OSMA

Talk about bringing unparalleled experience to the region’s food scene. Danielle Heron, chef patron at Osma, has a CV packed with references to some of the most celebrated restaurants in Europe, from L’Enclume in the Lake District to Maeemo, an Oslo eatery that has picked up no less than three Michelin stars for its efforts. While in the Norwegian capital, she met Sofie Stoermann-Naess at another globally renowned spot, Kolonihagen Frogner, and in 2020 the pair took the decision to set up their own spot right here in one of Manchester’s liveliest suburbs, Prestwich. 

A sound choice, since opening this place has picked up a stack of culinary accolades, along with praise for its stunning interior and incredibly intimate and inviting atmosphere. Stepping inside off Bury New Road, customers arrive in a sleek, minimalist dining room that feels plucked straight from Scandinavia, a contemporary and cool space where jet blacks contrast the natural hues furniture and chosen fittings. Focused on offering a sense of hygge — the Nordic pursuit of relaxed comfort and quiet pleasures — Osma serves this with seasonality front of mind, and a menu divided into three types. These start with a set lunch offering of two courses for £24 or three for £29. 

Expect to find dishes such as stracciatella with roasted celeriac, chestnut, truffle and apple, lemon sole with green peppercorn, chard and tarragon, and damson and cherry Eton mess with almonds within that range. Dinner, meanwhile, opts for a la carte via small sharing plates, and again these come in innovative and imaginative forms. Roasted Jerusalem artichoke with basil, wasabi foam and truffle, crispy potato tots with date and fig chutney and Westcombe Cheddar. Or Cornish lobster ½ with nduja butter and pickled ginger butter sauce, then brioche French toast with blueberry compote and coffee ice cream. Sundays introduce a full roast dinner, with set prices including options to add a starter or dessert, or both. The wine list is every bit the match, making this one of the best options for elevated dining north of the city proper.