Grill on the Alley (CLOSED)

Although restaurants of its ilk are ten-a-penny in Manchester these days, The Grill On the Alley has been filling the bellies of Manchester folk with steak, seafood and cocktails for years with very few complaints.

Once you've sunk a few passion fruit slings at the bar, you’re led through the closely packed tables by a friendly member of staff. The dining room features a grand, open kitchen; the decor is all wood, exposed brick, low lighting and leather booths, both comfortable and lively when the restaurant is full – which it usually is.

Starters are varied, with classics and a few surprises making it difficult to choose just one. Luckily, a sharing plate is available for the indecisive.

Steaks are, of course, the main draw. Offering premium quality, 28-day aged meat, the restaurant intriguingly serves a different breed each month. Choose from ribeye, sirloin, rump, fillet or T-bone with porterhouse and chateaubriand available for two hungry people to share. It’s also one of the few places in Manchester to offer the daddy of all meats, ultra tender wagyu. There’s also the option to go surf and turf by adding a skewer of king prawns, baby scallops and crayfish or, for maximum decadence, half a lobster.

It's not just about the steaks though; desserts are simple yet refined classics, if you can manage one after such an epic meat feast. Alternatively, liquid desserts are available from the bar.