Sampa
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Caroline Martins has finally done it. The much-loved Brazilian chef and honorary Mancunian has finally opened her own fine dining destination after many years of pop-ups and national TV appearances. And it’s a true delight – how could it not be?
Sampa is an intimate space with room for ten or so diners, based underneath Calcio in the Northern Quarter. It’s also sold out for the forseeable so get your name on the waiting list and cross those digits.
It’s the kind of dining experience that charms and wows in equal measure. The flavours are bold, the ingredients are a cut above and the whole thing is like being part of some kind of delicious fairytale.
Best of all, it’s a menu that warrants repeat visits. Caroline is one of those chefs who is endlessly coming up with new ideas, new tweaks and new ways to delight her guests.
It contrasts well with Skof, Manchester’s other big fine dining success of 2025. But where Skof is measured and refined, Sampa leans into the visceral joy of food.
In other words, if Skof is a chamber recital, then Sampa is a party. It’s a credit to the city that both can co-exist.
You could count at least half a dozen moments of laugh-out-loud pleasure, whether that’s from Caroline’s hosting or the sheer out-there boldness of the dishes.
An early course involves opening an ornate treasure box, full of dry ice, which dissipates and reveals a set of brightly-coloured canapes. Not enough? How does a doll-size teacup of prawn and Brazilian Arabica coffee sound? On paper, these ideas sound wild, but all work.
In terms of down and dirty satisfaction, Sampa’s meat dishes are arguably the most memorable, but even then they all come with a dramatic flourish, or two, or three. The beef rib is soft and tender, and pairs well with the black bean sauce base. It also comes with an ornate tuile hat with a different design for each diner.
Food aside, Sampa is one of the city’s most memorable culinary happenings. By the end of the meal, you’ll have a bunch of new mates, a full belly and a pressing desire to book again, knowing that next time round it’ll be a full of all-new elements.
It’s no surprise Caroline has chosen Manchester as her adopted home. As cook and host, she embodies the very best of the city: lovable, wildly talented and fizzing with ideas.
