Where better to dine during - or after - the World Cup than Rio Ferdinand’s Rosso restaurant?
There’s a little tournament called The World Cup on at the moment - and here’s hoping that by the time you’re reading this England haven’t been sent home in their M&S suits.
If you’ve been living on another planet over the last few months it is being held in Brazil - on the other side of the world where the time difference means that matches will be screened live at 11pm and later.
Which is good news for any football fans who want to enjoy a good night out before the game. In fact, why not celebrate the time difference by heading over to Rosso, a restaurant with a footballing pedigree as it is partly owned by Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand?
This connection with business-savvy Ferdinand isn’t just what gives the restaurant at the top of King Street in Manchester its patina of glamour. It is one of the city’s main celeb haunts - just check out the walls of the place, a gallery of “Who’s Who” of famous clientele.
David Beckham, Boris Becker, Colleen Rooney and Michelle Keegan have all been snapped at the impressive portal of the beautiful Italianate Rosso building.
What’s to love about the place? The buzz for a start. The nondescript Thursday night we went along to sample the new menu was transformed into a memorable “event”. I had previously only been here for lunch but at night with live Swing music and a packed dining room it was like being in a Manchester version of Vegas. Sure it’s noisy and bustling but that’s the attraction.
Interestingly, I noticed quite a few groups of men who were dining together, alongside couples on a romantic date and celebrations between friends. Another part of its success is that it effortlessly has a wide appeal. It’s a huge Manchester success story.
The menu is extensive and authentically Italian. I love Arancini and was pleased to see these tasty fried risotto balls on the menu. I tried the Ravioli Funghi, pasta parcels lavishly swathed in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce which hit the spot. The calimaro with lemon aoili was pure summertime on a plate and a whole grilled Dover Sole with crab butter stole the show. We didn’t quite get around to the 32oz T Bone which is on the menu for £60 but I am sure there’ll be customers who will be tucking into one to celebrate when England win the World Cup!
Dining at Rosso is more than just eating out, it’s an “experience” to remember for lots of different reasons.
And whatever the outcome of the World Cup, with Rosso, Rio Ferdinand continues to be on a winning streak.
Rosso Restaurant & Bar, 43 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BG
01611 832 1400
This article originally appeared in cheshireresident.com
