"Anni, amori e bicchieri di vino, nun se contano mai." — "Years, lovers, and glasses of wine; these things must not be counted."
~ Anthony Capella, The Food of Love

If you're a food lover in Manchester, there's a hidden gem you need to know about: Erst. Situated on the corner of Murray Street, this unique eatery has been a place I’ve long anticipated visiting, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations.

What Makes Erst Special?

Erst is more than just another trendy restaurant; it's an experience. Billed as a "natural wine bar and seasonal small plates restaurant," Erst blends modern design with a minimalist industrial touch, creating a dining atmosphere that draws you back for more. The restaurant is known for its continually changing menu, which features small plates prepared with seasonal ingredients. The vibe at Erst is effortlessly cool and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a cozy, romantic date night or a relaxed evening with friends.

The setting is a perfect balance of chic and casual. With its dim lighting, intimate seating, and minimalist decor, the ambiance encourages relaxation and enjoyment of both food and company. What sets it apart is the focus on natural wines — a feature I regret not being able to fully explore since I drove there. However, the garnacha I did taste was absolutely divine!

What We Ordered: A Delectable Feast

At Erst, it’s recommended to order 5-6 small plates for two people to share, which allows you to savor a range of dishes. Here’s what we indulged in during our visit:

• Grilled Flatbread with Beef Fat and Urfa Chilli
  This dish was a perfect start — the flatbread was soft and the beef fat added a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. The Urfa chilli gave it just the right amount of heat.

• Beetroot, Ajo Blanco, and Green Chilli
  A vibrant, earthy plate that paired beautifully with the creamy ajo blanco. The green chilli added a fresh kick, making it a standout.

• Parisian Gnocchi with Courgette and Wild Garlic
  The gnocchi was delicate and tender, perfectly complemented by the seasonal courgette and fragrant wild garlic. This dish was a crowd-pleaser for sure.

• Lamb Belly Skewer with Date
  This dish had a deliciously balanced sweet and savory combination. The tender lamb, paired with the sticky sweetness of the date, was pure perfection.

• Onglet with Bordelaise Sauce
  The onglet (a cut of beef) was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, with the rich bordelaise sauce enhancing every bite.

For Dessert:

• Panna Cotta with Prunes in Monbazar
  A silky, creamy panna cotta served with prunes in Monbazar, creating a beautifully rich and indulgent end to our meal.

What We Drank: A Taste of Natural Wine

One of the key highlights of Erst is its impressive selection of natural wines. During our visit, we opted for:

• Azul y Garanza, Naturaleza Salvaje Garnacha 2021
  This particular garnacha was smooth, fruity, and packed with character. It complemented our dishes perfectly and made me wish I could sample more of their wine list!

Is Erst Worth the Price?

Dining at Erst is undoubtedly on the pricier side, but it’s worth every penny. For two people, we spent around £100, which included several small plates and a bottle of wine. While it may be considered a splurge for some, the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere makes it an experience you’ll want to repeat.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Erst?

In short, yes! If you love trying new restaurants that offer unique flavors and are open to experimenting with natural wines, Erst is the place for you. Whether you’re planning a special date night or just looking for somewhere exciting to enjoy a meal with friends, Erst delivers on all fronts. The service is warm and attentive, the ambiance is both stylish and laid-back, and the food is nothing short of extraordinary.

Important Note: Plan Ahead

Since Erst is an award-winning restaurant, it tends to get booked up quickly. If you want to guarantee yourself a table, especially during peak times, I recommend making a reservation early in the week to avoid disappointment.

So, if you're ever in Manchester and want to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, make sure Erst is on your list!

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