Bar San Juan in Manchester

The hype is real. Came here on a sunny day and the food options were incredible got a great recommendation to try the beef cheeks from the waiter. To add the service is great.

Lovely compact local Spanish tapas place with excellent traditional menu and an amiable buzzy style. Great food.

Absolutely loved our dining experience here from the start! The rustic spanish decor was beautiful and welcoming. The homemade sangria was delicious went down a treat 😋 the food was absolutely amazing I was so impressed by every single dish we had Ordered. Staff were friendly and attentive we will be coming back again 😍

Best Spanish food in Manchester

Overall I enjoyed my visit here. They were very busy but managed to find a space for us outside. The staff were friendly and we enjoyed most of the food. It feels more authentically Spanish than most places you visit in the UK. But the service was a bit slow and due to a mix-up they failed to bring us one of our dishes. Assume this is a rare mistake so I’d be happy to go back another time.

Love this place! The food never disappoints

Felt a bit cramped and very noisy, but food & service OK. Parking a bit of an issue as area very busy.

Everything was great. Playing music for the outdoor tables could help expand the lovely vibes inside, to the whole space.

Loved this place, great Tapa's in what felt like a little corner of a Spanish city. All the food was lush but standouts for me were the Pulpo, Cod cheeks and Ox cheek. Simply delicious. Good choice of wines and Spanish beer/cider. Very busy so you need to book but I could not fault anything.

This place never ever lets us down. Food was absolutely fabulous & I always try the specials. The fillet steak was literally melt in your mouth. I could of ordered that all night. Staff always try to accommodate couldn’t do enough. Thanks so much for another great night x

What an amazing find. Small authentic tapas bar. A little piece of Spain in Chorlton! We had 12 different tapas between 4 paired with delicious Spanish beer, cider and wines. The place feels really Spanish, right down to the tiled walls and Spanish chatter from the staff. Really quick and efficient service and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The tapas are the best I have ever eaten, either in the UK or in Spain! Delicious.

One of the finest, most authentic tapas meals we’ve ever had, in or out of Spain. Perfect food, lively venue, amazing service. Can’t wait to go back.

Without doubt the best bar and food in Chorlton. It’s been there for years and is consistently excellent - remember to book!

My favorite place great wine great food amazing service and atmosphere x

Tiny restaurant reminiscent of a bar you’d see in Spain serving legit tapas, excellent wines and sangria. Reservations a must as it is constantly rammed (for good reason). Only drawback is that they had sold out of a decent number of items!

Great atmosphere, excellent food.

Definitely one of the best tapas in Manchester, everything we tried was so incredibly yummy. it gets very busy here so I'd recommend booking, however we turned up at 8;30 and got seated without a booking. really great prices and services was great

My favourite restaurant in Manchester

Tapas that is authentic through and through. This took me back to Spain. Delicious from start to finish

Lovely atmosphere and amazing food and our waitress Luna was especially great

This is by far one of the best restaurants I've been to. The service is excellent, the staff are very friendly and create such a lovely atmosphere. The food is outstanding, and every mouthful is perfect and a delight for the senses. I think we managed to order nearly every dish on the menu. It's a very popular place so would recommend booking in advance. If I could give this place more stars, I would. I highly recommend a visit.

Been here many times and the food is always great and the price is really reasonable, especially compared to other tapas places we have tried which have been double the price but for the exact same quality. Some of the negative reviews are off people who don’t seem to understand the concept of tapas at all. Dishes come as and when so you should really have a bit from each dish rather than wait for one specific dish which may come right at the end. If that’s how you want to order your meal then tapas isn’t the cuisine for you. The food has always been really flavoursome. If you’re looking for something really spicy to blow your arse off (like one of the negative reviews complained about) then try another cuisine. Service had always been great for us. If you’re an accommodating diner then you’ll have no problem. It’s a small venue that is always packed so if you are expecting the servers to stand around chatting and getting to know your life story this isn’t the place for you. But if you want great food, quick service and for a great price then it’s absolute perfection!

Food was delicious and fresh. Loved the ambience. Good customer service. Would visit again.

Finally got in to eat here after months of trying to get a reservation. The food is beyond belief and by far the best Spanish tapas we’ve had in Manchester, miles better than what others tout, especially in the city centre. The service is amazing and the staff super friendly. We over ordered, but every dish was sublime. My only criticism is because it’s a slightly small space, it gets very loud, which makes it hard to hear, but the food more than makes up for it. Will definitely be returning - definitely worth the hype.

