As we welcome the warmer weather this summer, JLife discovers five of the best restaurants offering al fresco dining.
Altrincham
House Restaurant & Wine Bar
Tucked away in the idyllic setting of Altrincham’s Goose Green, The House has built its reputation on providing excellent food. This hidden gem – open for both lunch and dinner – is popular among local residents with a refreshing variation of French and Italian dishes on the bistro-style menu.
Since the restaurant first opened its doors in 2005, The House has continued to grow. It launched ‘The House Wine Bar’ next door in 2007, which introduced live music and entertainment and in 2011, The House celebrated the opening of its new premises at ‘No. 13’, which boasts a spacious dining area and state-of-the-art kitchen.
Visit Houserestaurant.co.uk.
Cheadle
Piccolo
Piccolo is the top choice restaurant in the Gatley area of Cheadle. The great outdoor seating area alongside its popular traditional dishes and many contemporary fusion dishes – using the best locally available ingredients – make this Italian restaurant and bar one of the best.
Live music nights on Fridays and Saturdays showcase a range of Jazz, R&B, Swing, and Latin and South American music.
It has fantastic dining options for families including the family meal time menu available Monday through to Saturday and a three-course feast for its family Sunday lunch menu.
Visit Piccolo.uk.com.
Hale
Carluccio’s
After almost a year in Hale, Carluccio’s is proving to be a popular choice for Cheshire locals and visitors alike.
As a thriving brand in Manchester the Hale branch was the fourth site to open in the city. With a great corner location on Victoria Road, the store has a great outside eating area as well as offering all day trading – customers can enjoy a pastry and coffee for breakfast, a full lunch menu and evening dinner in addition to the retail offering in the deli. A bar and Wi-Fi access are also available.
Visit Carluccios.com.
Prestwich
Solita Bar & Grill
Prestwich residents are lucky enough to be surrounded by a large selection of great eateries, and in August the area will be welcoming another into its fold. Stylish Manchester restaurant Solita Bar & Grill has taken over former dining venues Aumbry and The Bombay, creating one of the largest restaurants in the area with 150 covers, as well as a 50-seater al fresco dining courtyard too.
Solita, known for its American-style burgers and grill dishes, will be situated on the corner of Bury New Road and Church Lane.
Visit Solita.co.uk.
Whitefield
Buddha Lounge
The Buddha Lounge Whitefield opened its doors in 2009 and is located near to the junction of Radcliffe New Road and Bury New Road. The modern glass structure makes this restaurant stand-out from the crowd and offers a vibrant atmosphere for dining.
The restaurant offers a full Thai and Cantonese menu bringing the authentic tastes of Thailand and China together. This year saw the Buddha Lounge awarded with the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.
The restaurant offers outdoor seating in a great spot that catches the evening sun.
Visit Buddhaloungewhitefield.co.uk.