El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester image

El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester

Restaurant Spanish restaurant Tapas restaurant

One of the Top rated Spanish restaurants in Manchester


Address

52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY, United Kingdom

Website

www.elgatonegrotapas.com

Contact

+44 161 694 8585

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Monday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 12 to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tapas (21) service (17) staff (16) dishes (14) good (13) restaurant (11) experience (11) friendly (10) table (10) great (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Whitney 2 years ago on Google
    Not sure what the fuss is about but we were quite disappointed after dining here. All the dishes were unfortunately mediocre. It’s a nice restaurant though, going over 3 floors. The service was attentive and cheery, and the cocktails were yummy. We had the cod croquettes which were a bit dry and doughy in texture. The octopus was not very tender. The tortilla, lamb skewers and baby squid were okay but not very exciting. The short rib was tender but had Asian flavours with a ginger glaze, pickles and spring onions on top. Average for such a well rated restaurant and I wouldn’t recommend.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 WORLD P. 1 year ago on Google
    Good service. And cocktails too. Love those little dishes and usually 4-6 for two person. You got to taste a lot of different flavours. Recommend! [please see my uploaded photos for food names.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 simon l. 2 years ago on Google
    Situated two minutes from the geographical centre of Manchester, the restaurant is the entire building so if you have issues with stairs, inform them. We had the 3rd floor, in an area that if it hadn't been raining has a retractable roof. The staff were all friendly, approachable and attentive to you having an enjoyable dining experience. The menus is tapas, small plates but far from small in every way. They recommend three plates per person, which is a good starting point, the portions are well sized (although 3 scotch eggs shared between two can be awkward, I would love the option to even the number, happy to pay an extra fee of course). Dishes come as they are ready and each dish was a delight in presentation, smell and taste. Having ordered fish, meat and veg, all were without a doubt sublime. I will return and I am sure the food will be just as fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed the mini scotch eggs and chocolate cake above all.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Shadab S. 1 year ago on Google
    What started of as a promising experience of a real food adventure ended in a disaster. Let me start from the beginning, we were seated promptly the waitress who served us was very pleasant and cheerful and happy, our food was served and apart from the short ribbed beef everything else was OK. My issue was when the waitress brought our bill and a discretionary service charge was added, the key word discretionary. As soon as I had said please take this off the happy cheerful waitress changed her attitude and made us feel very uncomfortable. The service was fine it wasn’t exceptional if you’re expecting a tip just for saying hello and being pleasant then you need to re evaluate because that’s not exceptional service and giving us looks of disgust and changing from being happy to ‘can’t wait to get rid of us’ isn’t going to make us feel like we should tip you, it makes us feel like we’re glad we didn’t because you were not genuine. El Gato please train your staff to behave better.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matteo M. 11 months ago on Google
    Got a last minute chef table for our anniversary and the whole experience was GREAT! All the food was so so tasty, we tried about 8 tapas in total plus 2 desserts. Was to die for. King prawns were divine and the octopus was so tender. Delicious. Short ribs coming off the bone, they were incredible. My bf is vegetarian and he enjoyed all the dishes he had. What an amazing selection they have on the menu. Our waitress, Maura, was very attentive and friendly, definitely made the whole experience better. Cocktail were really well made too. Thank you all for making our special occasion one to remember. 100% recommended.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ant 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely atmosphere, sat at the chef's table and had an amazing time observing the chefs and seeing how professional and friendly they are! Food was absolutely delicious, the serving staff was friendly, and helpful! Definitely recommend, amazing experience!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Gasgas 1 year ago on Google
    Poor food at a ridiculous price and they added a £7.93 service charge to the bill which you can ask to be taken off. Two of us had 3 tapas each and 3 drinks £87.23 which had the food been really good I would not mind. The salt cod croquettes were tasteless and hard potato in them , the squid were nice but just nice and the tiger prawns £12 for 4 were disappointing. Go to El Rincon a real Spanish tapas restaurant fantastic food half the price.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris W. 10 months ago on Google
    My new favourite place ♥️ Everything (minus the sweet potato) was amazing. As vegetarian i was very satisfied with menu options, my favourite things were salad and olives. Simple but full of flavours. Veggie paella balls were top tier too. Staff was great that night, place itself is very atmospheric and on theme. Definitely the best tapas I’ve had outside of Spain.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sachin S. 7 months ago on Google
    Took my partner for her birthday, and asked for a nice seat which we got. That was just the start, both the food and service were amazing. Best tapas restaurant I've been to in a long time. Our waitress Freya was also super, and gave us a complimentary dish and a glass of cava to celebrate. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys Spanish tapas!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rickie 7 months ago on Google
    Arrived rather late on a weekday evening, called prior to make sure a table was available. Food was really good quality, waitress was professional. Interior is interesting, in a positive way. Seating comfortable, tables not the biggest but it’s for tapas so how much room do you need. Great choice of wines and cocktails, abit on the pricey side but you get what you pay for in quality and excellent service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yiddo24 8 months ago on Google
    Went in as walk ins and the front of house staff were able to seat us at the chefs bar/table, which was great viewing. The restaurant was very busy for a Friday afternoon but service was still very quick and efficient and our servers were all extremely friendly and personable. The food was excellent with the Patatas Bravas and the Chorizo in Cider being the stand out dishes for us. Highly recommended and will definitely be trying the Leeds restaurant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ellie P. 6 months ago on Google
    Fantastic restaurant and food 10/10 El gato is one of my favourites to visit in Manchester. Each visit the el gato has been exquisite. The food is second to none. The portions are great despite it being a tapas style. Great for large groups as it’s easy to just share loads of different dishes and experience all the options available. If you haven’t already been then you must!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen W. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. This was my second visit here. We got a chefs table which was a lovely experience watching the chefs cook. The plates just come straight to you 😍 food was really good mostly. Some things could have been a little better. But overall it's great, I'd always go back here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron O. 1 year ago on Google
    As soon as we arrived we were made to feel welcome. We were greeted with a nice busy atmosphere and great staff. The food was delicious. We had 7 dishes between 2 people and a bottle of wine and left feeling very satisfied. My favourite was the lamb skews, meat balls and breaded cheese.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Declan R. 1 year ago on Google
    Went in for a late afternoon tapas with my girlfriend before the Liam Gallagher concert in Manchester. We didn’t have a reservation however I would recommend booking ahead as it was really busy (I think we were pretty lucky to get a table). We had 5 dishes between the two of us and all 5 were absolutely brilliant. The meatballs probably being the best of the lot! The service was great and the staff were really attentive. Would 100% recommend to anyone as this was easily the best tapas I’ve had outside of spain.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 miguel A. 7 months ago on Google
    This place was a vibe. The food was decent but the staff made the experience for us. We were gretted at the door by the charismatic and funny Ella were served by the lovely Jemima. The decor is lovely and there's also seating outside. Would definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Monica 2 months ago on Google New
    Went for a quick “snacking” there. We only ordered three items: fish croquette, prawn, and creme brulee. They’re all good esp the prawn! Creme brulee also comes in a big portion which you can share. I quite like the place for having a catch up or a drink. Would recommend to book the place if you come with a party more than 3 people.

