First of all, we’re impressed to learn that Côte sources their meat from responsible farmers in Britain, Ireland, and South America. On top of this, they also have their own butchery to ensure the quality of their steak!

Furthermore, we love how their menu doesn’t only feature exceptional steaks, but also a range of traditional French dishes like Coq au Vin and Beef Bourguignon. 

Their provision of vegetarian options earns them significant plus points from us for catering to various dietary preferences.

When it comes to accessibility, they tick all of our boxes as well. Here, their doors are open every day and start service early — accommodating those who are looking for early lunch spots.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Côte (@coteuk)

However, it’s crucial to note that during peak times, such as weekends and holidays, the place tends to get crowded. We highly recommend making reservations in advance for those who want to skip the long wait.

Côte’s pricing is undeniably expensive with a dining experience usually costing up to £70 to £80 per person. However, we firmly think that the quality of their offerings justifies the cost, especially during special occasions. 

We discovered that customer service is another standout aspect of this establishment. According to their regulars, the accommodating staff goes above and beyond in assisting patrons in selecting dishes and recommending brilliant food pairings!

Gaucho is known for their designer furnishings and cowhide fabrics, aside from their food, of course! For us, this sets the stage for a lavish dining experience that elevates the ambience and makes this place ideal for special occasions. 

While some options on their menu lean towards the expensive side, we appreciate them for balancing it out by offering more affordable dishes. In fact, some mains start at only £18.

Since Gaucho is a known Argentinian nomadic horseman, we’re not surprised to learn that  they specialise in Argentine food and wine. Also, most of its regulars keep coming back for their renowned steaks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gaucho Manchester (@gauchomanchester)

When it comes to accessibility, the fact that they operate daily is a plus for us. However, since they open at precisely noon, people seeking to have an early lunch may need to find other dining options. 

On a more positive note, the flexibility of accepting walk-ins is commendable, which is perfect for those who have last-minute dining plans

Sadly, when it comes to customer service, we noted that opinions are mixed. While some patrons are content with the service, others have expressed dissatisfaction to us.

For instance, some of them mentioned that they experienced slow service and dismissive behaviour from the waitstaff. Despite this, we believe that this place remains worth a try for its culinary offerings and affordable options.

Store Street Exchange is a stand out to us for their accessibility. We’re impressed to learn that they’re only a two-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station.

On top of this, their operating hours are one of their strengths as well. They open early for breakfast and serve until late for dinner, we like that they ensure convenience for customers throughout the day.

We like that waiting times are also kept minimal — even during peak hours. In fact, they happily accommodate walk-ins and boast ample seating for all their diners.

The food here is a delightful twist on simple dishes. Regulars that we’ve spoken to shared that they particularly like the signature Goosnargh rotisserie chicken and tender steaks.

Moreover, their craft bar also impresses with a wide selection of beverages such as Manchester Honey Bee, Espresso Martini, Famiglia Botte, and many more.

While some patrons have had positive experiences, others have expressed dissatisfaction with the customer service. We’re a bit iffy that some of them had concerns over slow serving time, unfriendliness, and inattentiveness from the staff. 

Despite varying service experiences, we think the pricing here makes up for it. Our survey shows that the average spend for regulars falls between £20 and £30 only — making it an affordable dining option compared to other restaurants in the area.

Upon stepping into Hawksmoor, we were impressed with their incorporation of reclaimed materials from the late Victorian era within their interior design.

We also believe that the parquet flooring from a different courthouse, panelling from Birmingham’s Sandwell College, and well-cleaned glazed bricks sourced from a Liverpool public lavatory definitely add character to the space.

When it comes to the food, we’re happy to share that they have a wide selection of high-quality dishes. Their menu features prime cuts of matured beef, delightful seafood, and an array of British classics.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hawksmoor Manchester (@hawksmoormanchester)

Another good thing about them is that they offer affordability. Here, they have lunch priced at £26 and dinner at £29.

However, we think that it’s worth noting the £5 corkage fee on Mondays and Sundays — which can factor into the overall cost.

Operating every day is a significant advantage here. But we think that the varying hours throughout the week and midday closures might confuse visitors.

Furthermore, while reservations aren’t mandatory, they tend to get busy during weekends and holidays. With this, we strongly recommend booking in advance to clarify operating hours and to ensure that you have a table waiting for you when you arrive. 

Lastly, we learned that the staff here are accommodating, friendly, and thoroughly well-versed in the menu offerings. This is a big plus in our books since this aspect contributes positively to the overall dining experience.

Masons stands out for its airy and minimalist setting. We believe that this makes them an ideal spot for casual dining right in the heart of the city centre.

We were just a tad concerned since the traffic congestion due to the one-way system can pose a challenge when heading to the restaurant. Luckily, they open early which allows guests to beat the peak hours and hassle that comes with it.

Unfortunately, the establishment is closed on Monday. On top of this, we believe that they might not suit last-minute diners seeking spontaneous dining experiences as reservations are a prerequisite here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Masons Restaurant Bar (@masonsmcr)

On a more positive note, the customer service here is commendable. We discovered that customers love their accommodating staff members who go the extra mile to make guests feel special — especially during celebratory occasions. 

Pricing is wallet-friendly as well. In fact, we appreciate that some of their main dishes start at a reasonable £16 — catering to various budgets without compromising on quality.

They have a wide selection of dishes, but we learned that it’s their steaks and ribs that stand out and are highly regarded according to their regulars. Additionally, they offer a variety of beverages, ranging from juices to locally inspired concoctions.