Our Story
CHARCOAL GRILL FISH BAR was born from a serendipitous encounter between two passionate souls – Chef Alessandro, a third-generation fisherman from the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, and Sarah, a Manchester-born entrepreneur with an insatiable love for authentic Mediterranean flavors. Their shared dream of bringing the soul of the Mediterranean to the heart of Manchester became a reality in the spring of 2020, when they opened the doors to what would become one of the city's most beloved culinary destinations.
The story begins in the small fishing village of Porticello, where Alessandro spent his childhood learning the ancient art of charcoal grilling from his grandfather, a master fisherman who believed that the sea's bounty deserved nothing less than the most traditional and respectful preparation methods. Every morning, before the sun painted the horizon with golden hues, young Alessandro would accompany his grandfather to the harbor, where they would select the day's catch directly from the fishing boats that had just returned from their nocturnal journeys across the Mediterranean's azure waters.
Meanwhile, in Manchester, Sarah was building her reputation as a restaurateur with a keen eye for authentic experiences. Having traveled extensively through the Mediterranean region, from the bustling markets of Istanbul to the quiet harbors of Greek islands, she had developed a deep appreciation for the region's rich culinary heritage. It was during one of these journeys, in a small taverna on the island of Crete, where she first tasted the magic of charcoal-grilled sea bass, its flesh perfectly charred yet tender, infused with the smoky essence of olive wood and the aromatic embrace of wild herbs.
Fate brought these two culinary visionaries together at a food festival in London, where Alessandro was demonstrating traditional Sicilian grilling techniques. The moment Sarah tasted his grilled swordfish, she knew she had found the missing piece of her culinary puzzle. Their conversation lasted well into the night, fueled by shared passion and countless cups of strong Italian coffee, as they sketched out their dream restaurant on napkins and imagined the flavors they would bring to Manchester.
The journey from concept to reality was not without its challenges. Finding the perfect location in Manchester's vibrant food scene took months of searching, but when they discovered the historic building that would become CHARCOAL GRILL FISH BAR, they knew it was meant to be. The building's exposed brick walls and industrial heritage provided the perfect canvas for their Mediterranean vision, while its location in the heart of the city ensured that their authentic flavors would be accessible to all who sought them.
The restaurant's signature charcoal grill, custom-built by Sicilian artisans using traditional techniques, became the heart of their kitchen. This magnificent piece of culinary craftsmanship, weighing over 500 kilograms, was shipped directly from Palermo and installed with the same care and precision that goes into every dish they serve. The grill's unique design allows for perfect temperature control, ensuring that each piece of fish receives the exact amount of heat needed to achieve that perfect balance of smoky char and tender flesh.
From the very first day, CHARCOAL GRILL FISH BAR became more than just a restaurant – it became a gathering place for food lovers, a sanctuary where the stresses of modern life melt away in the face of authentic Mediterranean hospitality. Our guests often tell us that stepping through our doors feels like being transported to a seaside taverna, where time slows down and every meal is a celebration of life's simple pleasures.
Today, as we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to authenticity remains unwavering. We still source our seafood from the same sustainable fisheries that Alessandro's family has trusted for generations, and we maintain the same rigorous standards for ingredient quality that Sarah established from day one. Our team of passionate chefs, many of whom have trained under Alessandro's guidance, carry forward the traditions and techniques that make our food truly special.
The story of CHARCOAL GRILL FISH BAR is still being written, with each guest who walks through our doors adding their own chapter to our culinary journey. We invite you to become part of this ongoing story, to experience the passion, tradition, and innovation that make every meal at our restaurant an unforgettable adventure in Mediterranean gastronomy.