Manifest Restaurant — Restaurant in Liverpool

My main issue with not giving 5 stars is the portion size compared to the price! The mains are currently priced at Michelin star levels, but the portions are unreasonably small.

The restaurant itself is compact, with a large curtain dividing the entrance. It has two tables for six, three for four, one for two, and six counter seats. The seating along the wall is padded for comfort with abstract paintings leaning casually against the brick walls. The tables are stone, contributing to an industrial aesthetic complemented by exposed ceilings, metal beams, and a display of bottles on wooden shelves. Lighting is focused and low, with beams directed at table height. Noise levels are moderate, heightened by the limited soft furnishings, and sitting near the door was uncomfortable as cold air still seeped in despite the curtain.

Cocktails: The “Wake Up Call,” featuring yuzu, cachaça, Manzanilla sherry, champagne cordial, aloe vera, and basil oil, was a standout. Served with three drops of basil oil, it was beautifully balanced—sweet, sour, and citrusy, with fresh notes shining through.

Starters: The beef tartare was visually stunning, served atop olive paste with crispy bread. While delicious overall, some pieces of tartare were slightly chewy.

Mains: The turbot dish was undeniably complex and well-executed—a fried fillet served with a half scotch egg, celeriac purée, and green sauce with caviar. However, at £35, the portion was shockingly small—approximately 100g of fish. Adding another 50g would still leave it modest for a main course. Despite its flavor and elegance, the small portion left me feeling short-changed.

Dessert: The treacle tart was a delight, paired with crème fraîche ice cream, fig jam, and a unique green fig jelly. Not overly sweet, it was a well-balanced and satisfying end to the meal.

The service was friendly and attentive, but the overall ambience fell short. The noise levels detracted from the experience, and the cold draft near the door made it hard to fully relax.

For the price, the portions need to be more generous—this felt more like a tasting menu than a full meal. While the food is undeniably creative and well-prepared, it doesn’t justify the...

Food was very good, well executed and tasted great, had the set menu and enjoyed moving through the courses and was just about full on finishing. The wine pearing was also very good as recommended. The food and wine felt worth the price.

Our server was not good, cold arrogant and not helpful. Did not attempt to explain anything, seemed more keen to go back and chat with he kitchen staff, would have left a bitter taste if not for the quality of the food.

The ambience was nice in theory, though there was an extended period of cutlery clattering from the kitchen which made conversation difficult at our table, which was annoying but went full circle to amusing for how long it went on for. sounded as if they were a bit behind in setting up in general which made for a bit of a off mood for the start of our meal. Was much better when the place filled up a bit as the meal went on.

Look forward to going back but perhaps in the evening next time. Hope for better service and ambience as these were not great and I don't think it's what the place is striving for. Would be hesitant if the issues encountered are persistent as...

What an experience! What can I say, we have absolutely nothing but good things to say about Manifest and the staff/chefs.

The food, oh wow!!! Everything we had was incredible. The food was so fresh and the ingredients were all the best you can find. They make everything in house and the food really packs a punch with flavour. The home made crisps are a must try as is the beef tartare and the cheese selection.

We sat at the chefs table and it was incredible. Chef Josh and Paul spoke to us throughout explaining what they were cooking and explaining their inspirations for the dishes as well as recommendations. They were incredible to watch and worked like a well oiled machine. They were so patient with our chatter whilst they cooked. Tom the waiter was so kind and attentive and had some brilliant stories about where the cheeses were from and the cocktail master was superb, recommending two cocktails each for myself and my partner which were insanely good.

I cannot recommend manifest enough and wouldn’t be surprised if they were on their way to a Michelin star. We are patiently waiting their June menu release so we...