Food review: Nacho Manzano’s Spring menu at Iberica Manchester

Iberica is, quite probably, Manchester most authentic Spanish restaurant. Added bonus comes in the shape of Executive Chef, Nacho Manzano; a man better known as the driving force behind Spain’s celebrated two-Michelin-star restaurant, Casa Marcial. Don’t expect fine dining though. Rather, Iberica is your first port of call in Manchester for traditional, well-sourced Spanish food – plus they’re just launched a new Spring menu so May is an ideal time to give it a whirl. ‘Pluma’ (£12.50), for example, is a ridiculously tender ‘feather’-shaped cut of pork taken from the neck of the Iberian pig, perfectly seared and seasoned. The hake (£8.50), is a cloud-like slice in delicate Hollandaise over wilted baby gems. Even the salads are lessons in basic brilliance. In fact, Manzano hails from the Asturias region of Spain and a regional blue cheese called La Peral complements cubes of pear and freshly picked spinach (£5.50). Another dish sees tender lentils (£6, cooked in chicken stock, perhaps? Who knows, they’re like tiny taste bombs) served over pea shoots and roast heritage carrots. A perfectly soft boiled egg waiting for the ‘pop’ of a fork brings it all together. Classic tapas show similar flair: patatas bravas (£5.50) come in a silken, smoky tomato sauce, and there’s a perfect, pan-fried chorizo in cider too (£6.50, a riff on the age-old pork and apple combo). Caramelised rice pudding and a spongy, eggy coffee flan are excellent desserts. The wine list isn’t huge but harbours some interesting bottles. ‘GR174’ Priorat blend (£38.50) and a salty Malagan chardonnay (‘Cloe’, £40.50) are two big wines which won’t overpower the more delicate flavours on the menu. With sumptuous red decor, and soaring floor to ceiling windows, it’s pitch perfect for dates and business lunches alike.

Ibérica Manchester, 14-15 The Avenue, Spinningfields Square, Manchester M3 3HF, www.ibericarestaurants.com