WOOD Manchester image

WOOD Manchester

Restaurant Lunch restaurant Fine dining restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Fine dining restaurants in Manchester


Address

First Street, Jack Rosenthal St, First St, Manchester M15 4RA, United Kingdom

Website

woodrestaurantgroup.com

Contact

+44 161 236 5211

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (660 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 12 PM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: wine (21) menu (18) restaurant (17) tasting (16) staff (16) service (15) experience (14) great (13) Wood (11) lovely (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Zhenyu L. 2 years ago on Google
    As someone who has eaten in over 100 Michelin-star restaurants, I’m astonished and actually a bit disgusted by this restaurant! It certainly has picked up all the formality of fine dining, but fine dining tasting menu isn’t just about cutting the portion down, do some stylish plating with texture composition. The flavour just doesn’t work out, got exceedingly sour morel and lamb, feels like an issue of the ingredients, and plaice is overcooked, a few vegetables are unseasoned. The ingredients don’t seem to combine well and I don’t think the chef is tasting before service. And obviously the chef they advertise isn’t even in the restaurant! All the desert is doing a good job. Would give 2/5 but it is simply too overrated here and overpriced. Given the portion has been cut into tiny, the restaurant still is using sub-grade ingredients. For the price and rating, would certainly expect much better ingredients, design and cooking. You can have much better proper fine dining food down the road in Six by Nico for half the price, and I think that says a lot. For the current food of the 6-course, I can only say £25 would be the max price to be fair, given 3/6 dishes are not edible. Do not try to fool customers who are not familiar with fine dining!
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Rebecca M. 1 month ago on Google • 439 reviews New
    I’ve given some real thought towards posting this as I rarely leave negative reviews and understand the impact they can have. However, there were several elements of our experience that I feel should be highlighted. Firstly, we did receive a very warm and kind welcome from the front of house staff who saw that we were celebrating our engagement. Sadly, it was downhill from there. We were seated at 8pm and it was almost an hour before anyone even came to take a drinks order despite our attempts to catch their attention. I’ve never been to a restaurant of any standard with service this slow. There was also no apology for this. In terms of the food - enjoyable, but the portions were SO small. I’m no stranger to small plates at higher end restaurants but we left so hungry that we had to get a second dinner elsewhere. Fair enough for the starter portions/bread, but we ordered two vegetarian mains and they were both absolutely tiny - particularly the celeriac shawarma (see photos). I really don’t believe that this can or should be classified as a main. I’ve wanted to come here for ages and this could have been a really special experience, but overall the service and portion sizes really let it down.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Alex S. 2 years ago on Google
    Once it arrives - food is amazing, but expect to spend over 3 hours here. Maybe bring a book. Staff were very friendly, the service was great - but we waited on average 20 minutes between courses on a 9 course tasting menu. When we pointed this out at the end of the meal, the host politely advised that they do state this on the website - which they do - but this is an unforgivably long time between tiny tasting plates. And they really are tiny. Other tasting menus consistently manage to get (larger) courses out within 10 minutes of each other. We know this as we had so much time to kill that we compared timestamps on the pictures we have taken over the years. My boyfriend and I are never short of conversation - but we were left hungry and twiddling our thumbs. The two complimentary bar snacks provided while you wait for your table are great - the tartlet was fantastic. But after 3 hours you will leave £200 lighter and still hungry.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 boss_man_ian 2 years ago on Google
    Wow wow and just for good measure Wow Cold and miserable wet night in Manchester. Greeted by polite smiling staff who seated us promptly and attended to the first drinks of the night. Hacienda gin for me Fabulous... When we reached our table we were looked after by numerous members of staff who smiled knew their trade and kept us informed about the menu and the Wines. Overall each taster dish was better and better a true masterclass, and the staff were the stars well done Mr Wood a great night and a great venue with no detail to small overlooked...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynn 8 months ago on Google
    Truly a delight to have been here. You deserve a michelin star!! Congrats to all the chefs. Can't rate this place any higher... much deserved! Special shout out to Rachel. We had a great night.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beatriz G. 1 month ago on Google • 96 reviews New
    We had a wonderful evening, cocktails, delicious food and outstanding service. You can choose a lighter menu for £25 which is incredibly good value or go a la carte and enjoy discovering new combinations. Our favourites: stone bass ceviche, the bits of chicken and the gorgeous poach pear dessert. Well curated wine list and a stunning selection of cheese. Staff is young, friendly and professional, with special mention to the sommelier, Sam just thank you!

