The Lime Tree image

The Lime Tree

Restaurant European restaurant Modern european restaurant English restaurant

Changing menu of seasonal, cutting-edge British food, with meat from the restaurant's smallholding. People often mention Lime, restaurant, service, Tree, staff, good, excellent, great, lunch, lovely,


Address

8 Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2WS, United Kingdom

Website

www.thelimetreerestaurant.co.uk

Contact

+44 161 445 1217

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (436 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 to 9:30 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 9:30 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 9:30 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 4 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 5 to 9:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Lime (13) restaurant (13) service (13) Tree (12) staff (12) good (11) excellent (10) great (9) lunch (8) lovely (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 BHD 1 year ago on Google
    The Lime Tree is probably our favorite restaurant in Manchester. Probably favourite full stop. Been going close on 30 years and the quality of the food and the experience is as good as ever. Went today for lunch and it was brilliant and still fantastic value for money. The staff are a delight
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean I. 2 years ago on Google
    A really nice restaurant, especially the recently refurbished terrace space. A good sign is that my starter (a 'simple' tomato, mozzarella and avocado salad) was bursting with fresh flavours. The mains are well executed, the sea bass, in particular was excellent. Deserts of good quality, the gran marnier creme brulee was delicious. Service was attentive and I don't think it was outrageously expensive for the quality of food.. If you want to try out a proper modern British restaurant then this is it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Colin F. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife's favourite restaurant, came for early lunch and the food was well presented and cooked well as always. Definitely recomend anyone.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jo B. 2 years ago on Google
    I had been looking forward to trying this restaurant for sometime. The food was good but felt very rushed. Table booked for 8:30pm and main course finished by 9:15pm. No rest in between courses and then tried to charge for a drink that was ordered but never arrived. I was disappointed after hearing great things.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul H. 1 year ago on Google
    We went to the Lime Tree Restaurant on Saturday evening, however our experience compared to the Bollington Lime Tree earlier this year was a quite different experience. My scallops were overcooked & very small, tasted rubbery & didn't melt in the mouth, otherwise it was a great experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen W. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place, food was excellent and the staff helpful and friendly. Been visiting for years and never had anything other than a great time there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Lime Tree never disappoints. Beautiful food, lovely setting and attentive staff. Still as good today as it was when we first went 35yrs ago.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela C. 10 months ago on Google
    The Lime Tree has been my favorite restaurant for years. I absolutely love it. The food, the lovely staff, the ambience. I have never been disappointed here. Just the best.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 walter gerard b. 1 year ago on Google
    Last Friday 1st April after a long period of lockdown my wife and I revisited for a special meal on her birthday. The boss had steak and I had Haddock, both the meals were excellent. The service was exceptional even to birthday greetings on my wife's pudding. I don't remember the waiters name but he served us both very well. Many thanks to him & the chef for a wonderful meal. Ged Bostock. Ps Cannot wait to return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul C. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food, excellent service 5 stars all day long
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Summer 6 months ago on Google
    We had made a reservation in advance, but upon arrival, we found that the restaurant wasn't very crowded. The service was good, and I had initially wanted to try the grilled peach but was informed that they were out of peaches. The starters, including the soup of the day, chicken liver, and scallops, were decent. The slow-cooked beef for the main course was quite impressive, and the sirloin had excellent value for money. For dessert, we ordered the creme brulee. What's worth recommending is that this place offers a selection of wines that can be ordered in 125ml servings.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Julie J. 7 months ago on Google
    Had Sunday lunch with my husband a couple of months ago. The beef was beautiful and was cooked as we requested. The roasties were very tasty. The Yorkshire pudding could have done with being crisper. My husband enjoyed his veg but I thought it was on the plate as an afterthought there was no individuality it was mixed and cut up too small. The gravy was very nice and the service was really good. The dessert was delicious.

  • 5/5 Janet F. 11 months ago on Google
    Spent a lovely evening with my family here. The food was excellent and drinks were a fair price. We had all three 'nibbles' as sharing starters which were very tasty and enough not to fill us up. All the mains were cooked to perfection and a reasonable choice. I was concerned about a 2 hour time slot but it was plenty if time and we did not feel rushed at all. The staff were attentive, pleasant and efficient. My last visit was 35 years ago when I started my nursing career at Withington. I will certainly be returning sooner than that! It was great to see the local bars and cafes thriving, the nearby tram stop was very handy.

  • 4/5 Harshad P. 11 months ago on Google
    This place is a little gem. Great atmosphere with quality food and service, seasonal menus but highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Sarah M. 1 year ago on Google
    First time at the Lime Tree and I can't believe I haven't been sooner. Foccacia starter was amazing, as we're all of our mains! Prices were reasonable and service was great. Will definitely be returning!

  • 4/5 Lorraine O. 1 year ago on Google
    A really lovely meal. The restaurant lacked atmosphere, not helped by being very quiet despite it being 8pm. The chairs are hard and uncomfortable. The staff were amazing.

  • 5/5 Chris H. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best meals I've ever had. £30 for 3 courses of à la carte dinning was an absolute bargain. Cosy atmosphere, quick service, just 10 mins between courses. 10 out of 10.

