Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe has all the hallmarks of a restaurant that knows exactly what it wants to be. Simple, precise, and utterly assured, it’s the sort of place where the menu might only run to a handful of dishes, but every one feels carefully considered and exactly right for the moment. Co-owned by chefs Joshua Reed-Cooper and Mike Thomas, whose combined CVs take in some of the region’s best kitchens, from Where The Light Gets In and Mana to The French, and Hawksmoor – this is a team with serious pedigree, channelled into something refreshingly pared-back.

The food has its roots in Europe, leaning particularly towards the auberges of France and trattorias of Italy, with occasional nods to Catalonia, the Basque country or Croatia. Menus change often, sometimes daily, guided by seasonality and the availability of produce from small, trusted suppliers. What unites everything is a respect for simplicity and balance: whole fish dressed with little more than citrus, meat cooked with bold but unfussy accompaniments, vegetables and salads presented in ways that let them speak for themselves. It’s cooking that doesn’t shout, but resonates long after the plates are cleared.

Wine is central to the experience here, with a list that places small European growers front and centre, supplemented by a handful of carefully chosen bottles from further afield. Whether you’re ordering by the glass or opening something special to share, the curation mirrors the food: thoughtful, restrained, and full of personality.

The space itself reflects that same ethos. Clean lines, modern but inviting design, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it as suited to a glass of wine and a snack as it is to a full evening of small plates. There’s an honesty to Cantaloupe that makes it instantly appealing, and it’s no surprise it has quickly established itself as one of the most compelling new additions to the dining landscape in Stockport.