Great restaurant! Brilliant food and atmosphere

Brilliant night out with friends. I went with a group of friends, 6 of us and we had a brilliant time. There is a great selection and everything we ordered was delicious. Lots of drinks options and the atmosphere and serve was second to none. I would highly recommend!!!

Had an excellent experience last night. Hard to beat tbh

One of my favourite restaurants in Manchester. The food is outstanding, and the service is always really friendly. My only issue is the size of the place, which can't be helped but it does make the eating experience slightly cramped.

Delicious! We've tried most of the tapas restaurants in Manchester and I think we finally found the best one! We will be back for more :) top service from staff as well. Gracias bar San Juan 👌

Lively atmosphere, fantastic service and food was some of the best I’ve had. Will definitely be returning!

The best Tapas in Manchester? Probably…. Great food with a menu that doesn’t just offer the generic tapas that you get in most places. Very small and busy so book in advance!

Great atmosphere, lovely, friendly staff and - as others have said - a proper Spanish tapas bar feel to it. And the food is proper, traditional tapas. None of that 'fusion' or 'with a twist' nonsense. Having said that, the quality ingredients, cooking, presentation and style elevate it well above the usual. What aren't elevated are the prices - I thought it was excellent value. A great choice of sherries and wines too, also good value. Highly recommended but be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Best tapas around! Lovely staff.

This is the best Spanish tapas restaurant in Manchester area. Food was amazing and brought me back to Spain. Staff were friendly and attentive.

Amazing. Like a little trip to Spain.

Just go. It's awesome. Best Spanish bar outside of Spain.

I had a lovely late lunch here. Amazing food and service. Lovely tapas dishes

Excellent food, PS I would recommend the Beef Cheeks! They are the best cheeks I have had since going to Timeout in Lisbon! We had issue with our drinks order, however the hefe (Boss) sorted us out with some shots of Limongino which resolved the situation. Muchas Gracias Senor! We will be back soon!

The most amazing place in Manchester, or in England even. It’s like taking a holiday to Spain for a while, in the heart of Chorlton. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming. The place is full of the chatter and the laughter of cheerful customers enjoying their time, on the background of beautiful Spanish music. Don’t let the size of the restaurant deceive you. It’s always busy to just the perfect extent- even if you’d have to wait, it won’t be long! But we always see some familiar faces of people who always come back, and many new faces who just discovered the place and are just as satisfied as the regular clients. The food... Dios mio, the food. You might not expect much from a small bar. Well, mate, you’ve never been so wrong. So fresh, so flavourful and delicious, perfectly cooked, assembled and served. True, authentic Spanish tapas that will never ever disappoint. Every time I try to take pictures of the food I get carried away eating it and end up with halfway finished plate when I finally remember my initial intentions... as you can see. The Sangria is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve been to Spain! But what matters most to me is not the atmosphere, nor the food, nor the drinks. It’s the people. I find it hard to describe the staff, I have on words. What I can tell you is that you have never met other people with such passion, so friendly and welcoming... simply unforgettable. Ask for Sergio. He is the best person I’ve ever met. He will make you feel so special and welcome. He will give you the best advice on what to order and will always make sure you’re satisfied. He will have a great chat with you and always make you smile, always make your day! Don’t forget to tip him!!! Best. Place. Ever. MUST TRY: * Octopus! * Calamari! * Quail egg toasts! * Sangriaaaas! * Papas Bravas! * Everything else. :)

Lovely place and good value for the quality of the food. Very busy so it's understandable that the staff are very (too!) Quick to clear the table!

Loved the food here. Great service! Highly recommend

Authentic tapas... I love this place and been here a few times now. All staff are super friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious and never disappoints. The atmosphere indoors is so cosy and full of character. This is one of the nicest places to go eat in Manchester.

Best tapas around Manchester loved it service great as well

Words cannot rate this place enough ! Just go and try the food, It is easy the best place in the north west for authentic tapas. Totally worth a visit and the food is worth every penny. Well done San Juan. :)

Bury me in the garlic mayo please

Best tapas I’ve had in the UK! Amazing experience, staff and ambience!

Amazing, best tapas you'll ever have <3

One of the best places to eat in Manchester. Always incredible.

This is by far the best sit down meal I've had in the UK. Nothing comes close. Worth every penny when you think about the price of a dominos pizza

I am not convinced by the offering at Bar San Juan. Having seen it packed out I was keen to try it. I don't get it. A grubby little bar with tables outside under a plastic awning and chairs in a back alley with the bins. If the food was amazing (which it absolutely is not) maybe. The servers are surly and the service poor. The food of tapas is below average dry black pudding average cheese and some of the worst potatas bravas I have had. Poor experience in every regard.

