La Bandera

Was looking for somewhere nice to have lunch on a day out to the Christmas markets, and came upon this restaurant in a quiet side street just off Deansgate in Manchester's bustling shopping district. I was greeted by a very cheerful and friendly waiter who made me feel really welcome. The restaurant itself is comfortable and classy, with huge mirrors, lots of green plants, and cosy blue banquettes and booths. A wine rack full of bottles, flamenco pictures, and lively music gave the place an authentic Spanish feel, but there were not enough people here to provide a great deal of atmosphere. Good choice of Spanish wines and beers on the drinks menu, as well as sangria, Spanish punch and cocktails. I opted for a glass of red sangria. Was spoilt for choice with the wide selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian tapas. You can choose three small tapas dishes from the lunch menu for £19.95, so I had the Albondigas de la Abuela (beef and pork meatballs in a rich tomato sauce), Berenjenas Gratinadas (roasted aubergines with tomato sauce and melted cheese), and Tortilla Espanola (potato omelette with garlic mayo). All three were well cooked, nicely presented and very flavoursome. Could not resist a dessert and a cappuccino afterwards! The little pastries filled with hazelnut chocolate and served with vanilla ice-cream were to die for! The lunch was quite expensive as a whole, but it was very enjoyable all the same!

Had a wonderful anniversary dinner. It was our first tapas experience & it couldnt have been better. The food was gorgeous & tantilising, leaving us with very full, happy bellys. Well presented & clearly prepared by people who care. Maribel looked after us & was very welcoming, despite me butchering the Spanish language whilst ordering (I promise I'll continue with Duolingo!) & did a great job.

I really enjoyed my dinner tonight - I ordered the padrón peppers with sea salt and slow cooked pork cheeks with mash potatoes. The wine was nice too and the staff very friendly and welcoming. Lovely Spanish restaurant - i would visit again when in Manchester.

Ultimately, the food was great. No major complaints or concerns. The paella had good taste and flavour. There were plenty of squid in the paella itself but noting that it costed £42, that was expected. It didn’t have the socarrat (crispy rice bottom) I enjoyed and the prawns used were not fresh at all. The prawns had a GOOEY and MUSHY texture, so we had to put it aside. The other Tapas options were also pretty good. Though I did have great expectations for the pulpo (octopus), but it just ended up tasting like boiled potatoes with some octopus on top.

First time visit booked using First Table app for 50% off the tapas menu, great value and delicious food. Clean restaurant, modern furnishings, shame about the wobbly table and no jug of water as requested. Service slightly slow but overall would definitely return 👌🏻 pictured is the Spanish omelette and fish platter.