While December is THE month of eating and drinking, January is home to some of the best offers of the year. While prices are so alluring, surely itâs worth splashing out on at least one gourmet dinner. To make it that little bit easier, weâve compiled our best offer list for you to choose from.
Livebait - 3 course lunch for £14
One of only two outlets in the UK, Livebait is co-owned by the crew behind the multi award winning Cafe Fish in Edinburgh. Everything is market fresh and sourced in the most sustainable way possible. Rather that offering fancy fine dining, this is straight up, simple fish, cooked with finesse. Try Morecambe Bay plaice with a lemon and cream sauce and grapefruit - or gourmet fish and chips. (22 Lloyd Street, City Centre, M2 5WA. Tel: 817 4110, www.livebaitmanchester.com)
Michael Caines Fine Dining at ABobe - £12.50 for 2 course lunch
Remarkable value menu at the acclaimed fine dining restaurant in the iconic ABobe hotel basement in the city centre. Start with with pan-fried mackerel, thai purée and tempura vegetables or tortellini of guinea fowl followed by pan-fried pollock with parsley risotto and roasted salsify or bavette of local beef with shallot and mustard purée. Irresistible desserts include treacle tart and confit orange sorbet or passionfruit soufflé with exotic fruit brunoise and white chocolate ice cream. Only available at this price until 10 February. (107 Piccadilly M1 2DB. Tel: 0161 200 5678, www.michaelcaines.com)
Rosso - Free bottle of wine with every meal
This timeless Italian restaurant in the city centre serving in fine meats, hand crafted pasta, and market fresh ingredients. Guests must pre-book by phone mentioning the voucher. Click here for voucher and details. (Rosso, 43 Spring Gardens, M2 2BG
Tel: 0161 832 1400)
Le Relais De Venise LEntrecote - steak, frites, sauce and starter under £14
At one of the finest steak bistros in Manchester diners can enjoy 35% off the green salad and steak frites set menu (usually £21) every day during lunch and dinner throughout January and February. This makes the set menu just £13.65. The offer applies to anyone dining in the restaurant and there are no vouchers or print outs needed. Simply turn up. (Le Relais De Venise, 84 King Street, M2 4WQ. Tel:
0161 850 8600, www.relaisdevenise.com)
Grill on The Alley and Grill on New York Street - 50 per cent off food
During January you can tuck into a startling 50 per cent off your food bill at Manchesterâs original gourmet grill house - and itâs Piccadilly-based sister restaurant - simply by booking online. Wines are aromatic, rich and sourced often from the New World, while leather-clad booths and an open pass make for an excellent atmosphere every night of the week. We particularly love the locally sourced rib eye steak, served with hand-cut fries, but lighter options like chicken Caesar and Coronation hake with Bombay potatoes never fail to impress. (Grill on the Alley, 5 Ridgefield, M2 6 EG. Tel: 0161 833 3465, Grill on New York Street, New York Street, M1 4BD. Tel: 0161 238 9790. Click here to make your reservation)
Rhubarb â 3 courses under £17
One of our favourite neighbourhood restaurants specialising in Modern European fine dining is offering two courses £13.95, or three for £16.95. Starters include Bruschetta of pan-fried chicken liver, black pudding and Madeira reduction or crispy-fried squid with harissa mayonnaise and lemon-herb couscous salad. Main options include roast breast of herb marinated Goosenargh chicken with butternut squash and sweet corn hash, mashed potato, tarragon veloute or grilled fillet of salmon, Indian spiced potatoes, spinach and a cucumber and mint raita. (167 Burton Road, West Didsbury, M20 2LN. Tel: 0161 448 8887 www.rhubarbrestaurant.co.uk)
Neighbourhood â 30 per cent off food when you book online
Manchesterâs Manhattan-inspired bar and restaurant is the current place to be and be seen. Head for their website, make your reservation for up to 6 people and secure a tasty 30 per cent off your food bill. The menu is delicious and alluring, specialising in seafood (lobster tacos, crab-fried oysters), steak (strip, flat iron or rib eye), fine wines, cocktails blends and desserts. (The Avenue North, Spinningfields, M3 3AP. Tel: 0161 8326334 www.neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk)
Aumbry â five courses for £25 on Tuesdays
Repeat winner of the Manchester Food and Drink Award for Best Chef and Best Restaurant, Aumbry is regarded as Manchesterâs best restaurant (pictured). The Tuesday Tasting menu returns after a break during December and offers a great way to get acquainted with the house style. Dishes include salt beef stovey, mustard sauce and pea shoots, slow-cooked organic Gloucester Old Spot pork with black peas, vinegar, apple and crackling or grapefruit posset, with celery granita and sherbet. Booking essential. (2 Church Lane, Prestwich, M25 1AJ. Tel: 0161 798 5841 www.aumbryrestaurant.co.uk)