Went here last night and it was great food. We went for a set menu which was tapas and also paella. Not sure about all the names of the tapas dishes but they included meatballs, seafood salad, potatoes with tomatoes/salsa, diced pork, sautéed mushrooms, breaded crabclaws and paprika chorizo. About 12 tapas dishes into total plus the paella. Set menu was £16.50. If you don't want paella, its about £2 cheaper. The only problem with tapas is that there are so many dishes, you always run out of space quickly. You have to quickly eat dishes so you can make room for others. The food came very quickly. Good job as we were all hungry. The paella came about 40 minutes after we ordered - a good sign that it was cooked from scratch. Overall a very good evening. It was very busy and a group were actually sitting on the tables situated in the sort of "lobby" area at the bottom of the stairs near entrance (and near the entrance to toilets). I assume they were given the option if they wanted to sit there. I have heard El Rincon is very popular and you always have to book a table. There is quite a bit of football memorabilia on the walls and, as Emma-Louise H has also mentioned, I have heard that Manchester United have visited in the past. El Rincon is actually not situated on Deansgate as it has been mentioned on some places. Its actually on a small dark street parallel to Deansgate - which you could argue looks a bit dodgy especially when it was all dark and wet last night - typical Manchester rainy weather!! El Rincon is not the easiest place to find and I would imagine doesnt get much passing custom. read more

The 2014 winner of the 'That's not how I expected it to be inside' award definitely goes to El Rincon. Had it not been for the trusty map app we'd probably have struggled to find it, (it's on the corner of Longworth Street, which is off St Johns Street, which is off Deansgate...). Head through the doors and you descend stairs that resemble a London Tube station's with a central hand rail. At the bottom, a small replica of Picasso's 'Guernica' painting is high above you, with a traditional-looking tiled restaurant sign on the back wall. Turn a corner and you're met with a cavernous space, double height ceilings and a huge bar (where you can sit and eat at as well). I'm certainly glad I booked as it was very busy and throughout our meal there was a constant stream of customers (some 'winged it' and were seated where they could find space, one small group ended up sitting in the entrance area!). We could tell it was a popular place so were looking forward to getting stuck in. As a group of seven we didn't need to trawl through the menu as we had a choice of two set ones (opting for the slightly more expensive, but we got two extra tapas dishes plus a paella; and it was only £2 per person extra). Jug of sangria poured, the first of fifteen dishes started to arrive (I'm not going to list them all so don't worry), but lots of tapas faves were included, as well as some I hadn't heard of before. I thought pretty much everything was delicious (though still not convinced by artichokes...). As I've said a few times now I love shared dinners, so tapas is perfect. We all really enjoyed our time here and I'll certainly be back again for more. read more

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Muy bien! Out of the numerous dishes brought to our table, I particularly enjoyed the paella, patatas bravas and meatballs (albondigas), although nothing else really stood out that's fairly good going. I also really like the space -the high ceilings and large room are a surprising coming as they do from a basement on a nondescript side street. The tortilla wasn't sensational like my Spanish bff's (or her mum's) so they can't get five stars even though that is a basically an impossible test. read more

I've gotta say that I do enjoy tapas - there's just something nice about sharing food with friends and not knowing what food is gonna come next. In fact because we had a large table, that was exactly what happened as we ordered off of their group party menu (£14.50 each) where we had a couple of portions of each dish brought over to our table through the night. The setting is fantastic - like a proper little Spanish enclave underground and the staff and general feeling were as authentic as you can get. I especially liked the range of Spanish beers they had on tap (sometimes places can just be lazy and pop just San Miguel on tap but they had at least 4 on tap and others in bottles) The highlights of the food had to be the meatballs, the patatas bravas and the bowl of paella you get for the table was also pretty decent (so much food for such a reasonable price) We didn't have dessert as we nipped down to MFDF for churros but I'm sure I'll be back again soon for a starter, main and dessert - plus of course a few nice beers! read more

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Pros: Delicious authentic Spanish food. The waiters are very friendly. The atmosphere is great. Highly recommend the Paella and the fried sardines, and they have the best green olives in town. Cons: Lots of stairs to get down to the restaurant, wasn't convenient with baby strollers. read more

