Ресторан · Manchester · ⭐ 9.3/10 · 4587 reviews · $$$ · updated: 2026-06-30 21:00:51
Address: 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY, United Kingdom
Award-winning tapas across three floors on King Street
El Gato Negro is one of Manchester’s best-loved Spanish restaurants — a Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas destination from chef Simon Shaw, set across three floors of a historic converted townhouse on King Street. The ground floor is an evocative bar, the middle storey a buzzy restaurant with a chef’s table overlooking the open kitchen, and the top floor a spectacular roof terrace with a retractable cover. Lively music and warm décor make for a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
What to order
The award-winning tapas menu blends modern and traditional flavours, with seasonal small plates made from quality Spanish and locally sourced ingredients, including meats from the Josper grill. Highlights include the famous Bikini — a toasted sandwich of Jamón Serrano, Manchego and truffle butter — alongside beef short rib, harissa-spiced chicken with mojo picón, chargrilled lamb skewers, meatballs and vegetable paella arancini with smoked aubergine purée. Finish with a classic crema catalana.
Who it’s for
This is a great choice for a sociable dinner with friends, a date or a celebration, with sharing plates that suit groups and a rooftop that’s perfect on a warm evening. Its central location and great-value tapas make it a reliable city-centre pick.
The Space
El Gato Negro unfolds upward through a lovingly restored Georgian townhouse on King Street, its exposed brickwork and period features left proudly on show. You climb from a ground-floor bar and charcuterie counter, past a first-floor dining room framing the open kitchen, to the rooftop.
Up top, the terrace bar — christened The Black Cat — carries a warm Spanish touch and looks out over the city rooftops, its retractable cover keeping it in play whatever the Manchester weather.
Questions and answers
What kind of food does El Gato Negro serve? Award-winning Spanish tapas — modern and traditional small plates, with Josper-grilled meats.
What should I order? The famous Bikini sandwich, beef short rib, harissa chicken with mojo picón and crema catalana.
What makes it special? A Michelin Bib Gourmand, three floors of a historic townhouse and a rooftop terrace.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the sharing tapas format is ideal for sociable dinners.
Can the roof terrace be booked? No — the rooftop is strictly first-come, first-served, and its retractable roof keeps it in play whatever Manchester’s sky decides.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00–21:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00–21:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00–21:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00–21:00 |
| Friday | 12:00–22:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00–22:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–21:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 21:00:51
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: manchester-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
So tasty that we had to come back twice in 2 days! The lunch offer more than justified its cost – 3 tapas dishes for 20 pounds. The staff were extremely friendly. Very fresh, tasty tapas and a wonderful wine list.
Overall 4.5/5. Tasty food and atmosphere. Small portions, but full of flavour. Highly recommend the Bikini with jamón serrano and especially the torrija dessert. A little above the mid price range. A wonderful place for…
Calm, tasty, flavourful — exactly what you want after a hard day.
To say it was tasty is an understatement! It was spectacular! Very, very tasty! We ate octopus and chicken. The flavour was super. The service is also very friendly. And the prices are very good. Thank you
Wonderful interior design and wonderful atmosphere. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. One of my dishes came out a little late, and the team kindly took it off the bill and served it free. I didn't even noti…