Sampa

Sampa seems an unlikely concept – a Brazilian/Modern British chef’s table fusion restaurant. Even more unlikely, it’s found in the basement of Calcio!, a sports bar in the Northern Quarter. We know football is a big part of Brazilian culture but walking past screens showing the FA cup isn’t the usual start to a 12-course tasting menu. Chef Caroline Martins is the driving force that makes everything come together perfectly.

This diminutive São Paulo powerhouse has already made an impression on Manchester’s food scene with a series of successful pop-ups and an appearance on Great British Menu. Her creativity comes across in every dish – the red-spotted toadstool dessert is just one example. Instead of poisonous fungus, you get guava parfait, guava jelly, minas cheese and genoise sponge.

The seafood dishes on the tasting menu are also a particular delight and for food of this quality, in such an intimate setting, the prices are very reasonable. Accommodating just eight guests, you get a real insight into gastronomy at work. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks pairings are available to complement the meal.