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El Rincon de Rafa has to be seen to be believed. However, seeing it is something of a problem considering that it's one of Manchester's most tucked-away little gems. But at the same time, I'll say that it's also one of our city's worst-kept secrets. It might be hard to find, but heck, it's always packed to the rafters. My five stars is based pretty much on the delicious Spanish authenticity of the food (as well as the decor, which I'll come to) - I have no beef whatsoever with those who prefer La Tasca's less traditional fare. But if you want a true Español experience, El Rincon's the way forward. Hiding down a dubious-looking back alley off Deansgate, myself and my colleagues exchanged worried glances when our boss brought us to El Rincon to culminate a successful induction week back in the Spinningfields office days. I'll tell you the easiest way to find it - opposite the Hilton, go past Liverpool Street and skirt round the back of Imli where all the 70s-looking presumably massively expensive houses are, and you'll find it if you carry on as if towards Spinningfields. Simples! Walking down the tiled stairs and viewing the strange amalgamation of Spanish bric-a-brac and football memorabilia, one might feel somewhat unsure. However everything falls into place once you're ushered to a rustic wooden table and given time enough to relax and peruse the extensive menu. This is Mediterranean dining after all. It's nothing if not languid and easy-going. A generous portion of olives with a variety of breads was a plentiful pre-dinner snack. Wines are tasty and reasonably priced, and the food is a delight to behold. Being a daughter of Canarian expats I ensured to order my favourite Spanish traditions - tortilla patatas and patatas bravas, as well as a variety of seafood. The former was as paradoxically dense and fluffy as it should be (it is possible, believe me), and the latter was spicier than I'd anticipated, or experienced. It looked like this was slightly more authentic than the Spanish cuisine I'd previously indulged in. Anyone who writes off insipid patatas bravas with the excuse of 'It's only potatoes and tomato sauce after all' should come to El Rincon and bear witness to this fiery concoction. And then be ashamed of themselves. Owned by a Stockport County player turned chef and restauranteur, the football camaraderie is evident - rumour has it that Manchester United have held post-match celebrations at this venue, with Rafa closing it to the public to cater for them. And what's good enough for those talented treasures/overpaid excuses for athletes (delete as applicable) is good enough for us Mancs. If you're adventurous of tongue and are keen to experience Spanish authenticity, give it a try, but remember to book well in advance and not as a couple (parties of two cannot pre-book) but as a group. As I said, it may be well-hidden, but it isn't half popular! read more

What a little gem this place is! Not the easiest to find, but undoubtedly well worth it when you do get there. La Tasca and its contemporaries have got nothing on this authentic Spanish tapas bar. It is tucked away in a basement just off St John's Street, Deansgate. The atmosphere welcomes you as soon as you walk in, it just feels so traditional, yet quirky at the same time, with signed and framed football shirt decorating the walls. The tapas dishes are excellent, extremely varied and full of taste. The wines are fabulous, and it all just makes a wonderful combination, especially as it doesn't leave too much of a dent in your wallet either! This place would have scored 5* however there are two things that have peeved me recently. Firstly, when I ate there the other night, One Born Every Minute was on in the background on a giant plasma screen TV. Thankfully there was no sound but I did not enjoy watching a woman giving birth whilst I was eating. Secondly, whilst some of the staff are lovely, most of them I find to be very rude. No matter how polite or friendly you try to be, it just seems impossible to get them to smile. However, the quality of the food more than makes up for this. I'll definitely be going back for more. read more

This is one of those places where you need to book ahead for a Saturday night, which I guess is a good sign, we were given an early two hour time slot, and in fact even though there were 16 of us we still managed to have a good 40 minutes left over to pay. So the food was efficient and good, I would particularly recommend the pork, honey and tomato stew on the set menu (the slightly higher set menu at £16.50 a head). The staff were good although it was hard to notice as things just felt a little too rushed, we were a fairly quite stag group and considerate to the other diners so it was purely a financial decision to try and get us in and out as soon as possible so they can have more table turn over. There was one incident of a waitress not being aware enough of the table space and covering one member of our group with the contents of his glass (luckily it was water), and to be fair this could have been avoided really, but again I think it was not due to the rush to put plates down in front of us all. All in all the meal was lovely, and there was a good selection of things although I think it might have been good to get a few more vegetables as the whole menu was very meat heavy, and tapas at its best can provide a healthy balance between meat and vegetables. I have eaten here a few times, and suspect you get a better menu when you are picking from what is on offer instead of having a set menu and also if you are a smaller group, I think next time (yes I will be back) I will attend with 4 or 5 people. read more

