It is pretty hard to find a great meal in Manchester. Richard's Bistro has proven to be the best in the 2.5 years that we've lived here. I'm convinced it is the only place in the area that understands what makes a good restaurant. It is the only place in town with professional wait staff. The wine list is outstanding, with many choices by the glass, and the wit staff can make solid recommendations. Over the first year of going there, we got a little bored because the menu rarely changed. But Richard has been tweaking it more often. He recently added some $20 specials and bargain priced ""mini-deserts"". This has helped bring the price down just a bit and I feel less extravagant going there. It may become our every week place instead of once or twice a month. The fresh breads change all the time and are exceptional. The bouillabaisse is absolutely incredible, even though it hardly seems like a traditional bouillabaisse. Plan to take half of it home or be stuffed! Any of the seafood dishes are fantastic. A friend raved about the steak with gorgonzola, but I haven't had it. We've tried every restaurant of note in Manchester except the Hanover Street Chophouse (which doesn't have convenient hours for us), and we come back to Richard's over and over again.
Pros: Extended hours compared to others; great service; best wine list in town
Cons: Expensive for most Manchester residents
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