Sister restaurant to Manchester Pinoeer El Rincon, is Rafa’s worth the trip? We visit to find out….
Opening earlier this year, Rafa’s is one of the latest additions to Didsbury’s buzzing food scene. An off-shoot of El-Rincon, a Manchester tapas trailblazer ( and still one of the best in the North West), Rafa’s aims to offer a more relaxed, casual setting to enjoy their most popular dishes – exactly how Tapas is meant to be enjoyed.
As much as I love going for Tapas, for vegetarians and vegans, it can be a deflating experience. As well as limited or non-existent options, if you’re the only veggie or vegan in your group you can’t share dishes, easily the best part of eating tapas.
Luckily, Rafa’s scores highly straight off the bat, with a large selection of veggie options clearly labelled making ordering suitable dishes a doddle.
Once we sat down and enjoyed a glass of beer in the evening sun, it was time to order 🙂
First to arrive at the table was the Padrón Peppers – I can never get tapas without ordered a plate!. Mostly mild with the occasional hot pepper, it wasn’t long until we’d cleared the lot!
Up next where the Potatas Bravas, always a crowd pleaser. To be fair, if a tapas restaurant can’t get these right there’s something seriously wrong. Luckily, these were particularly great. I’d go back to have another plate any day.
The Champiñones Cabrales, a mushroom dish served with blue cheese and cream. One for the mushroom fans, the rich, flavourful sauce worked for me, whereas Lizzie wanted more Blue cheese. You can’t please everyone I guess.
After that we tried the Berenjenas Con Miel, a tapas dish I’d never had before. Originating from Andalusia, it’s a fried aubergine and cane honey dish. Often cut into round slices, Rafa’s have instead sliced it up into long stripes. Lightly coated in seasoned flour before frying and coating in honey, the Berenjenas Con Miel was a real highlight of the evening. Be sure to order a plate!
This is a dish that tastes way better than it looks!
We also ordered the tortilla. Always a favourite with me. This frankly HUGE portion did not disappoint, especially with so much to go round. Easily enough for three or four to share!
Cosy atmosphere, great service and some choice veggie tapas dishes make Rafa’s a worthwhile visit. Next time you’re in Didsbury be sure to give it a try!
Rafa’s Didsbury
653 Wilmslow Road M20 6QZ
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