By Manchester’s culinary scene has transformed into a dynamic force of creativity—and one name that’s firmly carved its place in that story is Erst Menu. Located in the vibrant Ancoats district, Erst isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a mood, a movement, and most importantly, a flavor-forward experience. With a commitment to natural wines and ingredient-led cooking, this minimalist eatery has built a passionate following among locals and foodies alike.
But what really sets it apart? It’s the menu. Ever-evolving and brilliantly curated, the Erst Menu is a tribute to modern European cuisine with a bold, wood-fired twist. In this article, we dive deep into 10 unforgettable flavors that define the dining experience and keep guests coming back.
Erst Menu: Grilled Flatbread with House Ferments
This humble flatbread is anything but ordinary. Charred to perfection in a wood oven, its chewy texture and blistered crust become the perfect canvas for house-made ferments. Whether it’s fermented beetroot, cabbage, or turnip, each topping adds tang, crunch, and a hit of umami.
It’s the ideal way to start a meal—simple, rustic, and wildly flavorful. There’s an earthy complexity to each bite that showcases both technique and restraint.
Erst Menu: Mackerel with Tomato and Kombu
Fresh, oily mackerel gets the full star treatment with heirloom tomato and kombu broth. The fish is perfectly seared on the outside but remains soft and succulent inside. The dish strikes a balance between oceanic salinity and the sweet acidity of ripe tomato.
A drizzle of kombu oil deepens the flavor profile with an undercurrent of umami, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is memorable.
Erst Menu: Raw Beef with Kohlrabi and Smoked Egg Yolk
This plate is a study in contrasts—raw versus cooked, rich versus crisp. Delicate slivers of raw beef are paired with finely shaved kohlrabi for crunch and freshness. The hero, however, is the smoked egg yolk, velvety and intense, lending richness and smoke to every bite.
It’s a daring dish that leans into boldness without losing balance. A must-try for adventurous eaters.
Erst Menu: Grilled Leeks with Hazelnut Romesco
Sweet, smoky, and slightly bitter grilled leeks meet a rich, nutty romesco sauce in this standout vegetarian dish. The leeks are charred just enough to bring out their natural sugars while keeping their texture.
Paired with a velvety sauce made of roasted red pepper, hazelnuts, garlic, and sherry vinegar, the flavors sing together in harmony. It’s proof that vegetables can absolutely steal the spotlight.
Erst Menu: Potato Rösti with Wild Garlic Aioli
Comfort food gets a sophisticated upgrade here. The rösti is golden brown on the outside, creamy and soft inside, made from perfectly seasoned potatoes. It’s paired with wild garlic aioli that packs a pungent, punchy kick, offsetting the richness of the rösti.
This dish feels nostalgic yet elevated. It satisfies your craving for crispy textures and full-bodied flavor.
Erst Menu: Wood-Fired Cabbage with Anchovy and Chilli
A dish that transforms the humble cabbage into something truly divine. Charred in the wood oven, the cabbage retains crunch while picking up a smoky depth. It’s then finished with anchovy oil and red chili flakes, delivering umami and heat in perfect measure.
This is vegetable cookery at its finest—bold, briny, and utterly addictive.
Erst Menu: Pumpkin Agnolotti with Brown Butter and Sage
Autumn on a plate, this handmade agnolotti is filled with sweet, roasted pumpkin and finished with a nutty brown butter and crispy sage leaves. The pasta is delicate and silky, while the filling melts into a soft, spiced cloud.
Each bite carries warmth, texture, and flavor that feels both indulgent and deeply comforting.
Erst Menu: Cod with Buttermilk and Sorrel
This dish is a delicate interplay of creamy, acidic, and herbaceous. Perfectly cooked cod flakes at the touch of a fork and sits atop a smooth buttermilk sauce infused with lemon and sorrel.
Fresh herbs and microgreens add brightness, making the dish feel light despite its richness. It’s modern, minimal, and utterly refined.
Erst Menu: Heritage Carrots with Harissa and Labneh
Sweet, earthy carrots are roasted until tender and blistered, then tossed in smoky harissa for depth. A generous dollop of creamy labneh cools the heat while enhancing the overall richness of the plate.
It’s a celebration of texture and spice, with every component balancing the others—an excellent example of how Erst masters the fine art of simplicity.
Erst Menu: Chocolate Tart with Sea Salt and Olive Oil
End your culinary journey with a dessert that’s as elegant as it is decadent. This chocolate tart features a crisp, buttery shell filled with silky ganache. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a dusting of flaky sea salt elevate the entire experience.
The sweetness of the chocolate is counterbalanced by the salt and richness of the oil, creating a final note that’s unforgettable.
Conclusion
From delicate seafood to inventive vegetarian creations, the Erst Menu is a journey of flavor, technique, and creativity. Each dish reflects a commitment to quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and thoughtful presentation. Whether you’re drawn to bold ferments, wood-fired vegetables, or handmade pasta, the Erst Menu offers something that sparks curiosity and satisfies the soul.
There’s a quiet confidence in how flavors are balanced, letting ingredients speak without shouting. Minimal yet masterful, the Erst Menu proves that unforgettable dining doesn’t require pomp—it just takes vision and heart.
FAQs
Q1. What type of cuisine does Erst serve?
Erst specializes in modern European cuisine with a focus on natural wines, seasonal ingredients, and wood-fired cooking.
Q2. Is Erst suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, there are multiple vegetarian dishes, and the menu often features plant-based options. However, availability may change with the season.
Q3. Do I need a reservation to eat at Erst?
t’s recommended to make a reservation, especially during weekends or evenings, as the space is intimate and seats fill quickly.
Q4. Can I order just drinks or wine without dining?
Yes, Erst offers a curated natural wine list, and guests are welcome to enjoy a glass or bottle at the bar or in the dining area.
Q5. Is the menu always the same?
No, the menu changes frequently based on ingredient availability and seasonality. This ensures freshness and keeps the experience exciting for repeat visitors.
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