Sora is a rooftop Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar perched atop Malmaison Deansgate, offering panoramic views of Manchester’s skyline and a menu that blends modern sushi with pan-Asian small plates. It’s a stylish, high-altitude escape where bold flavours meet sleek design - perfect for sunset cocktails, romantic dinners or lively group gatherings.
The Sora menu is a curated mix of sushi, sashimi, robata grill dishes and Asian tapas. Highlights include fire cracker maki with flamed sea bass and spicy tuna, Korean fried cauliflower with gochujang, sticky pork belly with burnt apple purée, and black cod glazed in miso. The robata grill turns out dishes like chicken yakitori, grass-fed strip loin and Korean lamb cutlets, while sushi lovers can indulge in tiger prawn nigiri, kingfish sashimi and salmon three ways. Sweet treats like tonka bean panna cotta and Valrhona chocolate sesame mousse round out the experience.
Drinks are equally inventive, with signature cocktails such as the cherry blossom negroni, yuzu mojito and frozen coconut daiquiri. Japanese G&Ts, sake, and highballs add depth to the drinks list, while the rooftop setting makes every sip feel celebratory.
Inside, Sora is sleek and ambient, with soft lighting, plush seating and a design that balances elegance with edge. Over 100 floating pink butterflies and silk pillows suspended from the ceiling add a whimsical touch, while textured walls and a glowing bar create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Resident DJs and live musicians often set the tone, making it as much a destination for drinks as it is for dining.
Located at 23 Princess Street, Sora is right in the heart of the city, overlooking Albert Square and the Town Hall. Whether you're diving into sushi or sipping a lychee martini, Sora offers a refined yet playful take on Japanese dining in Manchester, all with worthwhile views.