Sugarvine

Awaiting Photo

Little Samsi, located opposite Christies hospital, opened its doors in Withington in 2008. It's part of the Samsi group which has become the biggest importer of fine Japanese food and drink in the North West. The first Samsi was established in 1992 in central Manchester offering a deli, restaurant and supermarket in one building and they have recently added a new Japanese Izakaya pub in the basement. The most recent Samsi also opened in 2008 in Spinningfields. Little Samsi offers great-value Japanese food to eat in or to take away, including a new range of Japanese ready meals in noodle, bento lunchbox and sushi packs. The small restaurant only has 20 covers and is very popular. It has a great atmosphere and happy staff and it's unlicensed so you can take your own booze, although they do have a range of soft drinks available. The menu offer traditional and healthy food with choices suitable for both the first timer and the connoisseur. An all-day menu is available from 11am-10pm and is supplemented by a lunch time choice, available from 11am-4pm offering sandwiches and Udon or Soba noodle dishes, all under £4. In the evening there is also an additional choice of larger noodle dish portions -- still costing under £5 -- and a choice of Deluxe Bento Boxes, providing a complete meal including two pieces of Sushi, one potato Croquette, Edamame, Miso soup, a main course and rice or noodles. The main menu has a variety of Sushi starting at £1.80 for two pieces, starters including Teriyaki, Miso and Gyoza and mains of rice, Udon or Ramen dishes and regular Bentos.

Photo (1 of 1)

Oriental Fire is located on the main road from Hale as you get into Altrincham. In addition to specialising in Japanese and Korean cuisine, this contemporary restaurant holds very popular cookery classes. The lunch menus offer Sushi sets and Bento boxes at just £7.95 whilst in the evening you can choose from Sushi and Sashimi platters to share and try a Korean BBQ such as the Beef or Chicken Bulgogi Sizzler. The menu also offers a full range of Teriyaki, Yakimono skewers, noodle and tempura dishes. Interestingly they have some great desserts to try like the Green Tea ice cream and the Yukimi Dalfuku, an ice cream Mochi. The food here is all cooked and prepared in-house and offers a healthy way of eating. You can attend the cookery classes they hold on Friday and Saturday lunchtimes but you must book first as there is limited space. Oriental Fire offers a good selection of Korean and Japanese beers and Sake. They also do takeaway and can be hired out for private functions. Closed on Mondays, open for lunch 12-2.30pm Friday and Saturday only and for dinner Tuesday-Thursday 5.30-10.30pm and Friday and Saturday 5.30-11pm, Sunday 5.30-10.30pm.

Photo (1 of 1)

It’s now more than 15 years since Samsi started serving Japanese food to Manchester diners from its Whitworth Street restaurant and now the latest addition to the group has opened in Spinningfields on the site of what was Yo! Sushi. The conveyor belt has stayed with its colour-coded selection of sushi and sashimi dishes but there is also a range of hot food like yakitori, noodles and tempura prepared in the open-plan kitchen. Tables have running water and a waiter button and if you prefer to gorge rather than graze there are set banquets available ranging from £14.95 to £29.95 per person. To wash it all down choose from nine different Japanese beers, hot and cold sake priced from £3 a shot to £100 a bottle, Japanese vodkas and whiskeys as well as wine and champagne. Watch out too for the sushi-making classes in 2009.

< Photo (1 of 12) >

Sapporo Teppanyaki is Manchester’s newest and most exciting Japanese ‘Teppanyaki’ restaurant. The modern and traditional design gives a bright and airy feel. The extensive menu and finest ingredients are cooked before your eyes at your ‘Teppanyaki’ table grills. Here your ‘Show Chef’ juggles and entertains you whilst preparing your food. From sushi to steaks, all the very best quality. Or relax in the quieter Noodle & Sushi bar area for a more intimate dining experience. From 2 to 22, all sizes of party catered for.

< Photo (1 of 19) >

Tokyo Season on Manchester’s Portland Street is a Japanese restaurant that’s been open two years and has built up a great reputation. The chefs here trained in Japan and as well as offering the more familiar sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki dishes, the menu – which changes four times a year – contains more obscure choices like Chawan-mushi, a traditional Japanese savoury steamed custard. Fresh tuna is delivered daily and the clientele includes lots of Japanese customers, which is always a good indication of authenticity. The décor is minimalist in style here and a popular recent addition has been the Tatami Rooms – unique in Manchester -- which with their sliding doors offer a degree of privacy which is perfect for both business meetings and families. Tokyo Season is open for lunch and dinner every day.

Menu