Sitting outside one Greater Manchester venue was described as being ‘akin to being in a European city’Four restaurants in Greater Manchester, including Piccolino Caffé Grande in the city centre, have been named in a list celebrating the best spots for outside dining in the country(Image: Piccolino)
A number of restaurants across Greater Manchester have been named in a list celebrating the best spots for outside dining in the country.
Each year, OpenTable unveils its Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining list which celebrates the best reviewed venues on the platform when it comes to sunny spots that have been praised for both their good food and good vibes.
The top 100 list, which is arranged in alphabetical order, features venues across the country, including the likes of the Caraffini Restaurant in London, The Broad Chare in Newcastle upon Tyne and the Old Post Office in Haworth in Yorkshire.
Whilst a large percentage of the list is made up of London venues, there are four bars and restaurants in Greater Manchester which have also managed to get a mention in the top 100 this year.
Albert’s Standish, in Wigan, has been highlighted in the list with an impressive 4.7 rating out of 7863 reviews. Located on School Lane, the venue is part of the Albert’s restaurant chain but has been particularly praised for its ‘amazing atmosphere’ and ‘superb service’.
Albert’s Standish has been named one of the best restaurants with outdoor seating in the country(Image: Instagram: @alberts_standish)
The restaurant and bar serves the likes of wild mushroom arancini, Malayan chicken with rice and flatbread, and lobster ravioli, as well as a selection of smashed burgers, steaks and pizzas.
The restaurant features an outdoor heated patio area, which has been described as ‘lovely’ and ‘work[s] well on a British summer Friday evening’. Earlier this year, the restaurant was also named one of the most romantic venues to dine out at in the country.
Also making the top 100 list is Bar San Juan, on Beech Road in Chorlton. First opened in 2010, the tapas bar serves authentic Spanish dishes, as well a varied selection of imported wines and beers.
Bar San Juan in Chorlton(Image: Michael Casey)
The bar serves the likes of home-cured salmon, roast pulled lamb leg pastry parcels, slow-cooked vegetables, Andalusian-style hummus and Galician-style octopus. Earlier this year, Bar San Juan – which features traditional decor – was named the Neighbourhood Venue of the Year at this year’s Manchester Food and Drink Awards.
Reviewers on OpenTable have praised the venue for its outside offering, praising its outdoor space for being ‘excellent’ and having ‘great ambience’, with heating provided during the colder months. However, one recent visitor during a sunny day praised the space by saying: “Sitting outside today was akin to being in a European city.”
20 Stories also received the title of being named one of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in the UK. The restaurant, on Hardman Square in Spinningfields, has been praised for being a ‘stunning venue’ with ‘a beautiful view’.
20 Stories in Manchester(Image: Instagram: @20storiesmcr)
Its rooftop bar has trees scaling two storeys high and also offers unparalleled skyline views of Manchester. A couple of years ago, 20 Stories also beat out venues in Melbourne, Istanbul and Houston to be named one of the best rooftop bars in the world.
The restaurant and bar is popular with its a la carte, afternoon tea and brunch offerings, whilst it also features an impressive selection of cocktails and wines, as well as its own Aperol Spritz menu.
Also gaining recognition in the city centre for its outdoor space was Piccolino Caffe Grande. Located on Clarence Street just a short walk away from St Peter’s Square, the popular Italian restaurant recently underwent a huge refurbishment.
Italian restaurant Piccolino Caffé Grande on Clarence Street(Image: Piccolino)
Having now been in the city for 24 years, the venue has been described as a ‘jewel’ in Manchester’s restaurant scene and features a menu including chateaubriand sharing cuts, responsibly-caught seafood, and pasta dishes made using Ligouri Pastificio.
Its outdoor area comprises a large alfresco terrace which overfaces the stunning historic Manchester Town Hall. OpenTable reviewers described the outside space as ‘beautiful’.
You can find OpenTable’s full Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining list here.