Mancunians are known to be proud of their city, which is home to two of England’s best football clubs, the BBC’s MediaCity, a brilliant university and the Lowry to name but a few. Ultra-modern skyscrapers share Manchester’s skyline with stunning neo-Gothic buildings such as the Town Hall. This city is truly diverse – and so is its dining scene, but does Manchester also tick the romantic box? We certainly think so! Here are five of the most romantic restaurants for an unforgettable date night. Simply pick your favourite…
Tattu is a restaurant offering contemporary Chinese cuisine, fusing traditional Asian flavours with exquisite presentation – and presentation truly is key here. Tattu takes inspiration from body art and its history which shines through every inch of the décor and certainly provides a great backdrop for a romantic date night. We recommend trying one of their excellent cocktails whose unique flavour combinations are inspired by the designs of different body artists.
This Spinningfields restaurant is hidden underground, with only a stunning glass triangle above ground to hint at its location. Heading down the stairs, you’ll find a stylish pan-Asian restaurant with a menu devised by former Young Australian Chef of the Year, Paul Greening. It offers a fine dining experience but with relaxed, rather than stuffy, vibes. After sharing a plate of oysters or robata grilled skewers in the main restaurant, why not take your date to Australasia’s bar, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails or something from the extensive wine list. There are resident and guest DJs so you can dance the night away, down-under in Manchester.
Vermilion is a unique dining experience designed by Miguel Cancio Martins of Paris’ famous Buddha Bar. Its exquisitely crafted Asian fusion cuisine specialises in seafood. Tuck into tandoori sea bass, salmon tikka or Vermilion’s signature dish of grilled tiger prawns. After dinner, why not take your date to the ultra-chic cocktail bar? Boasting private booths designed as ‘cocoon beds’, it is the ideal place to end the night whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears.
Traditional Italian dining will always make a couple’s hearts sing – especially when the setting is as stunning as Rosso’s. Manchester’s Italian restaurant of choice is located in a 116-year-old grade II listed dining room, decorated in a white colour scheme, and its service is second to none. Make sure you reserve one of the booths adorned in white leather which reflect beautifully the hues of the colour-changing mood lighting shining from the ceiling – and set the tone for romance while enjoying the freshest Italian flavours.
Albert’s Shed celebrates traditional British dining and lets couples soak up Manchester’s romantic side. Its historic location right at the centre of the Castlefield canal basin provides great views and invites old-school romance. In a nod to tradition, the restaurant is named after owner Jim Ramsbottom’s uncle. This quirky shed-turned-restaurant is the ideal setting for a traditional date night. Try the fresh fish of the day or mains like roast rump of lamb or Gressingham duck breast with cherry and elderflower sauce. To share the love, pick the chocolate dipping fruits for dessert – feeding each other is totally optional.
Still hungry for more date night dining options? Visit OpenTable and see what Manchester has to offer.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
