Erst

International·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Erst

Silver Award

Erst has really been at the crest of Manchester’s new wave restaurant scene, grabbing national headlines for deft, seasonal cooking focused on local ingredients. It’s the same formula being trotted out by chic little wine bars all over the country, but there aren’t many that do it with the same panache.

Erst is a lovely sight in the afternoon sun, a rare sight indeed, as we’re told a few times by Mancunian staff. The chic, geometric design has aged beautifully over the last years: sleek, black floor lights arc high over the tables, and simple wooden shelves show off a considerable wine collection, as well as tasteful abstract art prints. This could be someone’s boho New York apartment, were it not for the industrial pipe-clad ceilings and bustling open kitchen.

A concise, confident menu of snacks, small plates and sharing dishes focuses heavily on the grill, while the wine list features vintages from small producers using organic and often biodynamic processes. An Erst flatbread is a must order, and ours glistens with beef fat and a good dusting of urfa chilli - a magnificent, well-judged combination. Thinly sliced winter tomatoes are generously topped with white crab meat and just-blanched agretti, and a glug of very good olive oil really pulls everything together, as does a glass of crisp Trebbiano. When Erst is firing, it’s all about simple, delicious flavour combinations, perfectly executed with quality ingredients.

The cooking, for the most part, is very accomplished, whether it’s a rosy slab of picanha in a blue cheese sauce, or gently poached and pickled mussels on cold roast pork collar - a twist on a vitello tonnato that comes off very successfully. Erst also delivered one of the best panna cottas we’ve ever eaten - stubby, just-set and vanilla-laden, propped against a handful of PX sherry prunes. Still very much at the top of the game, if Erst tells us anything, it’s that seasonal combinations never go out of style.

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Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
International
Ambience
Cool, Fun, Lively
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Child friendly, Dates, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Erst is located on Murray Street, Greater Manchester and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm. Erst is described as a natural wine bar and restaurant, the menu is seasonal and dishes are served as small plates that are designed to share.

The restaurant is modern and light, with a mix of seating and a small bar area. There are large windows to one side and soft contemporary lighting.

The menu changes regularly reflective of local supply and seasonality, however you will find dishes such as sea bream crudo with blood orange and chilli, and steak tartare served with tonnato. Other small plates may include braised potatoes with white wine and herbs and beetroot with ajo blanco and green chilli. You will also find tempting side dishes on offer, such as grilled flatbreads served with gremolata, or even with beef fat, urfa chilli and onion. Diners are encouraged to order a selection of plates to share and enjoy.

Desserts may include chocolate sorbet with olive oil and sea salt, or a rhubarb fool with meringue.

You can order wine by the glass or bottle. Natural wine is produced using simple and traditional techniques, and is made without the use of any pesticides, herbicides or additives. You will also find a good selection of beers and spirits on the menu, all of which have been thoughtfully selected.

Erst has been recognised most recently by the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, receiving three nominations including Restaurant of the Year, Jay Rayner also described his experience at Erst as “one of the best meals of the year.”

Erst holds a number of events throughout the year, look out for their Summer wine tasting events, and their New Year’s eve celebration menus. Booking is essential when visiting Erst.

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FAQs

Is there a set menu?

The a la carte menu is comprised of small plates that are made for sharing

Helpful? 0

Can you book a table?

Yes, you can book via the site or by emailing the restaurant directly

Helpful? 0

Does it offer gluten-free options?

Yes, although we do work with flour in the kitchen

Helpful? 0

Location

9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 6HS

0161 547 3683 0161 547 3683

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon Closed
Tue 13:00-22:30
Wed 13:00-22:30
Thu 13:00-22:30
Fri 13:00-22:30
Sat 13:00-22:30
Sun Closed

Reviews

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1 Review 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Iain D

06 October 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Fabulous, envemtive and entertaining food in a loverly relaxed environment. 

Book a table

Call Erst to make a booking on:

0161 547 3683 0161 547 3683

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