Due to its slightly weird location El Rincon de Rafa gets avoided more often than not as a spot for lunch in town. I remember frequenting this magnificent Spanish eatery a fair bit back in 2009. It wasn't just the fact that they were one of my clients in a previous job, 'Rafa' (the proprietor) was an absolute gentlemen, and the food/atmosphere was divine. I'd delayed writing a review until I made a more recent visit and having done that, here it is. Although, had I written this review in 2009. A) Not many people would've read it as there weren't many yelpers around at that time in Manchester. B) It'd be out of date and not very helpful as a review today anyway and C) It might have got 5 stars instead of 4. I'll explain later. It was an extremely cold afternoon and having experienced that January chill with an early meeting with Arnold Clarke, a friend suggested we get lunch. Where? Fancy Tapas? Why not! A platter of hot seafood Paella was a welcoming image as I played frozen statue at a bus stop outside Old Trafford. Having discussed our options Rafa came up in the conversation. The idea was sold in the space of a very short conversation. Walking down the stairs and into the restaurant, it'd been a while since I'd felt THIS happy with my luncheon choice. Moving from the bitterly cold/grey nature of the exterior to the the warm/inviting oasis of an interior, I was awash with satisfaction. I felt content before I'd even touched the menu. Salsa music was playing at the appropriate volume. An old couple sat in one corner sipping on their red wine post-meal. A cute Spanish grand mother, mother, (toddler) daughter were in deep conversation with one of the waiters. Through my scattered understanding of the language I could just about make out it was about their last visit back home. It was perfect ambiance for a relaxing lunch. In fact we were in such a good mood, we decided to order a jug of Sangria. A fantastic decision only for the fact I couldn't indulge too freely. (Had to pick up the car in the evening from Arnold Clarke innit!!) As it turns out the Sangria was A-ok but nothing to shout home about. Dimitri's (down the road on Deansgate)Sangria remains the best in town. Rafa's inncarnation tasted like they'd used (bog standard)fruit juice instead of fresh fruit, a little disappointing but the atmosphere made up for it. Onto the food/service... Let me now explain the aforementioned comment about the rating. The waitress that served us put a slight downer on an otherwise perfect experience. It felt like she was playing an out of tune guitar with her service narrative. The notes were all wrong for a happy song sung with a serious (I don't really wanna be here) face. It was a very cold reception in a very warm place. For starters, we had mushrooms in blue cheese sauce, Spanish salad and chicken livers, a seaefood Paella as the main to share, and cream caramel + Churros to conclude the foodie experience. As you can see from the pictures they all looked incredible. They tasted just as good. Even though the blue cheese sauce (according to my friend) is supposed to be much thicker, I enjoyed the runny nature of it. In fact I loved it. Mushrooms soaked in it were delicious. The chicken livers were ok, but I'm so in love with the spicy nandos sauce dripping variety, compared to which these tasted a tad bland. The Paella was nothing short of sensational. On par with the best I've ever had, which was in Tenerife if memory defeats me not. The caramel cream was served chilled, which was a pleasant surprise, bit like ice cream. The Churros were also delicious although having never tried them before a bit savory for a dessert. The food was reasonably priced, the drinks not so much. I think the Sangria pitcher was overpriced at £15 given the quality of it. The water bottles were also a tad steep given their size. When 38% of your bill is made up of beverages, it's time to order tap water next time I think. I joke. No, seriously if you're ever feeling blue and the weather is horrendous, book a dinner table or go for lunch at Rafa's. You won't regret it. For those still trying to work out how much my bill came to, answers on a post card (or to me directly at the next Yelp event) please. Last but not least for the observant few of you who saw my photos, yes they do have Rape on the menu. It's pronounced Raaa pay, a Monk fish dish that I'm told ish delish and very much on my wish lish. I've been practicing the pronunciation for my next visit. I don't want the following question to the waiter being misconstrued in anyway shape or form. "Excuse me would you recommend Rape?" Adios mi Yelpmigos. read more

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This place is a little gem. It's got a real 70s/80s vibe which makes it feel like a restaurant you'd have gone to as a kid on holiday in Spain with your parents. It's cosy in there and the food is beautiful. It reminds me of what La Tasca was like before they became a chain and all looked the same. The Fish is paticularly good. A good place for large groups and you can't book! read more

On a Tuesday, just after one of the Algebra seminars, we ended up here because the speaker fancied Spanish for dinner. It's not the place you can randomly find on your way, since the main entrance is in a dark and narrow pathway just behind Deansgate. The venue is huge and airy, and the white walls adorned with Spanish paintings definitely remind of far Mediterranean restaurants. I always find the idea of sharing food with the others very appealing, since it allows you to try many different courses and underlines the social role of meals, also giving you the chance of making comments about food. Hence we opted for one of the two menus (the 14.50£ one); both of them includes about a dozen different dishes. I literally loved every single dish they served. Meatballs, lamb, chicken, mushrooms...Probably those that I liked more are patatas bravas (slightly hot roast potatoes served with tomato sauce) and chicken steamed in zucchini sauce. Unfortunately I'm not fond of seafood, but my friends were very positively impressed by the fish courses. The red wine we got was very enjoyable as well. Never underestimate the places where Algebra leads you. read more

