The Rice Bowl

Bang in the heart of Manchester, only a few minutes’ walk from all the big stores, this good-value, family-run restaurant may lie geographically outside Chinatown but has plenty of authenticity & atmosphere. Don’t be put off by the basement dining room, as the clever lighting, simply stylish decor, comfortable chairs & well-spaced tables add up to a relaxing space in which to eat. There’s a small Japanese influence, so expect sushi as well as dim sum (served all day, every day) & udon noodles next to sizzling dishes. The confident kitchen does things its own way with, for example, Californian rolls deep-fried & served warm without wasabi – peculiar-sounding but good. Sauces (chilli garlic, spicy Szechuan, mango, lemon & honey) are vivid & intense, while a separate & extensive list of vegetarian dishes complements the a la carte menu & banquet sets.