Dakota Grill Manchester

Dakota Grill Manchester is the work of former Malmaison owner, Ken McCollough and it is as dark-hued and handsome as the successful boutique hotel chain. It’s an inviting place with flickering candlelight, very retro-sexy – sure to be the setting for many a first date. Will sparks fly?

Seasonal fine dining and small plates

The focus at Dakota is on steaks which are very good – all grass-fed, 35 day-aged and cooked over hot coals. You’ll also find dishes like venison with blackberries, hazelnuts and cocoa nibs or king prawn and coconut curry. It’s not really a place for vegetarians.

The puddings are excellent and showcase seasonal flavours, such as pear tart and chestnut cassis mille feuille in autumn. Heavenly.

There is a heated, weather-proof outdoor terrace too, with its own lighter menu of bowls, small plates, caviar and cocktails. Brunch is served here every day.

Classic cocktails and premium cigars

Sparks are certainly flying behind the bar with some very good cocktails. Every hotel bar needs an excellent cocktail list (after all no-one heads to a cocktail bar to drink pints of Stella).

Dakota more than obliges with classics and contemporary options as well as an excellent collection of whiskies for a post-prandial snifter, and even a dedicated Cigar Room (the ultimate after-dinner wind-down). If cigars are unfamiliar territory, don’t worry: their cigar list guides you through how to choose a style and brand you’ll like.

Private dining at Dakota Grill

Dakota Grill offers private dining in various super-luxe settings, including the semi-private Champagne Room with its beautiful marble tables. Dakota Grill can host exclusive gatherings of all sizes, from an intimate dinner for two to large private dining events.