Obsidian
Manchester - reader comments
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"Obsidian is an
interesting one - it certainly offers one of the best cocktail bars
in town and is part of one of the best hotels in Manchester, the
Arora. As a restaurant though, behind the obviously impressive decor
and sexy lighting, it's very hit and miss. We've visited on numerous
occassions and have been impressed by the food just as often as
we have been let down. Maybe we've visited sometimes when Head Chef,
David Roache, has been out of the kitchen or possibly we've just
been unlucky. Either way, our experiences seem to mirror those of
our trusted reviewers (below).
On our most recent
visit, I opted for the Bury Black Pudding starter which, with it's
poached hen's egg, was beautifully presented and tasted divine,
if somewhat expensive at £7.50. The same could not be said
of the main course, the Obsidian Ultimate Burger, topped with Lancashire
cheese, Wild Mushroom and Bacon. Again presented well it didn't
impress enough to justify its hefty price tag and wouldn't compare
to the burger's being offered by the likes of Grill On The Alley,
Choice or Malmaison as examples. Service was also very sparse at
lunch time, perhaps down to the fact it's more of an evening venue,
and some business men on a table next to us opted to pay their bill
at the same time their main course finally arrived, allowing them
a quicker escape back to work afterwards.
As a romantic venue
though, there can't be much better than Obsidian - it's decor is
invitingly sexy - and if you take advantage of the many offers,
including 2 meals for the price of 1 with a Hi-Life Card [apply
here] or the Sunday Jazz menu for just £13.95, you can't
really have any complaints." -
Manchester Restaurants 7/12/07 (visited on a friday lunch) |
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| "Food
was average and although the decor looks great,
the chairs are miles too low - you need step ladders
to eat. Would hate to be on a romantic date with someone small - you'd
only see the top of their head above the table! The designers obviously
went for aesthetics over practicality."
-rob, manchester 6/12/07 (visited on a thursday evening) |
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"I
had high hopes for Obsidian as I've been to the bar on several occasions
and had great service and excellent cocktails. I'm
afraid I have to say that the restaurant didn't really meet
up to the bar's standards. Things started well with the Goats
Cheese and Chutney starter but the Turkey Dinner was a little too
dry, and just didn't make me think 'top class restaurant'.
The service was also very slow and we waited for
an age for the bill and refills of our drinks. I think I may go again
to give them the benefit of the doubt"
- nick, stockport 6/12/07 (visited on a thursday lunchtime) |
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| "Enjoyed
a really excellent meal, which was extremely well
priced 3 course meal for £16.50. Food cooked extremely
well and staff were great"
- j cunningham, london 16/11/07 (visited on a thursday evening) |
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| "With
out realising Thursday night is Obsidian My Way [live jazz singer
and steak night] great cocktails, great steak and great atmosphere.
Recommend for both business and pleasure. Will certainly return"
- tony peters, bolton 2/7/07 (visited on a thursday evening) |
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"Great
food if a little too expensive and a superb
environment in which to eat"
- james chadwick, manchester 21/4/07 (visited on a thursday evening) |
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"I
love Obsidian, it's very chic yet friendly
and unpretentious. The restaurant is opulent beyond
belief - plush leather seats and individual lighting - including
a rather dodgy blue neon cross on the ceiling which looks like a gigantic
fly killer. The food is expensive, not that those
who eat in here really care, however do as I did and take advantage
of one of the many offers they run. I went for the 3 courses for the
price of 2, which at £13.95 seemed to be 3 courses for less
than the price of 1 looking at the a la carte menu. I opted for 'soup
of the moment' which was watercress - and tasted of, erm, green water.
Maybe I should have left it for a few more 'moments' to see if there
was something more tasty available. The chicken breast in blue butter
with pickled walnuts came with the most tasty vegetables
I've had in a long time - the chicken itself wasn't as tender as you'd
expect for such a fine restaurant but very nice nonetheless.
The rhubarb crumble was gorgeous and, like the restaurant
itself, is highly recommended!"
- matthew, manchester 6/4/07 (visited on a thursday evening) |
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