I've been recommended this place for years and finally went a few weeks ago with a friend of mine. The location is a bit random, it's pretty much down a quiet side street next to a carpark. BUT boy won't you be surprised when you go in. It feels like you're in Spain, the majority of the staff are Spanish and the food is just insane, real authentic tapas. It was so busy and we got there around 6ish on a Wednesday so it's definitely worth booking a table if there's more than 4 of you and you're planning to go later. Really glad I visited and I'd definitely go back. read more

If there were a Narnia centered around spanish food and atmostphere then the door to it would be down a little alley which backs onto deansgate. The food here is awesome, the langoustines wrapped in bacon, the various lamb based stews, chorizo, calamari, its all fantastic. The wine menu is good with cheap cava on offer at ~£20 a bottle from memory. Food aside the atmosphere is why I like this place so much, the staff seem to all be spanish speaking and the feel of the place is just very Spanish, who needs a cheap easy jet flight when this place is on our doorsteps! There are not many restaurants where I can't find fault, this is one of them read more

In my opinion you can't get better tapas in Manchester than that on offer at El Rincon. Tucked away on a back street off Deansgate, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it was unlikely to be busy. You'd be wrong of course because El Rincon is always busy. Queuing for a table is well worthwhile though as the quality of the food will make you forget you even had to. The portion sizes are generous and the menu is extensive. Prepare to wait for some items as everything is cooked fresh to order. The staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The atmosphere is bustling and loud and it feels like a very 'authentic' tapas experience. The decor is traditional and simple and, all in all, it's the perfect place for a celebration or just a spot of tapas after a long day shopping. read more

Another great evening at El Rincon. We didn't have reservations (the waiter told me they're getting booked up 3 weeks in advance now) but the slotted us in. Food was great - ok it's not gourmet, but it is good basic Spanish tapas. We had, whitebait, fillet steak, crab claws, sardines, lobster bisque, chorizo, mushrooms w blue cheese, garlic bread, prawns... Think that was it. Have to agree with review below, crab claws not good, but everything else was good. Beer cold, service timely, very reasonably priced, and you've got to love the rustic surroundings. One of my favourite places in Manchester. read more

Stopped in here with a mate after reading Yelp reviews and was definitely not dissapointed. We ordered 4 dishes each with bread and I was absolutely stuffed by the time I finished, particular mention for the deep fried hake and the diced steak in pepper sauce....yummy. If I had to sum up this place in one word it would be 'authentic', you could be sitting in the middle of Barcelona. read more

Been here a few times and enjoyed it every time, yesterday being the most recent. Chicken in paprika, meatballs, patatas bravas, manchego cheese etc to name but a few, all delicious. And I like the place itself too. Just off the beaten track Can't wait to go back... read more

After taking a long time to find, (going up and down Deansgate) my friend and I found a this lovely little restaurant ... it was El Rincon! You walk downstairs and find yourself walking into a medium sized room with typical Spanish pictures on the wall... bullfighters and even Maradona himself, If I am honest, I started the meal with minor reservations, mainly because the place does not completely loved and looked after, but what shone through was the food ... it was delicious! We wanted to just order the Paella but the waitress told us it would 30 minutes to cook so we would be better off getting a tapas to pass the time. We opted for the prawns with dips and the chicken done in a paprika sauce- which was gorgeous. We shared our tapas and when the Paella finally came, we didn't even eat half of it. Probably thanks to the £1.50 bread as well. The bill was £32. Well worth it. Not bad really ! read more

The best tapas I've had in the UK. A lot of the staff are Spanish. The place is always busy. Be prepared to wait for a table.

Tucked away on Longworth St (just behind Deansgate really - you'll never find it if you're looking on the main road!) El Rincon is a great place to have a relaxing long lunch with friends. It's friendly and the food is tasty and plentiful. I've really enjoyed my visits each time I've been and I would highly recommend the paella.To get that 'holiday' feeling I would also recommend a bottle of Cava, but I guess that's just personal preference. Oh and the artichokes are amazing! read more

My favourite restaurant in Manchester, outstanding choices, fantastic service & the most authentic, delicious tapas in town. Never been disappointed everything cooked to perfection always a really great atmosphere. Lost count of how many times I've recommended this superb family run restaurant at very reasonable prices. Love this place so romantic! read more

El Rincon De Rafa is a spanish Tapas bar located in Deansgate manchester and is fab i love this little place the staff are sooo nice and attentive and the food is mega!! The tapas are so nice and are great value me and my friends always come here after a hard days shopping and between three of us we never pay more than £10 each and we have loads to eat and a bottle of house red which is really nice. read more

One of the better spanish restaurants in town - not that there are many to choose from that aren't chains. The atmosphere of this place is great, it feels like you could be in Spain. The food is good, although not all that authentic. read more

Not great - Everyone seems to love it because its hard to find. Great atmosphere if you can get a table when its busy but the food is pretty average. read more

A hidden gem. See the stars of Corrie here! LOL Perfectly authentic cuisine if not served a little erratically. Delicate tastes.

