While the Northern Quarter is famous for counterculture, nightlife, music and dive bars, 63 Degrees opts for quite the opposite. Situated in the thick of things on High Street, the simple but elegant interior gives a good idea of what the place is about. Direct from Paris to the slightly less romantic streets of Manchester, this is one of the finest French restaurants you’re likely to stumble on anywhere, with the name itself a nod to something of an open secret among epicureans.
Ask a chef and they should know that chicken and poultry cooked for a long time at a low temperature tastes out of this world. As Eric Moreau, Director and Head Chef at 63 Degrees, he’ll tell you that temperature should be 63 exactly. And this tells us as much as there is to know about the experience, love and professionalism behind the establishment itself, not to mention the pinpoint accurate attention to detail and care that goes into everything on the menu. Hence being so popular it’s current in a second location, having outgrown the old spot over on Church Street.
To the menu itself, and this is split between a couple of options. Lunchtime diners can pick up a set three courses for a reduced priced compared with evenings, and Tuesdays offer a five course tasting meny, which can be accompanied with a flight of wine. The À La Carte choices include starters such as sea bass and avocado carpaccio, courgette gazpacho with goat’s cheese espuma, and lobster César. Larger plates offer similarly impressive highlights — from Whole Lobster and Kari Gosse Butter to Cannon of Lamb with Provençal Herbs. Of course, there’s also chicken on the menu, but that should go without saying by now. Desserts are just as refined, whether you punt for the Chocolate Orb with Peach or Crème brûlée with Bourbon Vanilla. As you’d expect, the wine list is exquisite, with extensive choices from across France’s celebrated regions.