Address: 244 Deansgate (entrance on, Longworth St, Manchester M3 4BQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441618398819
Rating: 4.5
based on 169 reviews.
Atmosphere & Decor
Pros:
"The atmosphere at El Rincon de Rafa feels like you have been transported to Spain, fantastic atmosphere."
"A hidden gem just off Deansgate."
"Felt like we were actually in Spain not in the middle of Manchester!"
"It's well decorated and you feel like you're in a bar in southern Spain."
"Great atmosphere. It's like an oasis of Spain in the back streets."
"The whole restaurant was buzzing."
"It's a little piece of Spain in a small corner of Manchester and I would definitely recommend a visit."
Cons:
"The restaurant itself looked tired badly in need of redecorating and the toilets looked grubby."
"The decor could be updated. Getting rid of some of the pictures and other outdated tat hanging around would really liven the place up."
"A disappointing experience, unfortunately the authentic decor has seen better days."
"The football themed decor was frankly just a little bit bizarre."
"Can only concur with other reviewers regarding the odd smell (kind of musty, but couldn't put a finger on it)."
"Decor slightly dated, but very authentic, lovely Spanish wall tiles."
Service
Pros:
"The staff were friendly and helpful and don't rush you."
"Service fast and friendly and we had a fantastic time."
"Service was quick and our waitress was so friendly."
"Service was friendly and efficient."
"Really friendly staff and front of house."
"Friendly staff and a lovely ambience."
"Service was very good with only a short waiting time between ordering and food reaching the table."
Cons:
"We saw this place last night and decided to try it out - we certainly will not be going back nor will I recommend it to anyone! The service was the worst I've ever experienced anywhere."
"However service was rather slow, it was quite busy so understandable but seemed understaffed."
"Sorry folks, I have been going here for 15 years and I can honestly say I have never had a complaint until now, the service was shocking."
"The service was very disappointed. I waited for 30 minutes to pay the bills. The staff were very rude."
"Terribly disappointed, the service was non existent and the staff on were rude and unhelpful."
"Had to wait again at the bar for some time before being acknowledged."
"They told us we should have called them to make a reservation, that they no longer use opentable, and that there were no tables available."
Food Quality
Pros:
"Love this place the gambas pil pil and chorizo Al vino are out of this world so much flavour."
"Beautiful food! We ordered a selection of tapas... All came with delicious toppings and really were delicious!"
"White bait was amazing and tapas good."
"The most authentic tapas I've had outside Spain."
"The food is always to a very high standard, the paella is excellent and you must try the prawns in bacon."
"The tapas were delicious and the paella was very tasty, if a bit sticky."
"The food was very traditional and really good."
Cons:
"Spanish dishes sure, But they didn’t taste much like they do in Spain."
"Had a horrendous meal here and left the majority of the food which I was disappointed not to be asked why."
"However we later became unwell and had symptoms of food poisoning and without going into any detail we are still suffering from the food that was served to us."
"The food let the place down again too. It was just really bland on the whole."
"The paella had zero taste. I also tried the seafood alone and it actually tasted bad."
"However the food was terrible. Everything was over cooked."
"The potatoes were semi burnt, bald and they didn't look nice."
Value
Pros:
"When it came to pay the bill it was barely 240 £, nothing compared to quantity and quality."
"I found the prices to be very respectable for the amount of food as well."
"Prices were really cheap for the portion sizes."
"A meal for 4 of us was £120, money very well spent!"
"Good value too, it’s rare we can dine in Manchester for £50."
"The prices are very reasonable."
"Fabulous food and service and really good value for money."
Cons:
"Food was ok, nothing out of the ordinary, (MIND YOU, I COOK BETTER) service was awful!!"
"Sorry again, because everything else arrived within 5 mins, we were reminded several times that we had to vacate the table at 5PM the prices had gone up and the portions had shrunk."
"The only good thing about the experience is that it's cheap and the tapas are editable-ish."
Booking & Accessibility
Pros:
"There was confusion about our booking but the manager was very accommodating and eventually we sat down."
"One of the hidden gems of Manchester, you really need to try and find it."
"Place is a little hard to find but you feel like you’re in Spain...the atmosphere and food are extremely authentic vibes are just 10/10."
"Hidden away down the backstreets of Deansgate, this is really an amazing find!"
"Restaurant is hidden off the main street, and found on the corner, hence the name, a hidden gem of Manchester, will visit again."
Cons:
"Walked in at 5PM was served my wine and all 6 plates by 5.15, place was empty, probably because they want customers in and out."
"No website they use Facebook so messaged them to book and got an auto reply saying can’t take bookings by that route so ring!"
"Terrible service. Booked a table for this restaurant on opentable.co.uk and we called that evening before leaving home, to confirm our reservation."
"Would love to have tried this place but trying to book is a joke."
"Rang Saturday and was told they were too busy so ring back!"