Bar San Juan — Restaurant in Manchester

I had been curious about this place for quite some time, having received positive feedback from those around me. I finally had the opportunity to visit, and from the moment I stepped inside, it was clear that the atmosphere was one of its strongest aspects. The fusion of traditional elements with a modern touch has created a unique and inviting setting. The attention to detail in the décor, the choice of materials, and the overall ambience make for an enjoyable dining experience.

Moving on to the service, despite the restaurant being quite busy, I was impressed by how efficiently everything was managed. It is evident that the menu has been carefully designed to accommodate quick service. Dishes that require lengthy preparation times, such as paella, have been omitted, likely to maintain a steady workflow in the kitchen. While this approach ensures smooth and prompt service, it does somewhat limit the variety of options available. Nevertheless, the speed and efficiency of the staff certainly contribute to a positive customer experience.

When it comes to the food, I must admit my expectations were not entirely met. The main issue I encountered was the excessive use of salt, which significantly impacted the overall taste. The combination of the inherent salt content of the ingredients with an additional layer of seasoning resulted in dishes that were overwhelmingly salty. If the salt levels were adjusted, this could become a place worth visiting regularly for a casual meal. Of course, taste is subjective, but in my opinion, a more balanced seasoning approach would greatly enhance the flavours.

Additionally, this venue is a good choice for those looking to enjoy a drink in a pleasant setting. The selection of snacks available to accompany beverages is sufficient, and in terms of value for money, the pricing seems reasonable.

In conclusion, the venue’s atmosphere, fast service, and well-curated drinks menu stand out as its key strengths. However, there is room for improvement in the food’s seasoning to make it more appealing to a wider audience. If the salt levels were adjusted, this restaurant could attract an even larger customer base. That said, for those seeking a relaxed environment to enjoy a drink and quick service, this remains a...

The most amazing place in Manchester, or in England even. It’s like taking a holiday to Spain for a while, in the heart of Chorlton. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming. The place is full of the chatter and the laughter of cheerful customers enjoying their time, on the background of beautiful Spanish music. Don’t let the size of the restaurant deceive you. It’s always busy to just the perfect extent- even if you’d have to wait, it won’t be long! But we always see some familiar faces of people who always come back, and many new faces who just discovered the place and are just as satisfied as the regular clients. The food... Dios mio, the food. You might not expect much from a small bar. Well, mate, you’ve never been so wrong. So fresh, so flavourful and delicious, perfectly cooked, assembled and served. True, authentic Spanish tapas that will never ever disappoint. Every time I try to take pictures of the food I get carried away eating it and end up with halfway finished plate when I finally remember my initial intentions... as you can see. The Sangria is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve been to Spain! But what matters most to me is not the atmosphere, nor the food, nor the drinks. It’s the people. I find it hard to describe the staff, I have on words. What I can tell you is that you have never met other people with such passion, so friendly and welcoming... simply unforgettable. Ask for Sergio. He is the best person I’ve ever met. He will make you feel so special and welcome. He will give you the best advice on what to order and will always make sure you’re satisfied. He will have a great chat with you and always make you smile, always make your day! Don’t forget to tip him!!! Best. Place. Ever.

MUST TRY: Octopus! Calamari! Quail egg toasts! Sangriaaaas! Papas...

After 10 years in Manchester I still find it difficult to explain the all buzz around this place. So today, after paying a respectful visit, I decided to share my modest opinion. I'm not going to mark Bar San Juan down for the fact that most tapas on the menu involve very little cooking, this comes with the fact that you decided to eat in a Spanish venue.... Having said that, you'd expect perfect tapas to justify such enthusiastic reviews. I come here very rarely, always invited by people raving about the place, and I must say I've never experienced any wow factor. Most negative notes: the bread was nothing special, some tapas way too much oily, some pairings on the menu didn't work for me, like for example the swordfish fried bites were lacking a dip element to make the plate less dry. On top of that, I am writing this 8h after my visit and I still fill my body wrapped in an overwhelming garlic sensation, which will be probably sticking with me for the foreseeable future. Despite Bar San Juan definitely not being my cup of tea, my review is still a quite generous 4 stars. After all, if you appreciate tapas more than other cuisines, this place will do the job for you. On the positives, the bread of ca' San Juan comes with a lovely and fresh tomato sauce, the potatoes are cooked to perfection and the staff was friendly enough. The interiors are pleasant, although it's a very small environment - I guess that adds to the character. I would personally reward with merit other places on the manchester scene, but fair play to this gaff for what they have achieved with so little effort. Enjoy...