlton now, and this food is so good it’ll have you repeating the lord’s name back to each other. Big Parrot continues to confound us as to why it’s still one of the quietest spots in the area during most of the week, because as far as tapas goes, it’s some of the best we’ve had in Manchester.
Admittedly, we’ve not been in a bit, but we’ve only ever had fond memories of this place, especially given the reasonable prices you pay for a very filling Spanish omelette, goat’s cheese croquetas, mussels, crispy pork belly and more. Don’t let this be another one that slips away; give it a try.
At the risk of giving you whiplash, we’re hopping the tram back into Manchester city centre and wandering over to Cutting Room Square for a round of ‘tipsy tapas’ at Canto, which essentially sees small plates collide with bottomless brunch, only you can keep the party going until 4pm.
Their salt cod croquetas are so moreish, their rustic take on patatas bravas are perfect; spiced lamb Merguez meatballs are a must-order, and you can even squeeze in a butty with their steak ‘prego’ sandwiches. Find out more about one of the best bottomless brunches in Manchester down below.
This next one has the benefit of being available in three different spots around Greater Manchester, including a stunning Salford sun-trap, East Disbury and on the Cheshire boundary, where the first restaurant opened back in 2016. It remains one of our favourite places to eat, full stop. There, we said it.
Nine whole years on and we’ve spent more time and money at the Bexley Square spot than we care to admit, scranning endless plates of pan con tomate, boquerones, rabbit al ajillo and lemon sorbet. They do brilliant bocata sandwiches, also. 10/10, no notes – we even like the walk-in only policy.
Back into the city centre again, and another staple among Ancoats residents. Maricarmen started as a pop-up inside the now sadly closed Cocoa Cabana but has gone on to be a very solid addition to the Manchester tapas scene, even despite being located on a busy roadside.
The Times’ Charlotte Ivers dubbed the menu a “joyous mountain on beige” (in a good way, we hasten to add), celebrating the calorific, fried and baked golden staples that may not be the best for our arteries, but are certainly good for the heart. Try the ‘Tarta de Santiago’ and thank us later, by the way.
Okay, who fancies having on the tram out to Trafford? Well, Sale and its flourishing foodie scene, specifically and for a Portuguese play on tapas that more people in Manchester need to know about. Seriously, our first visit is a meal and overall vibe we’ve been trying to recreate ever since.
We’ll confess that we’ve only been here once, but we’re still trying to find a place that comes close to nailing the alignment of food, service and overall experience we felt. Two or three dishes aren’t enough: please try as much of this menu as you can. We’re still waiting to rate their famous Sunday roast as well.
Onto an independent business serving some of the very best authentic Spanish tapas in Manchester for our money, even if they don’t ever stay in one place for too long. The curious case of Abejas Tapas, who gained a great reputation from their stall in Hatch, is one we always keep an eye.
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Primarily because we really wish these guys had a permanent brick-and-mortar for us to visit, as you’ll now find them catering corporate events, private events and pop-ups in the likes of Wilmslow, Poynton and plenty of other outposts. Put it this way, we’d travel virtually anywhere for that almond torta.
You can ever get it delivered to your door. However you can get it, just do it. (Credit: The Manc)
12. La Bandera – Central
On to a legend of the Manchester tapas game, La Bandera isn’t just a brilliant place for small plates and sharing, but renowned as one of, if not the, best Spanish restaurant in the city. It’s that kind of pedigree and reputation that allowed them to create a more laid-back pintxos bar in late 2024 (we’ll get to that…).
They’ve been doing Latin fine dining for the past decade, landing themselves on The Sunday Times list of best tapas spots in the UK back in, as well as earning multiple certificates of excellence and Diners’ Choice awards from OpenTable. Just look at the absolutely grade A choice cured meats alone:
Ok, we’re well over the halfway mark now and we couldn’t go any further without mentioning one of the best additions to the world of tapas in Manchester in recent times, which is Madre over at the thriving mini-district that is Kampus, located just across the water from Canal Street.
In truth, we come here for mostly for the margaritas these days – especially since the launch of the Salón Madre pool hall and tequila bar spin-off – BUT, the fish tacos are some of the best we’ve tried in years, the crispy cola pork belly bites are to die for and so is the bone marrow.
