The Ugly Duckling

2 The Firs, Bowdon, Altrincham
0161 929 1221

Recent Reviews

Jongleurgirl

The restaurant is very small with very few tables which were not all filled when we were there which made the atmosphere very subdued. Henrik was very friendly and the service was very good. The wine list gives a good choice of wines with the house wine being priced very reasonably. The food was good, well presented but no better than many of the restaurants we ate at. We ordered the duck breast and was disappointed that the duck skin was not crispy.

Steve D

When we last came to Corralejo we were unable to get into this restaurant so booked before we arrived this time. I can now see why it is so hard to get a table! The service and food are outstanding. The owner has kept it small for a reason so that every table gets the finest food and direct almost 1-2-1 service. We had three courses and had different dishes for each course and every single dish was tasty, perfectly presented and great value for money! Add in the outstanding service and the selection of drinks on offer it is easy to see why this is the best rated restaurant in the area.

Melv55

My partner had visited a few years ago pre pandemic and sold me on the fantastic food, service and value for money, even though the restaurant is a little off the beaten track and we were in half board accommodation, so I was looking forward to the experience. We booked some weeks in advance as she knew that the restaurant gets booked up as it's so popular. We arrived at the specified time and were greeted by Henrik with a complementary glass of Cava. I had been pre warned that the service could be slow as Henrik likes to chat to his customers, which was ok as we weren't in any rush. On enquiring whether the 3 course meal deal was available, Hendrik advised that they no longer offered this. Ok, so be it. We decided therefore to skip the starters and go for the mains. I ordered the Danish Stew, that was really good. My partner had chicken that she said was just ok, but the sauce was really nice. We decided to share a dessert, the raspberry sorbet. This was served in a tall class with raspberry juice, with white sorbet floating in it as if it had melted into the liquid. To be honest it wasn't very appetising. When Henrik asked for our opinion I told him that we were a bit disappointed with the dessert. This seemed to change Hendrik's demeanour. At the start of the meal we had asked Henrik if he could call us a cab when we'd finished our meal to which he agreed. I asked him 3 times to which he said he'd call us a cab once we'd paid! Not sure if he thought we were going to leave without paying! Overall it was a little disappointing after looking forward to visiting so much.

K652BYmariad

An interesting experience! Very hospitable host and an unusual menu. Quite a change from the norm. Food was very good, we had salmon and the casserole. Lovely touch of a glass of cava on arrival. As we were sitting in a draft my husband closed the front door, which resulted from glares from the diners and the host quickly opening the door again! We moved tables. As I say, a very interesting experience. We paid around €77.

barclay116

Absolutely love Henrik. Lovely restaurant, comfortable and relaxing surroundings, very clean and bright. Small menu but so tasty, and cooked perfectly. Glass of cava on arrival, generous drinks measures and superb vodka sorbet dessert. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a very enjoyable evening out with very good food

djblondie

Superb! From the minute we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends by Henrik and a glass of bubbles. The menu is perfectly balanced with an excellent assortment of dishes. We went for the beef carpaccio and the ham and pear salad for starters, both absolutely delicious, then for mains I had the beef tenderloin and my husband had the duck. The beef was cooked to perfection and was delicious, and my husbands duck was incredible! I kept stealing it as I’ve never eaten such a well cooked duck in my life! We finished our meal sharing the scrummy chocolate cake which I can also highly recommend! Having been here 2 years before there was apprehension as to whether it could be so good again, and I am so happy to say I think it was even better! The team do an amazing job to create a fantastic atmosphere and dining experience! We cannot wait to return again in the future!

mervrothwell

Make sure you book in advance, this restaurant is extremely popular and you can't just walk in off the street. Not much more I can say that hasn't already been said. Very friendly and knowledgeable host who couldn't be more accommodating. Not the biggest menu but what is listed is excellent. Highly recommend the Danish stew and the sorbet dessert. We'll done, will visit again.

Getaway00342307621

Book well in advance so as not to be disappointed. This is the third time I have tried to book this restaurant as I have always left it too late. However, I managed to get a table this time as I booked 2 weeks in advance. This tells a large part of the story!! Food is absolutely excellent and I am so happy I planned in advance. The service is also unrivalled to what I have experienced on the island ever before. Henrik was an absolute master in delivering a first class service. I will be back again and everyone in my party agree with my comments.

Christoph M

Simply amazing, both food and service. We were one of the lucky ones to get a table in the week we were in town because they are almost always booked out and after you dine there you know why.

Joanne E

A fantastic experience, food service and ambience excellent. The duck and the stew was amazing. Chocolate to die for.

dandamoss

While a bit of a trek from Corralejo, it was worth every step of the 30-40 minute walk. We were greeted by our name on arrival by Henrik. We opted for an outdoor table overlooking the lights of Corralejo and Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. The gentle breeze and soothing playlist set a comfortable ambience. We were offered a glass of cava while we perused the menu. I also opted for a malibu and coke. Henrik poured a generous measure of malibu into the glass, said 'oops' and proceeded to add in another measure. Then poured in about 10ml of cola! Just the way i like my drinks. While limited in choice, the menu offers an array of flavour to choose from. Bread, oil and olives were placed on the table while we awaited our starters. We chose the mozzarella and the smoked salmon dishes. They were both superb. Main courses were the Danish Stew and the Duck in a whisky sauce. Both packed a punch of flavour and cooked to perfection. I knew the minute i saw the dessert in the menu that the vodka sorbet would be my choice. My husband had to be convinced to take the chocolate cake, but a persuasion he's glad he gave into. It was light and soft and while I'm not a chocolate cake lover, i thought it was delicious. The vodka sorbet has one hell of a kick to it. But, wow, what a refreshing end to a meal, that then doubles up to being a cocktail. Henrik is a fabulous host who makes you feel welcome and like you've met before. We didn't meet the chef but offer our uptmost compliments. The menu prices are very reasonable considering this is feels like an exclusive experience. We booked a couple of months in advance and from talking to locals you have to plan your booking weeks before. You are not given a time limit on your table and take your time to savour the atmosphere. We saw countless numbers of walkins turned away. Can we recommend this restaurant, absolutely. Would we eat here again, in a heartbeat.

Kenny D

Enjoyed a fabulous, relaxed dinner tonight … these guys have got it sussed and totally understand why the reviews are so positive. Go if you can get booked ?

happybeans2

Lovely little restaurant with wonderful food and attentive, friendly service. Despite the fact that I was not feeling very well we had a great evening and the kind, gracious hosts looked after us very well. Lots of little ‘extras’ that make the experience all the more special. We hope to return one day. Make sure to book in advance as this restaurant is often fully booked.

Tracey O

This is possibly the finest food I have ever eaten. What can I say, The welcome, the view, the host, the menu, the food, the service, the atmosphere, sublime, relaxed, superb. A hidden gem. My compliments to the chef and also the host.

841cherryd

The food drink and service was outstanding as always. Never fails to impress. Highly recommended and of course I’ll be back myself

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