Erst — Restaurant in Manchester

Dear Food Enthusiast,

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey like no other! Allow me to paint a picture of a restaurant that exudes extravagance, where every bite is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Imagine stepping into a world where the menu is an opus of exquisite dishes, meticulously crafted to elevate your dining experience to unprecedented heights. From the first course to the grand finale, every dish sings with an orchestra of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, expertly fused together to create harmonious explosions of taste.

As you enter, you will be enveloped in an ambiance that is nothing short of enchanting. Soft, warm lighting dances upon the elegant furnishings, casting a spell of sophistication and allure. The air is filled with the delightful aromas of culinary mastery, teasing your senses and beckoning you to indulge in the feast that awaits.

The chef, a true culinary virtuoso, orchestrates a symphony of flavors that will leave you spellbound. Each dish is a masterpiece, lovingly prepared with an exquisite attention to detail. From the delicate balance of flavors to the stunning presentation, every plate is a work of art that transcends mere sustenance.

Prepare to be swept away on a gustatory adventure, where your palate will be treated to a crescendo of taste sensations. Every bite is an invitation to experience the extraordinary, as the flavors dance across your tongue in perfect harmony. From the velvety richness of a perfectly seared steak to the delicate intricacy of a handcrafted dessert, every morsel is a revelation.

So, my dear gastronome, await no longer! Let your senses be seduced by the allure of this extraordinary dining haven. Take your place at the table and prepare to be captivated by the culinary marvels that await you. Your taste buds will thank you, and your soul will be forever nourished by the symphony of flavors that this remarkable establishment has to offer.

Bon appétit!

Warm...

Visited ERST in Ancoats, a Michelin-recommended spot from 2021, and it truly delivers on atmosphere and service—a great choice for couples looking for a cozy, intimate dining experience. However, if you’re coming for a hearty meal, you might want to reconsider. Here’s what I tried:

🥂 The Food Experience: • 🦪 Oysters (£3.5 each) – Fresh but on the smaller side. Cleanly prepared, but not particularly outstanding for oyster lovers. • 🥖 Flatbread & Beef Fat – Highly recommended by the staff, and it didn’t disappoint! The bread was incredibly soft, with a rich, indulgent beef fat aroma—one of the highlights of the meal. • 🦌 Venison Tartare & Girolles – The absolute MVP of the night! Raw venison with mushrooms, perfectly seasoned with no gaminess—just tender, flavorful bites. A must-try! 💯 • 🍞 Gnocco Fritto, Squash Agrodolce & Ricotta – Sounded creative, but tasted underwhelming. The squash’s sweet-and-sour flavor lacked depth, making this dish a miss for me. • 🐟 Salt Cod Brandade & Braised Leek – A creative dish with mashed cod and braised leeks, but the execution fell flat. Not something I’d order again.

✨ Overall Verdict: • Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – One of the best date-night spots in Manchester. Warm lighting, great music, and attentive service make for a top-tier dining experience. • Food: ⭐⭐⭐ – Dishes are highly refined and shareable, but portions are small, and prices are on the higher side. Expect to spend £75-80 per person if you want a full meal. (I skipped their £65 steak, but maybe next time!)

📌 Who Would Enjoy ERST?

✅ Perfect for couples who want an intimate setting, light bites, and a good wine selection. ❌ Not ideal if you’re starving or looking for big portions—this is more about quality over quantity.

💡 Final Thoughts: If you’re after romantic vibes and beautifully plated small plates, ERST is worth a visit. If you’re just looking to fill up, your wallet might take a hit....

We went to Erst for a belated anniversary dinner—a visit we’d been eagerly anticipating—and it truly lived up to our expectations. We ordered the scallop crudo, beetroot ajo blanco with green chilli, cold roast pork collar, and chicken liver pork ragù cavatelli.

The progression from light to rich flavours was clearly intentional and thoughtfully arranged. The scallop crudo was incredibly fresh and vibrant, a perfect opener that awakened our palates and set a refreshing tone. The beetroot with ajo blanco was another standout—the creaminess of the ajo blanco paired beautifully with the earthy beetroot, and the green chilli added a gentle layer of complexity without any heat, enhancing the dish in a subtle, elegant way.

The pork collar was melt-in-the-mouth tender, with a beautifully balanced sauce that brought everything together. The only slight drawback was the cavatelli, which we felt was a little over-seasoned compared to the rest of the meal.

We finished with the pistachio polenta olive oil cake with crème fraîche, which was a lovely, understated dessert—light yet satisfying, with a delicate balance of nutty richness and creamy tang to round off the meal.

Overall, it was a delightful experience. The attention to detail in both the food and the menu’s structure really impressed us. We’re already looking forward to coming back when the menu changes to...