Brilliant. One of my favourite places to eat in Manchester. Been coming here for years and if anything the food gets better

Immaculate experience, food was superb, servers were polite and friendly. Absolutely a must-try!

I recently dined at this restaurant and had a delightful experience. I savored a variety of dishes including Boquerones Marinados, Monkfish, Ham Croquets, Saquitos de Cordero, Chorizo a la Sidra, Papas Bravas, Pimientos de Padron, and Calamares Fritos. Everything was incredibly delicious! Also loved the Sangria! Highly recommended for a flavorful culinary journey. This restaurant offers an authentic Spanish culinary experience. Don't miss out if you're looking for genuine Spanish cuisine!

This tapas bar is always great. We have visited on several occasions and it is always so enjoyable. It's not big, but the atmosphere is super friendly. Excellent cuisine on every dish.

Little gem nestled in Chorlton. It’s always busy so definitely not a hidden gem. The atmosphere is a bit chaotic and feels a bit rushed but that kind of adds to the authenticity. The food is fantastic, all dishes were a hit and offered more variety to other tapas style restaurants we’ve been to. Overall I’ll 100% head back and try some more of the food and you should too!

Atmosphere was brilliant, really enjoyed the look of the place. Felt like I was in Spain. The service was good. It was friendly and homely vibe. The food was a mixed bag. The octopus was lovely. The pil pil was very salty and overcooked. The prawns looked like they were the cooked ones from Tesco. The black pudding and the salt and pepper cod were very disappointing. I got the impression there was a lot of microwaving going on. In my opinion it felt that the imaginative dishes were given a little more care, but the classic spanish dishes weren’t given the attention they deserved.

Spain comes to Manchester - great atmosphere, fantastic tapas some of which aren't the usual tapas dishes on every menu around eg cod cheeks, black pudding. Busy all the time adding to the ambience!

Ottima qualità del cibo davvero spagnolo, gestore e staff gentilissimi, abbiamo avuto il piacere di essere seguiti nella cena da Sofia, che con il suo modo cortese e competente, ha reso la serata ancora più piacevole

Intentamos hacer reserva para 2 personas para almorzar un domingo, pero no había disponibilidad. Menos mal que decidimos ir por si acaso tenían alguna mesa libre para walk-ins, porque tuvimos suerte y nos sentaron en seguida en la terraza 😻 Como siempre el ambiente y el servicio fueron estupendos. Cogimos Pan Ca’San Juan para picar (recomendable coger una ración por persona - está demasiado rico y a mí me cuesta compartirlo porque lo quiero todo para mí y me gusta tener pan de sobra para mojar 🤭), de l sección de pescados y mariscos cogimos la Gambas Pil-Pil y el Pulpo a la Gallega, de la sección de carne cogimos la croquetas, y de la sección de verduras los Pimientos de Padrón y el Pisto con Queso de Cabra Gratinado (estos sí a compartir entre 2). Estaba todo riquísimo como siempre, aún estoy pensando en la comida mientras escribo el review 🤤 Pagamos unos £60 entre 2 personas, por 6 tapas y 2 bebidas. Muy razonable, especialmente teniendo en cuenta lo rico que estaba todo 😏 Ya estoy pensando en la próxima vez que pueda ir 😻

A brilliant bar to celebrate! 😊

Un poco alejado del centro pero un sitio con buen ambiente y excelentes tapas.

Lokalna hiszpańska kuchnia, świetne jedzenie!

Just didn't like the bull fighting on the TV found very upsetting

Great place very authentic Spanish restaurant.

Amazing place. Incredibly delicious food and lively but welcoming atmosphere. It is our favourite restaurant in Manchester.

An amazing Spanish restaurant!! Very authentic and definitely worth a visit!! Great food and wine!! 👌🏽

Son super amables y la comida buenisima. Recomendable 100%.

Our first visit and we will 💯 be back again... we hadn't booked and took a chance on getting a table. Seats were perfect! Right by the bar! Loved watching the bar tender and chefs... atmosphere was great! Food was great!! And loved listening to the staff singing 😊

My favourite tapas restaurant!! However it’s been a couple of years since I last went. Since then the spanish omelette has been taken off the menu and the steak fillet was insanely salty! This was my only gripe! I’ve had it before and it wasn’t as salty as that, so I gave that as feedback to the staff, which was very welcomed! All in all, food is top here!

