“Our menus cross the seas and shores, plains and pastures, jungles and mountain ranges.” So say the team at Firefly, which is found in the heart of a central neighbourhood brimming with activity, from culture venues to technology hubs. Styled as a tropical paradise, surrounded by the glass and steel of a transformed district just minutes from Victoria and Salford Central railway stations, influences from North and South America, Europe and East Asia are blended in a fusion menu playing on heritage and tradition to offer something truly contemporary. 

A table at Firefly means choosing from either the Dawn or Dusk dishes. Both are great. The former, served for brunch and lunch, features a host of twists on morning and noon staples. Like the Jungle Brunch, featuring sausage patty, bacon, smashed avocado, baby spinach, grilled halloumi, poached eggs, tomatoes and confit cherry. Or the Churro Cheesecake Taco, with Ducie De Leche Whip, Chocolate, Smashed Churros and Cinnamon Sugar. A range of Bocaditos is also on offer by day, including Harissa Hummus (pico, labneh and grilled flatbread), Nachos, and fiery cauliflower wings. 

For Dusk, things move into evening mode by way of resident DJs, Gunpowder Indian Lamb Tostadas, Tomahawk BBQ short rib, Wagyu Sirloin and Chicken Yakitori. Not to mention Corn Ribs, Creamy Truffle Linguine, Coconut Curry, Grilled Seabass, Baaharat Salmon and Kyoto Fries. Helpfully, given the choice, you can sit back and let the staff do some deciding by opting for the Wave Menu — a three course sampler for a fixed price with vegan version available. Meanwhile, Thursdays from 5PM welcome the Taçita: discounted tacos and margaritas, or three of each for £36. Speaking of which, the cocktails here are broken into ‘five pillars’, each inspired by a different global region, many of which you’ll not find elsewhere, capping off the experience.