The sophisticated modern European menu changes regularly, focusing on seasonal local produce. It's noticeably small with just six to eight main courses to choose from but offers enough variation at reasonable prices. Generally you'll find two or three fish dishes, fillet steak, lamb, chicken and two vegetarian options.

The dishes are beautifully presented and when you consider the background of the chef, you can't help but appreciate the value for money. Most dishes are around the £15.50 mark (Fillet Steak being the most expensive at a reasonable £21.50) which is considerably less than the chef's previous restaurant, which averages out at £7 more for similar dishes (£28 for Fillet Steak). There's also some excellent special offers to be had, which can see you dining on a 3 course meal with wine for less than you'd pay for one course at The Lowry.

If anything, City Cafe is let down by its decor. Slightly sterile, you do get the feeling you're dining in a hotel restaurant, which of course you are, however it is still possible to have an intimate romantic meal here and leave more than happy.

Having been told by Chris, and almost every member of staff we've encountered, to try the Snickers Crème Brûlée (£6.95) as it's "to die for", we can confirm it is definitely one of the best dishes available in Manchester city centre today. A crème brûlée with caramel sauce and a peanut butter mousse, it's certainly worth visiting the restaurant especially for.

With every visit to City Cafe, we've been left baffled as to how so many inferior, let alone more expensive, restaurants in Manchester are packed whilst people overlook this great restaurant. Maybe it's down to the indescriptive name, maybe it's because it's deep inside a hotel - the new side entrance to the cosy little Blue Bar helps slightly - or maybe it's because word has not got out yet. If the latter is the reason, count this as our heralding call to go forth, try it out and spread the word to all and sundry." - restaurants of manchester - 10/10/13