  • 5/5 david h. 3 months ago on Google • 96 reviews New
    Sat at the chefs table which was a great experience, almost felt like a private restaurant as the main dining room was behind us. Service was 2nd to none as soon as a glass was empty it was refilled. Staff were very knowledgeable answered all questions. Interesting to see the chefs working in front of us Will definitely return for the steaks I saw being cooked but weren't on our set menu Some of the dishes weren't to my taste but that's purely personal preference.

  • 5/5 Tee E. 1 month ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    Pros - A super warm welcome as soon as you enter, all of the waiting staff, the sommelier and chefs are very friendly. We spoke to a few of them and they all commented on how they love working there and enjoy being part of the chef’s vision. The food is incredible, we opted for a range of small plates and then followed with dessert and a small cheese board. Every single dish was an utter delight. Even as it gets busy, the tables are spaced cleverly so you have a sense of privacy and space between you and other diners. Cons - It’s not a con, but if you have a big appetite be prepared for the size of the portions. Small plates are, as they state, small so don’t expect your plates to be overflowing. We didn’t opt for the ‘big’ dishes, but others did around us and they looked a healthy size for this type of restaurant.

  • 5/5 Visitors In M. 2 years ago on Google
    Wood Manchester is another level of dining experience in Manchester that makes it very hard to review or rate. The food the setting the wine and wine pairing the service and the proud staff with their most comfortable service. Wouldn't say any more
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wendy “Woo” C. 1 year ago on Google
    What can I say? Incredible doesn't quite cover it. My niece and I went yesterday as a treat for her 30th birthday. We were greeted with a smile, the door opened for us, and promptly taken up to homage on the mezzanine level above the glorious and very impressive restaurant. We were seated in the most exquisite room, and both felt very special indeed. Our jackets were taken and hung, the menu's described to us. We each ordered a cocktail to start, and these were delicious . Amy had the special cocktail of the day which was aptly called lovely lady ( very fitting for my niece) and I really wanted something with an almond flavour, so one was created for me, very impressive. We then ordered our cheeses, 3 to start, and we paired these with wine. We followed this with even more of the extensive cheese selection. Again paired with wine. Each cheese has a chutney alongside it to pair with the flavour of the cheese. Some little bread roll, and some biscuits that basically melted in your mouth. I even had a dessert which was incredible, unfortunately I cannot remember the name of this, but it was a little like a creme brulle, with tonka bean flavour ( similar to vanilla) it had the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The room we were in was absolute luxury. There was relaxing background music, candlelight everywhere, very comfortable chairs, an extremely intimate feeling to it. We literally had the room to ourselves which made it feel even more special. The bathroom is situated on the same floor which is great. Last but by no means least , Michael was our incredible host, very knowledgeable about every wine and cheese, extremely professional, attentive and I would say an absolute asset to Wood. Thank you Michael for making our visit so memorable and special. I would highly recommend homage at Wood. You will not be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick V. 9 months ago on Google
    An all round excellent experience at Wood Manchester. Wood offers a tasting menu which changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find creative and innovative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. I recently had the opportunity to dine at Wood for the first time and I was blown away by the food. The ham, eggs and chips were a particular highlight! I'd also highly recommend the Jersey Jacket, which is an optional extra on the tasting menu. Already can't wait to go back. Thanks for an amazing evening!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy S. 11 months ago on Google
    Treated with warmth from the moment we arrived. I messed up on an offer booking they didn’t have to honour but they kindly kept it for my friend’s birthday. We went to Fromage where Anna served and talked us through 5 different wines and cheeses. She was so pleasant and knowledgeable. Go to this restaurant if you have the chance!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yasmin A. 5 months ago on Google