Perfect Tapas bar....we could have been in Spain😏

Esta bien es muy impactante, al principio creía que sería algo corriente pero es bastante completo, es ideal para lo que has venido a hacer y pasar la tarde, son muy amables y simpáticos, recomiendo ir si es lo que quieres hacer y si no quieres pues no vayas, realmente entretenido

La mejor comida española que he probado en mi vida, fuera y dentro de España. Vivo actualmente en Lugo, Galicia y voy mucho a Santiago donde la comida no llega a la altura de San Juan. De hecho, los gallegos podrían aprender de ustedes. He comido el pulpo muchas veces en Galicia y San Juan lo preparan mejor. ENHORABUENA y repetiré cuando vuelva a Manchester donde nací. Un gran saludo!!

Food was salty and oily, service was not the best, and we ordered water which never arrived. Definitely overrated.

Busy Spanish restaurant with great food n chill vibe

the best tapas i have eaten outside of spain. lovely little spot with outstanding food and superb snagria

bruh this place is so good, you have to go. Especially on a sunny day. The waiters are all chatting in Spanish, the sangria is legit, the food is INSANE. Whenever we go here in the sunshine, it really feels like you are actually on holiday. Who needs Ryanair when you've got Bar San Juan.

First time, will definitely go again.

Went here on recommendation, the tapas were average, sent a dish back because it was over salted and they tried charge for it on the bill and argued with me, not very good customer service.

Incredible food and service, best Spanish in Manchester by a mile!!

Lovely place and staff but a bit pricey or as my wife would say I'm a bit mean.

Sensational food & great atmosphere.

Great little place. Awesome atmosphere and even better food. Best tapas we had in a very long time. Highly recommended.

Exceptional tapas, make sure you book well in advance!

Just absolutely fantastic, quality of the food is incomparable and the staff are absolutely brilliant, one of the best restaurants in Manchester by far

S I M P L Y B R I L L I A N T !!! Visit this place when you get chance , we will be returning again very soon - its easily the best Spanish Tapas bar weve visited in the UK. Authentic , top quality Spanish Tapas ( and drinks too !! ) at its Very Best - but without being over-priced 👌

The best by far, Spanish waiters, all dishes a 10 out of 10, we feel like we are in Spain, black pudding from Burgos, ventresca with roasted peppers, cheeks, it is a typical bar in a town in Andalucia , Fito singing in the background, liquors like we could have the caballero punch or the catalan cream. Without a doubt we will go again, and the prices are not expensive, compared to others I saw cheap. También resaltar el personal, agradables y simpáticos, atención 10 de 10, rápidos y eficientes como en nuestra España.

Best Spanish food I ate in UK. Is our favourite place to it in Manchester.

Very relaxing place, I loved it and big thanks to the staffs

Has a great reputation and rightly so. Super busy even on a Thursday lunchtime. Food is amazing. 6 out of 7 of our dishes were 5*, the other 4*. We enjoyed chorizo, goats cheese, papas bravas, calamari, bread and manchego, washed down with sangria and Spanish beer. Monkfish was the highly, meaty and juicy and piping hot. Staff are jovial, loud in a good way and friendly. Environment is small but that just adds to the authentic atmosphere. A great place.

Food was sensational, amazing, scrumptious and delectable (righteous). Sophia, our server, was incredibly helpful and lovely. Ridiculously cheap for what it is. Believe the hype.

Lovely Spanish bar! Traditional, full of atmosphere and great food!!

As recommended by a friend S, I went on the off-chance of them being able to fit me in for a late lunch, as visiting from Yorkshire. It was packed even at 3pm. After a wait a table was freed up and what a bonus. The staff were professional and efficient and very cheerful and polite. Had Patatas bravas and beef cheeks with an excellent dry white wine. Will return but I do advice booking. Excellent all round, thank you.

Came on a warm evening, sat out in the alley on the side and it was great, we even got offered a table inside when it freed up, but didn't want to change. Place was pretty full but the service was quick attentive and friendly. Menu was all favourites, the house wine good and we all had a lovely meal. It wasn't too pricey either. Believe all the hype as it is even better than they say it is.

What a great place. I was already planning what I am going to have next time whilst only part way through my meal. It's taken me years to get to go here and it was worth the wait. Hats off.

Probably the most authentic tapas you'll get in Greater Manchester.

Great place but sometimes too popular and hard to get into.

The best tapas in this country ! Absolutely divine

The only Spanish restaurant in Manchester that’s worthy to try. You feel like you are in Spain.

Lived up to the hype , best monkfish I've eaten ,prawns superb

Really lovely tapas and service. I'd recommend booking at the restaurant is really small, there's only a couple of tables inside and a few more outside.