A new two-floor Latin-American-inspired restaurant and bar is set to open in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month.
Created by WANT STUDIOS, the same creative team behind Ramona and The Firehouse, Dahlia will combine three concepts: Barbacoa Cósmica, an open fire grill kitchen inspired by Latin America and the southern states of America; Bar Más Bonita, a central Liquorita (liquor store) specialising in tequila, mezcal, rum and Latin spirits; and Dahlia Stereo, an intimate music first space built around a bespoke sound system.
Dishes will be shaped by campfire and barbecue cooking traditions, stretching inspirations from San Diego and Jalisco to Mexico City and Oaxaca. Guests will be able to sit at the kitchen counter and watch chefs cook over fire, serving freshly made tortillas, charbreads and sharing plates directly from the grill.
Will Taplin, Executive Chef at DAHLIA and the original chef behind Ramona and The Firehouse, said: “Barbacoa Cósmica is the result of everything we have experienced and loved during our travels across Latin America. It is generous, energetic and completely driven by flavour. If something is on the menu, it is because we genuinely love it, and we hope Manchester will love it too.”
After 9pm, the team says Dahlia Stereo will host some of the city’s best selectors, with the likes of Gilles Peterson, Quantic, Gia Fu, DJ Die and Joey Thor already confirmed to perform throughout September. The music programme has been curated by two familiar Manchester musical figures, Jonjo Williams of Maribou State and Rich Reason of Hit & Run.
At the centre of Dahlia Stereo is a bespoke sound system handmade by the internationally renowned Hatchett Sound. The system and the venue’s acoustics have been technically designed by Jonny “Oppo” of Neuron Audio to deliver exceptional sound throughout both floors.
Jonjo Williams said: “We want to create the energy of an intimate club within a bar and restaurant. We are deliberately keeping capacity below 250 so the experience always feels personal, immersive and connected. Dahlia has been designed by the best DJs for the best DJs, but ultimately it has been created for anyone who truly loves music.”
Dahlia is set to open its doors in the Northern Quarter this September.
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- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 5 Aug 2026
