GASTRONOMY REVIEW: Olive And Thyme Restaurant, Chorlton. Manchester.

 


A great find! I have never eaten out in Chorlton before and knew nothing of the area or indeed the gastronomic possibilities on offer. In fact, there were many more outlets offering everything from fish and chips, pub meals, take-aways to the more select dining establishments, offering a range of country cuisines. However, after pacing the main streets a few times, I chose this, a majority Turkish influenced restaurant on Barlow Moor Road, and I was not at all disappointed. 

A comprehensive menu, plenty of tables, roomy, atmospheric, with plenty of light and quiet unobtrusive background music, and attentive but not in-your-face-waiting staff made for a perfect combination. Add to that the quality of the food was first class, and it was difficult for me to understand why the restaurant was not even half full by the time I left at almost 7pm to go to the theatre that evening. 

My starter was a complete punt on something new-to-me; Sigara Boregi, and they were delightful. A complementary flatbread is served with all starters too. My main course was the turf-and-surf steak with king prawns, and again, cooked to perfection. I truly wanted to taste a dessert too, but I simply did not have room.. oh well, there's always the chance of a second visit!

My only (slight) complaint was that the waitress did not give me any breathing space between courses, and my main course arrived only seconds after finishing the starter. However, I can forgive that since everything else was so wonderful. The prices are a little more expensive than you might expect for Chorlton - it's not central Manchester, but do not let that influence your choice.... just go!

Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu

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