  • 4/5 Marnie R. 5 months ago on Google
    Lovely food, great atmosphere and good knowledge of food alergies. Unfortunately most dishes on the menu did have allergens making for a small choice of what we could eat. I would return, but i think the menu needs to be made better for people with allergies to give them more choice. The Chocolate cheesecake dessert was absolutely delicious and vegan, best part of the meal.

  • 2/5 Marwan A. 6 months ago on Google
    I have visited this restaurant given the very good rating it has in google map. I expected top notch Tapas but unfortunately I did not. Except for the Friend goat cheese with honey which was amazing and another type of aged cheese with spices and pickles all the mains was disappointing at least to my taste. Although the staff were amazing and even one of the kitchen chefs offered me extra been squares as one have fallen from me which is amazing service, so thank you. Other than the service, I think I did not try enough dishes but the one I tried is a 2 star max. Also the drink was not as expected. Thanks and I hope for you every success.

  • 5/5 jessica m. 2 months ago on Google New
    Had a wonderful lunch here the other week. There was a 3 disher for £18 deal on which was very good value for money. Everything we are was delicious and the mocktail I had was also very nice and didn't taste just like juice like a lot of them.

  • 5/5 Marcin M. 7 months ago on Google
    Hazan the best waiter! So glad to had a nicer service guy. Thank you for make my day so special. The Best Birthday dinner ever! I will back promise. Amazing tapas, nice custome service and friendly atmospher. Defo Recommended!

