Frank about La Vina...

Food friends, gather round. I have exciting news for you. I have a new favourite restaurant!

Yes, you heard right and make no mistake about it, I really am in love.

It’s this divine Spanish place, and as luck would have it, it’s right on your doorstep.

Let me introduce to you; La Viña.

First entering the restaurant, you’re immediately welcomed into the idyllic, warming ambience. The perfect place to hide away from the chill of Autumn and impending winter, La Viña’s decor stays true to classic Spanish style, transporting you from the cold streets of Manchester to the warming graces of our friends across the way.

Taking our seats we got down to business immediately, not wanting to be kept from the invigorating smells escaping from the kitchen.

Make sure your start your night off with some nibbles. Build your own tabla and indulge in cured meats, cheeses and be sure to order the Amazing Almonds.



“Amazing Almonds? How can an Almond be amazing?” I chuckled with my co-diner as I popped one into my mouth.

“Oh god...”

I don’t quite know how an almond can change someone’s life for the better...but it most definitely did.

A talented musician plays classical guitar whilst you indulge, giving the generous restaurant space an intimate and cosy feel. The soft Spanish sounds just loud enough to create atmosphere (and distraction whilst you steal the remaining almonds), but soft enough to still allow conversation. This new feature to Wednesday evening’s at La Viña give an extra something special to your mid-week treat and added yet further authenticity to the evening.



Our waiter appeared with our main orders; clearly a regular attendee of the gym, he showed no apparent struggle carrying our abundance of plates as he expertly positioned them on the table. We waited patiently till every dish had its place before excitedly diving in.



First up, the goat’s cheese and spinach croquettes, these were particularly special. Bursting out of the hand crumbed casing, melted, molten cheese-y lava oozed gloriously onto the plate. Forking a sizeable amount with the sumptuously sweet tomato salsa is lay on, I devoured these bites, totally lost in the soft and humble flavours.



Promise me you’ll try the Spanish black pudding. Served on a salsa romesco sauce, this is a classic British offering but not as you know it. Topped delicately with the cutest pan-fried quail egg, the chucky yolk gave delicious depth to the almost cured-tasting pud. It’s a true Spanish treasure and definite must for the table.



The pork cheeks were indescribably good. Paired with wafer-thin potato thins, thick meaty portions of diced pork are presented in an exquisitely rich and ever so softly sweet sauce – no matter what, make sure you order this. (It’s also waiter Tomas’s favourite! We had so much in common...)



If your tastes are tuned in for classic flavours, I highly recommend the fresh water king prawns. Served still bathing in their garlic bath, these plump and succulent pals were a welcomed addition to our tapas spread – with the added bonus of extra sourdough bread to mop up the juices.



We ordered the shredded salad for extra colour and crunch for the table. A beautiful creation of apple, radish, celeriac, red cabbage and carrot – this provided a fresh leveller to our plethora of indulgent treats.

The team at La Viña are fun and knowledgeable, keen to let you know their favourites on the menu and always available for photo ops. Servers who are engaging can totally transform your evening and when the food’s already this good – La Viña scores high on every step of the dining experience.



Our mini-break to Spain ended how every mini-break should end, lost in a basket of Churros. We devoured these sweet, cinnamon treats, swirling them in the velvety melted chocolate exclaiming our delight for the evening and making immediate plans to return.

By the time we left the place was packed, filled with movers, shakers and chorizo tasters. So before you make your trip be sure to book to guarantee a spot. When you’ve tried it for yourself and similarly seem to be under La Viña’s spell, be sure to take your friends – trust me, every juan will thank you for it.

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Posted: Friday 28th October 2016
ID: 3463 - 1775