It took us a while to find this place but it was worth it when we finally managed it!! A local haunt for the celebs(Sven was in when we went!).I love the ambience of the place. Great atmosphere with friendly staff. The food is beautiful. Very busy though and you will need to book,we felt a little rushed when we went on a Saturday evening. read more

Went for lunch after reading the review above, nice atmophere, rustic look and feel. The food was good and served quickly. Would like to try againwhen I have more time to enjoy. Will defintely be going back. read more

great little place well tucked away from the hurly burly great staff great beer all positive could easily go every week gets busy so recommend going early doors or of course booking great layout and nice toilets not sure if disabled access? read more

Went on Saturday afternoon with my partner. As there were only 2 of us, we didn't book and found a couple of seats by the bar. Once we had realised we had to order at the bar, and got drinks we started to enjoy the relaxed Spanish atmosphere, and lovely Rioja.. The food came in a few stages which suited us. Overall, nice place, good food and relaxed ambience. Don't expect quick service but expect authentic Spanish tapas and great wine. All-good. read more

Excelent tapas bar/restaurant. I think this is the most authentic Spanish tapas bar/restaurant I have been to outside Spain. (All the staff are spanish) the food is always excellent and fresh. My particular favorites are 'Gambas pil pil' (Prawns cooked in garlic and chilli). Lamb shank, Chorizo Vino, and many more. if you go at a busy period, I recommend booking in advance. I also like to go in during a night out for a beer and a Tapa just as one would do in Spain. read more

Excellent taste of Spain. We taste: patatras bravas, fifstekkas, Pedro's, gambols con Hamon, seabas, pan con Catalan, Iberian ribs, championed cambrales,... all really good!!! read more

For good quality, authenitic Spanish food in Manchester I go to El Rincon. I always enjoy the paella in this place and the tapas are usually consistently good. It does get busy as a lot of people have found this hidden little gem. You will also hear Spanish conversations around you while you dine as Spansh students and ex pats venture for some motherland grub. Its worth joining them and giving this place a try! read more

One of the best restaurants in Manchester. If not already guessed from it's name, this restaurant is Spanish. The restaurant itself tries its best to hide away, it is located in the basement on a very side street, but it still remains the best place to visit in the city centre if you love genuine Spanish food in all its glory. Unlike some other restaurants it is owned and run by a native of the country, there is even a picture of him on the wall in his Stockport County football days. The tapas offered in the restaurant are generally very good, but the daily specials; especially fish - are often an equally good bet. The restaurant gives the best tortilla espanola, in the area but also dabble with a portion of chorizo, filetitos, piemientos, salchichas, regional cheeses, callos, crab's claws and much else....just the thought making my mouth water. Possibly one of the better times to visit is around clocking off time, the atmosphere and clientelle are amongst some of the highest flying business types, due to solicitors and private doctors located nearby. Not only this type of clientelle visit but also native spanish speakers who work and live in the city frequent on a daily basis. read more

The best Spanish Restaurant in Manchester city centre without a doubt! Chalkboard menus, basement restaurant, Spanish waiters perfect! The cuisine is better tan what you can get at some of the bigger spanish chains and the pricing is about the same. Booking in advance is really recommended unless you like long waits around the Xmas season! The fact that this restaurant is quite hard to find unless you know what you are looking for means that new clients have often come in by recommendation. Definitely worth going to! read more

I love Tapas Restaurants and this is by far the best in Manchester. The portion sizes are very good value for money and the choice of food is excellent, I especially like the bread with garlic and olive oil. It is tucked away down a back street so you could miss it quite easily. Staff are extremely friendly and you may see the odd Celeb in there, I have a few times! read more

Really authentic food. Nicely cooked. Feels very much a Spanish place. Some dishes I didn't like but I think it is more of a palate challenge. I admit Spanish food is not my favourite. I love some of the dishes. Better than evuna and Lunya though. I thought la bandera was on par with this. read more