El Rincon de Rafa
Quick info
About El Rincon de Rafa
El Rincon de Rafa is a family-run Spanish restaurant in Manchester, now in its 28th year, with owner Rafa often working the restaurant floor alongside other family members. The dining room sits in a basement down a flight of steps, with rustic Spanish decor and sporting memorabilia on the walls. The menu covers tapas, paellas and other main dishes, including patatas bravas and Pulpo a la Gallega for octopus. The paella comes with a large portion of rice. A fully stocked bar serves Spanish beers, sangria and a wine list, and guests can stop in for just a drink as well as a full meal. The restaurant opens Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention patatas bravas, oxtail, pulpo and paella.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention patatas bravas, oxtail, pulpo and paella.
Customer Review Summary
Oxtail is the dish reviewers raise most, described as tender and falling from the bone in its own sauce, with the Iberian ribs praised the same way. Close behind are the patatas bravas, called authentic, and the pulpo, while croquetas, lamb chops, the rustic stews callos and lentejas, and the tarta de queso also earn mentions. Several say the food tastes like eating in Spain, and one party singled out the paella and sangria. The complaints cluster around seafood and consistency. One reviewer thought the crab claws were frozen, another said four tiny frozen prawns were not worth it, and a third found the paella slightly too soggy, though the portions were generous. One returning diner felt the food had become much less flavourful and underwhelming on a second visit, while service and atmosphere held up. Staff are described as friendly and welcoming, some regulars have been coming since the 90s, and one party's birthday surprise was catered to at the end of the meal.
Customer Review Summary
Oxtail is the dish reviewers raise most, described as tender and falling from the bone in its own sauce, with the Iberian ribs praised the same way. Close behind are the patatas bravas, called authentic, and the pulpo, while croquetas, lamb chops, the rustic stews callos and lentejas, and the tarta de queso also earn mentions. Several say the food tastes like eating in Spain, and one party singled out the paella and sangria. The complaints cluster around seafood and consistency. One reviewer thought the crab claws were frozen, another said four tiny frozen prawns were not worth it, and a third found the paella slightly too soggy, though the portions were generous. One returning diner felt the food had become much less flavourful and underwhelming on a second visit, while service and atmosphere held up. Staff are described as friendly and welcoming, some regulars have been coming since the 90s, and one party's birthday surprise was catered to at the end of the meal.
Featured reviews
- Kathy Runswick
“A very old world Spanish restaurant that was delightful to visit. In the basement of the building down a series of steps with a good bannister, it is not an accessible venue but if you can do stairs they transport you to Spain. The food is plentiful and excellent. The decor is typically Iberian with sporting memorabilia featured on the walls. The service exceptional. It is around the corner from Deansgate and handy for the theatre.”
- Calais Menesiero-Smith
“We had such a lovely experience at El Rincon de Rafa - we had never been before and had our expectations surpassed. The croquetas were so flavoursome, Oxtail and Iberian Ribs were so tender and fell away from the bone and both in a lovely sauce of their own. Patatas bravas tasted so authentic. It’s a lovely little resting and the staff so friendly and welcoming.”
- Tinnie
“Feb 2026: Definitely go for the oxtail and octopus tapas. Skip the prawn tapas though, £8 for four tiny frozen prawns does not feel worth it. Came here again in July 2026 and sadly the quality has gone down a lot. The food felt much less flavourful than before, and a lot of the dishes were quite underwhelming compared with my first visit. Service and atmosphere were still decent, but the overall food experience was disappointing this time.”
- Karen Pertoldi
“I love this restaurant. We decided to go spontaneously after a day out on weds and had the most amazing tapas. 100% my favourite Spanish tapas. Always friendly. Food is delicious. 🙂🙏”
- Tracy Sankey
“We always enjoyed eating here each time we visited that's to say we have been to the restaurant since the 90s”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“A family-run Manchester institution, El Rincon has been one of Manchester's best keep secrets for 28 years and counting. The relaxed atmosphere is often described as 'like being in Spain', while the menu boasts an extensive selection of tapas, paellas and other main dishes. The bar is fully stocked with Spanish wines, beers and spirits and guests are as welcome to pop in for just a drink as they are for a full meal. Owner Rafa can often be found running the show on the restaurant floor, along with other members of his family.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Location
Restaurants near El Rincon de Rafa
- Comptoir Libanais Manchester4.54,7940.1 mi
restaurant decor, mixed grills, aubergine tagine
- Eggslut Manchester4.71,0490.1 mi
truffle hash browns, french toast, bacon egg and cheese
- 0.1 miWheelchair accessible
50% off deal, halloumi bites, lamb chops
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Rincon de Rafa | 4.51,409 | — | patatas bravas, oxtail, pulpo |
| Comptoir Libanais Manchester | 4.54,794 | 0.1 mi | restaurant decor, mixed grills, aubergine tagine |
| Eggslut Manchester | 4.71,049 | 0.1 mi | truffle hash browns, french toast, bacon egg and cheese |
| OCASA | Mexican Restaurant and Bar in ManchesterWheelchair accessible | 3.6265 | 0.1 mi | 50% off deal, halloumi bites, lamb chops |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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