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From the same team behind Belzan, we always knew it would be an instant hit. (Credit: The Manc)
14. Dimitri’s – Deansgate
From contemporary Spanish and Latin twists to some of the best Greek mezze in Manchester city centre, is this technically tapas? Maybe not. Do we care? Nah, not really; is it still utterly brilliant food, you bet your pedantic little culo it is. It also happens to have the most charming hidden terrace in town.
Dimitri’s, or simply Dimi’s among its regulars, is an absolute GOAT of Deansgate’s dining scene and never gets quite enough attention as it should, if you ask us. They do a stunning stifado and steak ‘diablo’, but the gigantes me feta (plaki) and kolokithokeftedes are two of the very best sharers.
Since we’re pushing the boundaries of what fits into this tapas guide, we’re going to chuck Madre’s nearby neighbours, Beeswing, in here also; their menu is definitely influenced by the Spaniards, and their sangria is up there with the best of them.
Having launched their food offerings in collaboration with Baraxturi and Levanter (both former Freight Island faves), their smoky shakshuka, Ibérico Benedict, along with a chickpea and romesco eggs dish, are all very impressive. If you’ve already tried Canto’s ‘tipsy tapas’, why not try its Kampus counterpart?
Now onto La Bandera’s aforementioned pintxos twin, El Kabron, which brings a much more simplistic, almost street-food style to tapas and small plates. It replaced the old Bowlers Cafe, a once busy breakfast and lunch spot, last September, and the space has been completely transformed.
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The main difference between pinxtos and tapas is not just their origin, hailing from the Basque Country, but in the tooth-pick-skewered, nearly grab-and-go fashion with which this alternative is presented. Our personal highlights include the chicken thighs in Rioja wine and the albondigas.
17. Evuna – Northern Quarter, Deansgate and Knutsford
Before anyone accuses us of including a chain, one: pipe down, chains can still be good, and two; contrary to seemingly common belief, Evuna isn’t a chain but rather a small group of three restaurants here in the North West built on the back of the success of the original Deansgate location.
Since launching in 2003, it’s become a name that most people who have spent a decent amount of time in Manchester city centre will recognise, and they managed to expand because they were good enough – simple as that. Plus, their lunch deal of three small plates for £16.95 is still a joy with a glass of red.
On to one that surprise some of you, The Molly House over in the Gay Village is a gem for a number of reason, and one of those is that is quietly serves up some of the most incredbile and well-priced tapas in Manchester. It may look like a pub, but inside is a cosy interior turned Catlan-influenced hideaway.
We’ve had some exquisite playes in here, not least of all the likes of their pan sobrasada (toasted focaccia smothered in Ibérico pork with rosemary honey, their perfectly flaky feta parcels, the charred hispi cabbage and a bloody brilliant Basque cheesecake. Please give them your patronage.
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19. Baraxturi – Exhibition and Freight Island
You may remember us mentioning Baraxturi earlier in this absolute epic tale of Manchester tapas and you’ll be glad to hear that some of the brilliant brain behind Beeswing’s food are serving up some very special stuff here in the city centre. They may no longer be in Ramsbottom, but they’re still kicking.
Currently serving out of Freight Island and among the increasingly resident working out of Exhibition, their Basque cheesecake is also the stuff of legend and the best part about them being in the latter most food hall means you can mix and match with other kitchens for the perfect sharing meal.
As we approach the end of our best tapas in Manchester round-up, we wanted to give a shout-out to a slightly more rough around the edges bar that although it may not offer true tapas, per se, it’s a go-to for Mexican and Latin American munch, ranging from ‘bocaditos’ to corn ribs, taquitos and more.
Sitting down an alleyway just off St Ann’s Square, Sandinista is a great late-night spot. Do we have loads of pictures of the food in here? No, mainly because we’re usually so many margs in that couldn’t take a steady-handed snap if we tried, so you’ll just have to look at these instead and take our word for it.
And last but not least, we’re nipping for one last trip outside of central Manchester to the burgeoning Stockport suburb and into the Heatons for the firm local favourite, Casa de Moor. They have a sister site over in Chorlton these days too, but there’s just something really welcoming about the main venue.
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One of the things we love most about this place is that despite offering tapas at great prices, they take a pretty generous approach to ‘small plates’. Honestly, the portions here are great; we’d recommend the brie fritters, costillas de cerdo (BBQ pork spare ribs), as well as the salt and pepper squid.
Georgina Pellant -
5th August 2022 
