Memories Café Bar – A taste of Korean magic in Altrincham

As we arrived at Memories Café Bar in Cross Street last weekend, we weren’t quite prepared for the sensory adventure that awaited. This unassuming Korean restaurant, tucked away in Altrincham, could very well become my family’s new obsession – and for very good reason.

We were greeted by the talented Anson, who honed his craft across restaurants in both Korea and Australia before settling in our corner of Manchester, Memories brilliantly bridges traditional Korean flavours with playful innovation.

First impressions count, and the warm welcome we received immediately put us at ease. Despite being Korean food novices, the staff patiently walked us through the menu, explaining dishes and traditions without a hint of condescension – something I particularly appreciated!

Let’s talk about the food, shall we? The fried chicken deserves its own paragraph. Perfectly crisp yet juicy, with a delicate coating that shatters with each bite, it’s worth visiting for this alone.

The “shake shake” salt and pepper fries were an unexpected highlight and brilliant fun. Served with a paper bag for you to add your seasoning and shake vigorously, definitely one that the kids will enjoy.

But the real showstopper has to be the croffles – an ingenious hybrid of croissant and waffle that I’m still dreaming about. Buttery, crisp and utterly indulgent, they work brilliantly for breakfast with fresh fruit or as a dessert with ice cream.

What truly sets Memories apart is their extraordinary drinks menu. Their molecular cocktails are theatrical masterpieces, the bubble teas in vibrant colours were an instant hit and kids will love the chocolate drinks, served hot or cold with a floating teddy-shaped chocolate that slowly melted into the drink.

Vegetarians and vegans won’t feel like an afterthought here either. The vegan dumplings were robust, flavourful and clearly prepared with as much care as the meat dishes. There were plenty of options to choose from.

The versatility of Memories is perhaps its greatest strength. Open from morning until late, it works equally well for a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch, family dinner or sophisticated evening drinks. We can’t wait to come back and try more of what’s on offer.

In a town increasingly blessed with dining options, Memories stands out as something genuinely special – familiar enough to feel comfortable, but innovative enough to feel like an adventure. It’s that rare find: a truly family-friendly restaurant that doesn’t compromise on quality or creativity.