The best tapas bars in Manchester

Sister restaurant to Ramsbottom’s much-missed Levanter, Baratxuri (pronounced ‘barra-churi’) is a Basque-style restaurant within the ever-trendy Exhibition on Peter Street. Basque cooking is all about big, robust flavours and features loads of fish and meat cooked over hot coals. It’s also heavy on pintxos, bite-sized bar snacks often served on a slice of toasted bread, skewered with all sorts of delicious things on top. Basically, if you want to graze on super-authentic sharing plates while enjoying the buzzy atmosphere of this city centre spot, this is the spot to make a booking.

Chorlton’s worst kept secret is undoubtedly this red and yellow fronted restaurant on Beech Road, and trust us – you’re going to want to make a booking, because this place is constantly in demand. On warm evenings, wooden tables and chairs spill out from the cosy, tiled bar onto Beech Road. The menu is brimming with simple, regional tapas dished with tonnes of flavour, like deep-fried squid, croquettes and fillet steak, as well as some show-stoppers like mussels in a sherry sauce, slow-cooked beef cheeks with crispy leeks (essential) and their signature soft chorizo toasts topped with cute quail’s eggs. If it’s not on your must-visit list, it’s time to change that.

A firm favourite in Heaton Moor, La Cantina is famed for its simple and traditional tapas, Spanish gins that make the perfect G&T and their homemade sangria. One of their stand-out dishes is their huevos rotos, which is an (arguably superior) Spanish equivalent to egg and chips, as well as deliciously simple sides like charred hispi cabbage and salt cod fritters. They also have some more off-piste options like fried chicken and a Caesar salad. A cosy neighbourhood spot, where everyone’s happy however adventurous their palate.

This stylish and sun-drenched spot in Whitefield has a tapas-centric menu with plenty of influences from elsewhere in the Med. They serve up Spanish classics like croquettes and chorizo in red wine, as well as Greek dishes, birria tacos, sizzling prawns and vast paella sharers. You’ve got to try their Spanish egg too, complete with runny yolk, crispy breadcrumbs and a herby tomato sauce. 

It’s safe to say, anyone would expect a top-class meal from an award-winning Spanish restaurant and of course, Michelin-listed El Gato Negro on King Street is no different. Owner Simon Shaw has created an impressive menu that is brimming with traditional flavours. The charcuterie selection alone is extensive, full of aged manchego, serrano ham and lomo with cornichons. Elsewhere on the menu there’s fresh shellfish, slow cooked meats and flavoursome veggies. Plus, when the sun’s shining, their roof terrace is unmatched.

Ancoats’ Maricarmen – one of the most authentic tapas experiences the city has to offer – embraces a joyfully chaotic approach. The decor is bright and eccentric, and the dishes are simple, sun-soaked and delicious – from grilled artichoke with pancetta to at least four different versions of Ibérico pork. Pile them high, and explore the cocktail menu while you’re at it too. On a sunny day, Ancoats could be Andalusia.

Starting life in Chester, with a gorgeous little spot tucked right by the historic Roman walls, Porta now have three equally pretty spots this side of the M56: Altrincham, Salford and West Didsbury. All three are subtly lit, clad in dark wood, and have the ideal ambience for lazily exploring their thoughtful menus. People will tell you to try the tenderstem broccoli with romesco, which you definitely should, but don’t skip the the zamorano cheese with quince either or whatever the croquettes of the day are – they’re always excellent. With great, regularly changing specials, Porta is reliably excellent, and the service is exceptional.

Tast on King Street is as close to an authentically Catalan experience as you can get in the Rainy City, a corner of Spain transplanted here – in part – thanks to its co-owner, Pep Guardiola. A dual venue, you’ll find Tast on the ground floor providing a uniquely Catalan tapas experience, while Enxaneta on the top floor offers up the chance for Chef Paco Pérez to serve a menu with a distinct fine-dining feel. Either way, you’ll enjoy indulgent Catalan treats, or ‘tastets’ to give them their proper name.