Food: Evuna brings an authentic taste of Spain & hard-to-find wines to Deansgate’s Great Northern Warehouse

Spanish restaurant and wine importer Evuna has some fine offerings on its current menu. Located at the station end of Deansgate it’s part of the Great Northern Warehouse and has been showcasing the best of Spain since it opened in 2003. Owner is wine expert Jane Dowler and the Deansgate venue was the first branch of Evuna she opened, followed by others in the Northern Quarter, Altrincham and Knutsford.

Tapas to swoon over include Croquetas de Jamón, Pimientos de Padrón (tiny, hot green peppers, of which one in 5 is said to be really hot…) and Calamares a la Andaluza AKA perfect squid rings, cooked in a light batter. And, as in traditional eateries in Spain, you’ll find larger dishes at Evuna too,  perfect for sharing. We love the Pescados a la sal: seabass baked in rock salt and Cordero en salsa de vino tinto y jerez –  lamb shank in sherry sauce. There are also two specials only available in February; Haddock fillet in tempura with lentils stew £8.50 and slow-cooked beef ribs with barbecue sauce, £9.30.

When it comes to wine, Evuna seeks out the best Spanish bottles and brings them to Manchester, with regular wine-tasting and pairing sessions which are both friendly and informative. You’ll find wines here which are hard to come by elsewhere. We recommend Viña Hermosa Reserva – a 3 year old rioja, and unusual sparkling Cavas from Bodegas Naveran and Bodegas Dominio De La Vega based in Valencia. Take a detour into the sherry list (perhaps inspired by that Cordero) and you’ll find everything from classic Fino to dessert mainstay Pedro Ximenez.

Offers to tempt you include the three tapas for £11.95 lunch menu (Mon – Sat 12-6pm, Sun 1-9pm). For groups of 6 or more there are banquets for £22.50 or £29.50 per head. And if you fancy a blow out, there’s a food and wine pairing menu for £55 per person. It’s the ideal spot for a working lunch, romantic dinner date – or even that special get-together you’ve been meaning to organise.