  • 4/5 H007 T. 7 months ago on Google
    Came here with a reservation. Great service throughout. Ordering 6 dishes to share between 3. Not too filling but I would say 8 dishes between 3 would be just nice. Seafood was great especially the octopus and prawns very juicy and tasty. Chicken was pretty good too. Others were ok. Comfortable atmosphere throughout

  • 5/5 Scott 2 months ago on Google New
    Amazing tapas selection and quality. Had bar seats - interesting to see everything being made. Highlight was beef short rib and Gambas. Not cheap but high quality dining experience. Waiter was very attentive and friendly.

  • 5/5 Teri C. 8 months ago on Google
    I was treated to birthday lunch by my friend and I wanted to go here for a while, didn't disappoint, delicious food, friendly staff and treats for my birthday which just made the visit all the more special. Will definitely be returning thank you so much.

  • 4/5 Chris B. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent tapas. My only complaint would be that two of my partners dishes were forgotten about and by the time it could be addressed our group had virtually finished so we cancelled them. It was handled well and deducted from our bill. Despite that, we will return as it’s been the best tapas we’ve had in some time.

  • 5/5 Julia L. 10 months ago on Google
    Delicious! We got last nights reservations here on our first night in Manchester, and it was the absolute perfect dinner spot! Delicious food (pictured are the roasted cauliflower and fried goat cheese), and a very cozy but classy vibe! Would absolutely recommend this place for anyone who’s a fan of tapas!

  • 5/5 Ben W. 11 months ago on Google
    I brought my husband here last.month for his birthday and had made a booking for the chef's table. The staff were INCREDIBLE, so attentive and thoughtful from the moment they say us down. The dining experience was incomparable and the food was without question, top level. Althought the tapas menu wasn't huge, it had all of the favourites. The octopus was a great choice and everything was served with purpose and meaning. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone, it's tapas with a huge smile. It felt like we were transported to Spain at the chef's table as the chef's all communicated in Spanish, the staff were mostly Spanish and the entire experience felt truly authentic. Whenever you need a little pick me up from the Manchester rain and need to be transported somewhere else. Stop by, you won't be disappointed.

  • 4/5 Summer 11 months ago on Google
    Popped in for a quick lunch and we loved it. Definitely can see the reason why it’s so popular. Really busy since they open so better to book a table in advance. The beef rib is something you have to try. Service was okay. There is no big room for hanging coat and bags if you sit in the bar. Overall a good place to go in city center.

  • 3/5 Gideon W. 8 months ago on Google
    Overall the food was decent, it didn't "blow us away" as we expected based on other reviews and it was all a bit one-dimensional for the price. The service was lacking in quality with the staff being uninterested and cold. We were sat across from the bar with plenty of staff around, but took a long time to get any requests (drinks, and the bill).

  • 5/5 Sophia C. 9 months ago on Google
    Very nice place with a good variety, beautiful location, with outdoor seats in the center of Manchester, high quality dishes, well-finished and well balanced. friendly and helpful staff. prices a bit high and some portions a bit small but still money well spent. we will be back to sample other dishes

  • 5/5 Alex H. 1 year ago on Google
    The food and cocktails from here are amazing, and the selection on offer is really versatile too. The tapas comes out in different stages so you're not overwhelmed with loads of plates from the off, and the quality of the food is really up there. Prices weren't too bad considering, would definitely go again.

  • 2/5 Eviana Del r. 1 year ago on Google
    Really underwhelming food for my husband and I. The overall taste of the tomatoes for the Catalina bread were not great. No flavor and there was no garlic taste. The grilled octopus is the only reason I am giving two stars. Waiter was not attentive and forgot to put our drink order in! We were two tapas in when we finally had to ask about it. I was really surprised that this place wasn’t as good as I thought. Won’t be back

  • 5/5 Tricia S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great tapas restaurant built over several levels. Always good food and service. The chorizo and beef short rib tickled my taste buds the most on this trip. Love this place in the summer when they slide open the front window doors and the retractable roof 🙌🏽

  • 5/5 James W. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved our trip to El Gato, we managed to grab a last minute table upstairs on Friday afternoon - the staff were very friendly throughout! The prawns where the pick of the bunch but also very much enjoyed Salt Cod Croquetas, potatas bravas and asparagus. We'll definitely be coming back!

  • 5/5 Karen B. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my first visit here and it certainly won't be my last. I am a home cook and cook from scratch, cooking foods from around the world. This was a real treat for me having a day off cooking. The food food was superb as was the staff I couldn't fault anything. The best sangria's too. All of the food was so delicious 😋 I made this too for my family a few days after (Last 10 photos). I am looking forward to my next visit.


Call +44 161 694 8585 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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