CITY Café is one of Manchester's most unassuming restaurants and, we think, one of its best. It does what it does quietly, consistently and well. It's why it's up there in the 'favourites' list of many.
Head chef Michael Campbell has created a menu that shows flair and a real passion for surprising diners
City Café is located in the awkwardly named 'Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Manchester Piccadilly' but don't let that fool you into thinking it's just convenience dining for the guests staying upstairs. Head chef Michael Campbell has created a menu that shows flair and a real passion for surprising diners with interesting tastes and combinations.
When we interviewed him recently for Confidential, he compared being a chef to his previous job as a carpenter: “As a carpenter, you start out with a raw piece of timber and mould it and shape it into something new, something beautiful and artistic. Being a chef is the same, except you’re using your taste buds instead of sight.”
His favourite dish on the City Café menu is the Crab risotto flavoured with chilli, ginger and garlic, and finished with coconut foam. Ours is probably the Loch Duart Salmon with dinky quails eggs and crayfish.
We also love the unfussy, elegant style of the dining room. There's no try-hard theme or showy décor. It's just a very pleasing place to wile away a few hours, with white table linen, soft lighting, and a view over Piccadilly Plaza.
If you're looking for somewhere to dine out this week, this has to be a contender. For booking details and offers, visit our City Café page.
In this competition, you can win dinner for two at City Café Manchester, with £60 to spend on food and drink. To enter, just click the red button.
