Discussing the cream of the crop in Manchester’s restaurant scene, it’s impossible to overlook the powerhouse that ended the city’s four-decade wait for a Michelin star. In 2019, Simon Martin unveiled mana – Less than twelve months later, the sought-after accolade that had managed to evade other deserving entries on our best restaurants in Manchester list for years was bestowed upon the restaurant.
But what is the dining experience like? An ever-evolving menu encompasses a minimum of 12 courses, introducing diners to a symphony of sensations through the clever use of smoke, heat, and ice. Regularly featured ingredients such as eel, duck, and langoustines are transformed by a touch of culinary wizardry that enhances their flavour and texture, taking them to new gastronomic heights. The kitchen’s inspiration often draws from Japanese and ESEA traditions, meaning you could be indulging in a savoury chawanmushi or a kakigori dessert. The wine list not only boasts a wealth of impressive labels but also some less commonly seen gems and surprisingly economical choices. Despite its elegance, mana doesn’t necessitate formal attire; we’ve seen plenty of diners enjoying their meal in sportswear. It’s Manchester, after all.