Portfolio MCR brings together British fine dining and an exceptional Champagne collection in the heart of Manchester - a go-to for romantic dates and special occasions. At the helm is chef Julian Pizer, whose ambitious tasting menus centre around beautifully presented, flavour-packed dishes designed to deliver maximum impact in just a few bites.
The Portfolio lunch menu offers a 10-course introduction to Pizer’s cooking, while dinner gives diners the choice of 14 or 18 courses. The menu moves through imaginative combinations such as chicken and oyster with sour cream and chives, beef fat hash with beef tartare and horseradish, Orkney scallops and a pork fat lobster roll. Larger dishes might include whole duck with chocolate mole and sour cherry or aged dairy beef with French onion and truffle, accompanied by Hasselback potatoes with caviar.
Desserts are just as inventive, with combinations including honeydew melon and chilli margarita, a blue cheese and toasted white chocolate doughnut with Calvados pear and Dorset chocolate with plum and hazelnut. A vegetarian tasting menu is also available.
The restaurant itself provides an understated backdrop to the theatrical food. Neutral tones, parquet flooring and wood panelling are complemented by cocooning curved booth seating, greenery and wine-inspired artwork. Large windows bring in natural light, while black tables allow the intricate dishes to take centre stage. A wall of Champagne bottles provides a striking reminder of the venue’s other speciality.
Optional Champagne pairings can be added to the tasting menus, drawing on Portfolio’s extensive collection. Alternatively, guests can drop into the bar for drinks and snacks such as oysters, truffle and black garlic focaccia, chicken liver parfait, charcuterie and cheese boards, accompanied by a glass or bottle of Champagne.