Fenix Restaurant and Bar, Manchester

This review is for Gluten free diners. If you’re Celiac forget this place. I was out with family on a joint birthday meal with my wife, daughter and her boyfriend on the Saturday just gone. Now being Celiac I expect my meals to be not exactly what I would love to eat, but more working out the best solution of what there is that I can. 🤷‍♂️. I explained to the waiter that even though I have celiac and would look to be eating anything gluten free, I wouldn’t be bothered if items were described as could be slightly contaminated with wheat etc. So first up drinks, no gluten free Larger, no Cider so it was water or wine at £47 a bottle - house. Starters, I went with the meat balls which were fine albeit tiny but very tasty. Main I asked for the Lamb Shank but with potatoes and not the Pasta, which he replied we can not do that as the menus couldn’t be changed.This due to the Pasta being cooked in the juice of the Lamb Shank, but I didn’t want the Pasta .🤷‍♂️ Ok So I had the Steak with potatoes, he returned and said you can’t have the potatoes, but can have mushrooms. I agreed as I didn’t want to sound like someone who just moans. Which I’m not, I never leave reviews etc. The meal came and I asked for a steak knife, we don’t have them here replied 🤷‍♂️. So I was left using what I would describe as the tiniest knife ever. The knife did cut the Stake, though which was good, but could it cut the mushrooms (no way). As hard as I tried they wouldn’t cut in size so I left the whole portion. Coffee was fine 👍. (Give the wine a miss though) The three other meals were all good, so it was just mine wasn’t what I’d expect paying over £300 including the service charge. If I were the manager I would seriously look at drink and food options for gluten free eaters, we don’t chose to have this allergy. This review is to help gluten free eaters make a choice to eat here. What would have been the hardship of serving me the Lamb which two others had and enjoyed with veg or potatoes. You should work with you guests, audience no matter what. I will never return as there are two many decent restaurants in Manchester who would have helped out. Paul Kidd

Avoid if gluten free. I went before Xmas and had no issues, lots of choice. Went again on Valentines Day and they’re now ‘unable to make alterations’ to dishes, meaning they can’t be adapted to be gluten free. Unless you want some overpriced fish I’d stay clear. The waiter was really sweet about it and empathetic, just a shame management make decisions like this that impact the experience of those of us with dietary requirements.

Thank you to our server Sarah last night who was really friendly and helpful with options for my gluten intolerance.