  • 2/5 Vivek M. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is local to us, and we have been several times: there is little doubt that it survives on its past reputation. The food, while OK, is getting boring as the menu has not changed in a while and lacks originality. They also cram people in, so the atmosphere is not relaxed. We were seated right next to the door - in an area which had people walking past us on 3 sides, and it felt more like a canteen than a restaurant. The service level is mixed - some servers can't seem to be able to cope with a busy restaurant, and they all appeared harried. So, in summary, this place is not where we'd go back for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. They used to be OK but have gone downhill.

  • 5/5 Sarah O. 1 year ago on Google
    We’ve been going to the Lime Tree in West Didsbury for over 30 years and it just never disappoints. Easily the best food in south Manchester. We went last night on a sudden whim to eat out and it was, once again, excellent. The figs with whipped goat cheese were perfect, as was the cod steak with charred broccoli. My partner’s slow cooked lamb melted in the mouth and the crème brûlée was probably the best I have ever tasted. The three vegetarian options looked enticing too. The food is superbly fresh, served without pretentions and no one is constantly asking you if everything is alright. It was beyond alright. Definitely 5 stars.

  • 5/5 Bejal L. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant and would definitely go back again!! Quality of food was great, everything cooked to perfection and portion sizes were really good too. Service was really good, especially for a busy Saturday evening. Ambience was lovely, we sat in the glass roomed area, needed to put the heaters on but was warm enough. Thanks to the amazing team, it was a great experience

  • 5/5 Lucas N. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious lunch, probably one of the best soups I’ve ever had and the courgette fritters were delicious! All very reasonably priced too. Thank you Lime Tree!

  • 4/5 Matt J. 4 months ago on Google
    Second visit for Sunday lunch. Myself and partner both had a roast, myself the chicken him the beef. The food was lovely and chocolate soufflé that followed was also very good. Service was also good and staff are friendly. The only downside I find with the Lime tree is the atmosphere. It feels a bit like eating in a church hall. It feels a bit cold and dark, a few candles on tables and just slightly louder music and maybe another lamp in the front dining room would make a lot of difference.

  • 5/5 Kate H. 3 months ago on Google New
    Unsure why I haven’t eaten more than I have at the Lime Tree as I love it! I’ve been twice recently, both being Sunday lunch. I honestly can’t improve on it, I’ve been to many in surrounding restaurants in Didsbury, Chorlton & Cheshire. This is by far the best. The chef clearly loves his/her job & it shows on the plate. Very fresh, really tasty. Price is a few pounds more then others but worth every penny. Lovely atmosphere & great waiting staff too.

  • 5/5 Claire F. 1 year ago on Google
    Cosy and as if a combination of bistro and home. Great wholesome food, tastes perfect for each piece, presentation is on point, meals are fancy but humble. Three courses is perfect, sides are if you want to leave bursting and stuffed. From meat from land, sky and sea, to vegetables from all over, every taste is powerful, but balanced with the accompaniments.

  • 5/5 Sam D. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best and most under-appreciated restaurants in Manchester, this. The food quality is always fantastic. The type of food is higher-end, with a varying and imaginative (but not pretentious) seasonal menu. My family has eaten here for years, and the highest standards are always upheld. Looking forward to eating here again!

  • 4/5 Cristina S. 1 year ago on Google
    Cozy place, nice staff, my fish was a bit plain, missing a bit of more flavour. Same from the tagliatelle, nice not dry.

  • 4/5 Greg C. 1 year ago on Google
    Pleasant ambience. Welcoming, friendly staff. Rather expensive for ordinary food with moderate portions.

  • 5/5 Gerard L. 1 year ago on Google
    Pleasant atmosphere. Good, efficient service. Excellent food with sufficient choice for our taste.

  • 5/5 Rickyy T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food and service.

  • 5/5 Jimmy H. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing food at The Lime Tree, would highly recommend

  • 5/5 Steve H. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely food and excellent service. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for looking after us.

  • 5/5 Colin 1 year ago on Google
    This was the first time I had been there. The food was excellent and the service very friendly. Highly recommended

  • 4/5 Janine L. 2 years ago on Google
    Pleasant, relaxing surrounding. Attentive but unobtrusive staff. A little pricey.

  • 4/5 Alun T. 2 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed our Saturday lunch at The Lime Tree. The food was really tasty and obviously prepared with excellent fresh ingredients. Service was attentive and efficient and the waitress looking after us was really friendly and welcoming. She is a valuable asset to the Lime Tree!

  • 5/5 Sharon F. 2 years ago on Google
    This is our fave neighbourhood restaurant and it was great to see it open again after lockdown and to be back for a lovely family Sunday lunch. We were warmly welcomed and the restaurant and its outside terrace looked lovely. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly but attentive service. Hard to choose from the dishes on offer on the modern British menu. Lovely seasonal and fresh ingredients. All the food was delicious and well presented. Had a fab afternoon and cant wait to return.

  • 5/5 Melanie P. 2 years ago on Google
    Used to frequent years ago but had not been for long time. It still offers a fabulous dining experience. Food was scrumptious...I should have taken a photo but was to eager to eat it! Definitely going back soon..may get our son to chauffeur us so we can enjoy some wine too!

  • 5/5 Roger B. 2 years ago on Google
    Superb food and the staff were absolutely spot on, dealing with a party of 12 with ease, without being intrusive but attentive enough. This is our second visit there with a biggish group and they have been wonderful. Special mentions to Meg and Stephan. Top Notch


Call +44 161 445 1217 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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