    WOOD Restaurant – British food done to perfection Thank you for the hospitality and service that I received when visiting your Manchester restaurant last Friday for a pre-theatre meal. Food and Menu The menu is simple but is effective and is easy to read. It is a small selection of dishes but there is something for everyone whether you are a Meat lover, a Chicken dinner person, the fish fan and or the Vegetarian. For Starters there is Chicken Sweetbreads, Smoked Salmon and more. For Mains there is the Lamb Sausage, Monkfish, Chicken and Meat dishes too. In addition you can also add a dish of Vegetables such as Carrots or the Sweet and Sour plate. There is also Pomana Potatoes too. For Dessert there is the Lemon and Basil pudding. There is also the Caramel and Kogi Tart too if you have a sweet tooth. If you are a lover of cold desserts then there is an eclectic selection of Ice Cream flavours to choose from. For the Starters the Chicken Sweetbreads were scrumptious to eat. The Chicken was soft and moist. It melted in the mouth. The Sweetbreads were cooked nicely giving it a slight bite. It was dancing on a plate. The Salmon was delicious. The pieces of Smoked Salmon were matched in harmony against the flavours of Cheese and Cucumber balls with Caviar. It was a light dish with lovely flavours and textures. For the Mains the Lamb Sausage was a hearty dish that was comforting to eat. The Sausage was cooked to a high standard. It was crispy on the outside oozing with Lamb inside. It was also sublime in its presentation. The Pomana Potatoes were a great addition to the meal too. Crispy pieces of Potato on the outside that was soft and fluffy in the middle. For the Dessert the Caramel and Kogi Tart was heaven. A great tart with soft buttery pastry and sweet Caramel on the top. It was gooey, sweet, and indulgent. In addition the Ice Cream went perfectly with the Tart and the texture was superb giving it a biscuit texture that reminded me of a Cheesecake. The presentation was exquisite too. Drinks There is a small selection of Mocktails with different flavours to quench your thirst. I had the Berry and Apple one that was refreshing, fruity and punchy. It complemented the food well. Service The waiters were friendly, attentive and accommodating to my needs. There was a wait for food but it was worth it as the food was freshly cooked and it was beautifully presented. It was a great experience. Lighting and Access The lighting was decent at our table. The furniture was lovely with stylish comfy chairs and nice cutlery. This enabled us to enjoy the meal in a relaxed atmosphere. In relation to access at this restaurant then there is a small step in order to enter the building. It is on one floor with no additional stairs. Parking Parking is available at Q-Park on First Street which is a multi-storey car park. Payment is required. There is also pay and display parking which is free for those whom have a Blue Badge. Pricing As Wood is a fine dining restaurant therefore the dishes are pricey. However, there is no harm in visiting here once in a while especially as the staff are warm and welcoming, the food is tasty and is presented to a high standard. If you love British food that is full of flavour and is presented in an artistic way then Wood is the place for you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natasha W. 1 month ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    Fantastic food with excellent service, in a very relaxed atmosphere. The staff were super attentive, polite and friendly. We even had a good chat with the sommelier about desert wine. An absolute gem of a restaurant - we loved it all, and we’ll definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Scott D. 3 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    Went here for lunch, excellent welcome, lovely glass of champagne, seats very comfy. Staff talked through options on menu, had the wine to accompany the food, excellent choice. Food delicious cooked by owner, ice cream to die for! Fantastic experience a must for all that visit Manchester! The wine expert very knowledgeable and took to time to explain the regions and his favourites and nothing was too much trouble! Excellent all round, most enjoyable afternoon.., Honestly, this is one of the crown jewels of Manchester, if you're from Manchester, If you're a tourist, if you're a northerner if you're anybody come here experience it, it's lovely its bloody grand. Support this business support the staff support, Manchester x

  • 5/5 Hollie E. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Visited Wood for my birthday with my partner. Overall, we were both so impressed with our visit! We loved the atmosphere, the music, the staff and the selection on the menu. They were playing nostalgic pop rock music and it just felt so relaxed and non-pretentious, really added to our enjoyment! The staff were all super friendly and couldn’t do enough for us! The food was absolutely delicious, very wide selection - we were struggling to choose! Highly recommend the venison tartare, the pork main and the salted caramel tart! Also the cocktails are fantastic!

  • 5/5 Derek S. 7 months ago on Google
    I guess we say the food was lovely, albeit, these tasting menus appear to be getting smaller and less of them. Venue was very quiet for a Friday night. I understand the concept, but it is pricey for what it is. Staff were very knowledgeable, especially the wine guru.

