"We visited Grado on the launch day and were lucky enough to meet Paul Heathcote in person. He's a really genuine guy who's love for food is apparent and has obviously made him one of the most celebrated chefs around. As a big fan of his, and many of his 15 restaurants in the North West, we were excited about the opening of Grado.

Having already ventured away from his signature Lancashire dishes to be found at his Longridge and Simply Heathcote restaurants, with the Italian Olive Press chain, it was interesting to hear of his plans to offer tapas and Spanish cuisine with Grado. From our first visit we can confirm it was a journey we're glad he has taken.

The building, part of Bruntwood's revamping of Piccadilly Gardens on York Street, aptly renamed New York Street, is very impressive to say the least. Paul Heathcote explained to us how its back street location was a lot more appealing than Spinningfields with it's many 'out-of-towner' chains, which, so far at least, look to be struggling. Looking at the number of tables that were full, even at this early stage, his local knowledge has proven to be a good judgement. The huge quality wine collection that greets you at the door hints at what you're about to recieve. The decor is plush, a nice array of orange and brown and a welcoming layout that allows you to choose the less formal tapas bar, complete with its Teppanyaki-style kitchen, or a more formal a la carte sit down meal.

We opted for the impressive tapas, the Mushroom Croquetas (£3), Octopus with Lemon Oil (£5.50) and Pinchitos Morunos (£5) all being highlights worth returning for alone, whilst the Mixed Platter of Ham with Chorizo & Lomo (£11.50) was very tasty but expensive. The 100 bin wine list (16 available by the glass) is impressive but a special mention has to go to the Sherries. The La Gitana Manzanilla was gorgeously crisp (£18.50 a bottle) whilst the Manzanilla Pasada was delightful and certainly worth adding to any order. (£28 a bottle). Having had Rice Pudding in the amazing French Restaurant at the Midland Hotel the night before, I opted to try Grado's Rice Pudding with Figs & Honey (£5.50). It was equally as impressive and highly recommended.

The service was very friendly, helped of course by the presence of Mr Heathcote who unfortunately doesn't spend much time personally in the kitchen these days, and the atmosphere was welcoming. In a city with plenty of Tapas restaurants on offer, including the excellent Che just around the corner [now closed] and the first ever La Tasca and La Vina's across town, Grado is likely to stand out from the competition and be a big success. We will be certainly be returning soon!" - restaurants of manchester 10/12/07 (visited on a thursday lunch)

I have been to Grado several times and always been very happy. Last Saturday we took my son and his girlfriend for a special evening. The place was far too crowded. It looked like they had overbooked Christmas parties. Hence it was very loud in there. There were party hats on the floor, which the waiters kept kicking around (eventually after over an hour someone picked them up). We stood at the bar initially (I felt sorry for the people eating at the bar as they couldn't move) and then were shown to the table. The waitress came quite quick and we asked for a couple of minutes more. 20 mins later I stopped someone, as we didnt have a drink, let alone an order taken. The original waitress came back about 35 mins later and asked if she could take the order! Next they were trying to lift tables above people heads - not a good idea for health and safety and not what I expect in this type of restaurant. The food was OK when it did arrive and, as always, the wine was great (really nice choice). It would not put me off going again - I just would not go at Christmas time as it felt like they had extra (untrained) staff. Shame really as it was one of my favourite places to go before." - tony, manchester - member since may'08 (11/12/09 visited on a Friday evening).