Disclaimer: We received a meal and drinks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
Right in the heart of Deansgate, one of Manchester’s most vibrant stretches, sits a Polish restaurant called Platzki. Arriving on a bitterly cold Sunday lunchtime, we were greeted with warmth, both from the staff and the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. The industrial-chic design was softened beautifully with plenty of greenery and fresh flowers, creating the perfect balance between contemporary and cosy and is just the kind of place you want to settle into for a long, leisurely meal.
From the moment we arrived, the service was nothing short of exceptional. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the food they were serving. They guided us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, offering thoughtful recommendations and ensuring that we felt comfortable navigating the array of traditional Polish dishes. Their attentiveness was perfectly balanced, not too overbearing, yet always available when needed, making what could potentially have been an intimidating experience an enjoyable exploration of Polish cuisine. The drinks menu featured an extensive range of cocktails and Polish wines and not being wine experts we followed our waiter’s recommendation and opted for a Polish chardonnay. Light, crisp, and refreshing, it was a perfect match for the meal.
As we awaited our starters, we were offered some Smalec, a traditional Polish rustic spread made from rendered pork fat and served with sourdough bread and pickles. Rich and surprisingly tasty it was balanced beautifully by the sharpness of the pickle giving us a tasty snippet of the Polish treats to come.
Eager to sample a variety of flavours, we opted to share two highly recommended starters. The Pierogi, delicate dumplings filled with velvety cottage cheese and topped with crispy fried onions, were wonderfully soft, satisfying and full of flavour. Meanwhile the Tatar, a hand-chopped, 21-day aged beef fillet tartare, was nothing short of exceptional. Whilst I enjoy a rare steak, eating raw meat was a step into the unknown but the tartare didn’t disappoint. The finely balanced flavours of mustard, spring onion and pickles elevated the dish, making it a real highlight of our meal.
For the main course, we opted for a classic Polish dish – Bigos, a traditional hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, beef, pork neck, Polish sausage, mushrooms, and a hint of red wine. The stew was robust, rich in tomato and onion flavours, and incredibly hearty. Served with sourdough bread, it was a deeply satisfying dish that showcased the heartwarming nature of Polish cuisine and was just what we needed on a chilly February day.
Our second main was Szaszlyk, a lighter but just as satisfying dish. The grilled chicken thigh skewers had been marinated in kefir, paprika, and thyme and were served with roasted baby potatoes and a creamy dip. The chicken was lovely and tender and packed with flavour and the accompanying pickles, salad and dip complemented the dish wonderfully.
To accompany our mains, we opted for two classic Polish side dishes. The Buraczki, a vibrant beetroot dish mixed with walnuts and mayo which offered an earthy sweetness that paired perfectly with the chicken. The Sauerkraut, mixed with carrot, apple, and onion, was a surprising delight. Having previously found sauerkraut underwhelming, this version was bursting with flavour and was incredibly moreish.
No meal is complete without a sweet finale and as we were both quite full we opted to share a baked cheesecake. Served warm, the creamy texture and subtle sweetness made it the perfect ending to our meal, especially when paired with the homemade chocolate hearts that accompanied it.
This visit marked our first foray into Polish cuisine and it certainly won’t be our last. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and outstanding food made for a memorable experience. Whether you’re already a fan of Polish cuisine or looking to try something new, Platzki on Deansgate is well worth a visit – we’ll certainly be back soon.
Nibbles £6
Starters from £7.50
Mains from £21.50
Sides from £4.50
Desserts £6.50
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