  • 5/5 PrimaLash L. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful food and service. The staff were lovely. We couldn't finish all the courses but the ones we had were delicious. Would highly recommend

  • 5/5 Rachel W. 1 year ago on Google
    Had the lovely Homage cheese tasting with wine, really enjoyed it. Waiter attentive telling us about the food. Lovely place would come again

  • 5/5 Emily G. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food. Friendly and helpful staff. Really nice decor too.

  • 5/5 Andrew N. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    It was our 27-year wedding anniversary, so we wanted to have a great night enjoying food and excellent service. We got that and more having a 6pm table setting. They do not offer a chef tasting menu now, but you have the option to make your own taster menu and share all our food with each other. All the food was outstanding, but the standouts were the French onion soup, Rag Pudding, the pork selection with glazed carrots, and the ice cream desert with the sweet shop selections was a fitting end. We tried version tartar for the first time and were very impressed and surprised with the freshens and textures of it. Amazing.. The service was excellent, with 2 young ladies being very open and engaging at all times. When they were busy, other colleagues stepped in to assist, so we were always attended to.

  • 5/5 James W. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down Wood was our favourite meal that we've had in Manchester! Staff were incredibly friendly, we had wine, cocktails and beers all of which were awesome and the food was amazing. The lamb dish was the pick of the menu

  • 5/5 Wendy B. 11 months ago on Google
    We had the full tasting menu with wine and it was incredible! Every mouthful was a treat and the restaurant itself was beautiful and relaxed. We spent a lot of money but it was worth every penny. Thank you Simon and gang!

  • 5/5 Geoff N. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the tasting menu with wine pairings for my birthday. Absolutely faultless! Impeccable service, wonderful inventive food, beautifully presented. Remarkable wine pairings with wines from unusual regions. Not a cheap meal, but worth it for a special occasion.

  • 5/5 David C. 10 months ago on Google
    What a great experience! Nice surroundings, friendly people, lovely food. What more could you want? Attentive, not overly so. All the food was fantastic. Anna, the lovely cheese expert helped us with our choices enhancing our enjoyment of the evening. Will definitely be going again.

  • 5/5 David J. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent, novel and delicious tasting menu. Well chosen and reasonably priced wine list. We ate on a Wednesday night so felt rather empty as the room is a large space. Imagine the weekend would be better from atmosphere point of view. Either way, a lovely spot. Definitely on the way to Michelin stars at which point prices will jump so better to go now!

  • 5/5 Lee C. 8 months ago on Google
    Lovely food and service. Quite expensive, but was a great for my daughters 21st birthday. Would go again for a very special occasion.

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic night, and well worth going. The food was brilliant, the best I've had for some time... The restaurant itself is well laid out and you can see the kitchen and the chefs working. Best of all are the staff. From James the general manager (with a fantastic moustache), to our waiter John, they all made us welcome, one and all. I find that places like like this can come across as a bit pretentious, but WOODS is such a relaxing place to dine. I'll be returning again soon...

  • 5/5 Lizzie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible meal here- every course was delicious and well explained by the chefs We had the wine pairing which was also excellent and I’ve even ordered some of the wines since Really nice atmosphere,restaurant was full but didn’t feel crowded or busy and staff were very attentive Would definitely recommend for a special occasion and I will be booking the wine and Cheese tasting soon!

  • 5/5 liam r. 1 year ago on Google
    My first fine Dinning experience, I enjoyed every minute from the exceptional waiting on staff to the wine guru who pairs your wine to each dish. Tried many different dishes that I'd never had before, I enjoyed ever morsel of food. Top draw 👌 Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Duncan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible chef's table experience, enjoying a journey through their tasting menu. Simon and his team couldn't be more welcoming into their wonderful restaurant. Our journey through the tasting menu was accompanied with wine pairings chosen by their very knowledgeable sommelier, yes there were some interesting curve balls but it all worked for me. We were talked through the dishes by Simon and his team making it a very memorable experience indeed. We've been lucky enough to experience a few chef's tables and this was the most personal one by far, thank you! I definitely recommend this restaurant for a special experience.


Call +44 161 236 5211 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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