Mediterranean cuisine always goes down well in Manchester, whether it’s tapas, a taste of Italy, or Greek taverna classics, and now there’s to be a new addition in town. FENIX is the hotly anticipated addition to the burgeoning Manchester dining scene, bringing high-end contemporary Greek-Mediterranean food and culture from Mykonos to Spinningfields.
The stylish and opulent new venture, from the same team behind dining destination, Tattu, will open on November 30 following a £7 million investment from the independent, family run restaurant group, Permanently Unique.
The new opening is led by two celebrated chefs recruited from Greece bringing modern techniques together with traditional ingredients and flavours. Executive Head Chef, Ippokratis Anagnostelis, has built his reputation across a wealth of fine dining establishments in Athens and Mykonos, from Jackie ‘O, Scorpios and Kensho Mykonos to Kiku and Michelin Star destination, Hytrain. He, alongside long-time collaborator and Head Chef, Zisis Giannouras, has created a sharing-concept menu for FENIX in Manchester which is designed to take customers on a journey of Greek discovery.
From fresh pita served with grilled aubergine, tomato confit and feta espuma, hummus and a smoked Taramasalata with fresh white fish roe cream, to hearty portions of spiced beef meatballs, grilled octopus with Aegean fava beans, shrimp ‘Saganaki’ and Wagyu beef dumplings, dishes will focus on innovative plates inspired by Greek traditions alongside Mediterranean flavours.
Showcasing the best fresh seafood and locally sourced meats, dishes are flamed live in front of diners on a spectacular charcoal fired grill, located at the heart of the space. Also on offer will be a range of pasta and rice dishes, a ‘Raw’ menu including Sea Bass ceviche and steak tartare, clay pot roasted leg of lamb folded in vine leaves, Tiger prawns with yuzu sauce and a speciality Aegean white grouper poached in olive oil and served with lemon beurre blanc and dill emulsion.
Wines, served both at the stand-alone bar and in the restaurant, will focus on the variety of produce from Greek and Cycladic vineyards. The cocktail menu at FENIX features 16 unique creations from Will Meredith, Group Head of Bars, celebrating the four elements that shape the mystical Greek Isles; Water, Earth, Air and Fire.
Signature concepts include; ‘Sirens Call’ a combination of vodka, strawberry leaf and sweet tomato delivered in a seashell vessel; ‘Whirlpool Fizz’ inspired by the mythical Charybdis sea monster, combining Gin with a silky backbone of stone fruit and tonic; and the ‘Fenix Nest Sour’ a velvety and rich blend of Metaxa 12 Star and roasted cashew encased in a smouldering nest serve.
Designed by the acclaimed Fabled Studio, the dining experience combines magnificent interiors, live sounds and cutting edge light technology which mimics the setting sun and rising moon across the Greek isles. Throughout the day, this innovative lighting of the space transforms the restaurant from an idyllic, glowing daytime retreat, through to a romantic, moonlit paradise each evening.
FENIX is set to be a true Greek retreat in the Manchester, with the stone paving and colour scheme to match, and will be open from November 30 onwards, with tables now available to book here.