Reviews in Manchester City Centre

We had a delicious pre-concert meal in this busy restaurant. The food was really good but the service a bit haphazard. When we first arrived it was just starting to get busy, within 30 minutes it was packed and there was a good atmosphere. Weirdly as the ambient noise of people talking increased background music was turned on which seemed totally unnecessary.

Food was amazing, great portions and super tasty.The waiter was very friendly and helpful - very great service. I would definitely go back.

We enjoyed our pre theatre dinner and the staff were both attentive, friendly and helpful. It was a great way to start the evening. Would recommend...

Food and atmosphere were fab as was the service which was faultless . My only disappointment was that I underpaid on the bill as the card reader put 7 pounds through instead of 70 . I returned today to ensure I paid , as the restaurant hadn’t realised I’d underpaid and I didn’t want to see anyone out of pocket or in trouble . It cost me parking & petrol and I really thought that would have been taken into account . It wont put me off but something to consider in future . The total bill was 173 pounds so we had spent quite a lot on the night .

The pap & borewors was spot on! Took some friends for their first South African dining - it never disappointed! Thanks for having us, next trip to Manchester will visit again!

fabulous meal as always, service very good and attentive, our number 1 choice before visiting a show or concert. This little gem of a restaurant will not disappoint for value and service

First visit, so not sure what to expect, but the food was lovely, everyone in our party really enjoyed their meal. The staff were excellent too….very friendly and attentive. We are already planning our next visit.

It is a good while since our last visit. The staff were welcoming and service was good. Majority of dishes were rather lackluster/average. Calamari and bruschetta starters were below average but chicken wings were tender and tasty. Spinach pasta dish with ham was not an authentic taste and ham was like slices of tinned ham so unappealing really. Disappointed but may try a lunch visit at some point.

Fantastic City Centre atmosphere. Great food and great interaction with staff

We tried Chakalaka for the first time for Sunday tea with friends and it was great. The food was lovely and very good value for money. The staff were attentive and service was very quick. Overall the atmosphere was nice and relaxed - we really enjoyed it and will definitely be back!

Personally we had a great experience dining here on 15/11/21. We were given a choice of table on arrival after having booked previously online. The staff were attentive and friendly. Our main course of steaks were cooked just as we had requested. We would certainly go back on another occasion and recommend others to go.

We (4) booked a pre-theatre meal last Saturday 16/11/21. Had booked online. What a disappointment. Incredibly slow. Staff didn’t seem to have been allocated to specific tables and so it was very disorganised. Manager blamed staff but needs to get a grip. Had to remind our drinks order 3 times before we got them. My starter (mushrooms on toast) was very cold and bland. Husband didn’t get starter until after we’d finished. Garlic bread which we’d asked to come first came after we’d finished starters and was undercooked, as was the main course pizza which also came long after other mains. Far too many bookings had been taken at same time and kitchen couldn’t cope. Our bill included many drinks we’d not ordered/had. When removed, still very overpriced. Shan’t be going again.

We've been here a couple of times in the last couple of weeks, one with work friends, one with family. On both occasions we had a great time. The staff are super welcoming and so friendly. The menu has a great selection and the food good. Good flavours, tasty, fresh and really worth a visit. It's not a big place but we visited early evening on both occasions and there were no issues getting tables, it did get full later on in the evening. Would really recommend to try some South African food.

Fantastic food and service!! Will definitely be back

We booked online to eat at Gio after a shopping day in Manchester. They couldn’t locate our booking. We suggested to them we would leave as the restaurant was obviously busy. They found us a table rather than lose business. It was more than half an hour before anyone took a drinks order and that was only because a waitress tried to serve us someone else’s food. The barman who appeared to be the person doing all the work apologised. The food was only ok and not presented well considering the cost. (£8.50 for a portion of pate, 1 small slice of dry bread and a couple of bits of salad with no dressing ) The carbonara was swimming in a pool of oil and we refused to pay (£15) for this dish. While we were there one table left as their food didn’t arrive and another table complained to the manager about food and service. When we spoke to the manager he blamed the chef and his staff and took no responsibility himself. This restaurant clearly survives because of pre theatre dining. My advice - go anywhere else but here. I have never posted a poor review before but felt compelled to in this occasion.

Started with being ignored for 5minutes while owner knew we were there. Actual staff were brilliant. Food was great Owner question us on what our drinks were instead of knowing or even just asking his own staff. Just come across rude and arrogant. Even witness him talking down to his staff. Once we had eaten we had to go to the owner to pay on leaving. Instead of table service. Stood there yet again being ignored while he counted his money and giving excuses on his restaurant being so busy and unorganised. Shame as food is nice , I actually feel sorry for the staff there.

The worst experience I've ever had in any restaurant. I don't know where to begin - but the service was very slow. It took 15 minutes to be seated for a pre-booking. Food was all very late and OK. People complaining all around us. When we went to pay and give feedback at the end, the manager was unapologetic - accused me of being cheap and rude (I only gave calm honest feedback). Once we had paid he then proceed further with the abuse demanding we left, along with homophobic insults. We have reported this as a hate crime - it was that offensive. Never go here or give this establishment you time or money - you will only regret it.

4 off us went on Friday 12/11/21, we were early enough to take advantage of the pre concert menu which is excellent value for money, the service was faultless and waiters were all friendly and helpful. the food arrived promptly and was delicious. The venue is in a great location and It is easy to book a table online. highly recommended 5 stars.