Australasia

From its entrance via a sparkling glass prism, to its glamorous decor with spacious cushioned booths and discreet alcoves, Australasia’s stylish subterranean restaurant and buzzy bar exude luxury. The menu showcases Pacific Rim flavours underpinned by European techniques, offering sushi and small plates in addition to main dishes. Start with lip-lickingly salty edamame beans and plump pork wontons, followed by sharing dishes such as sesame-crusted tuna (ruby-rare and accompanied by crisp, creamy avocado tempura), or earthy seared pigeon balanced by Thai cucumber and mango. We enjoyed flame-flavoured barbecued lamb cutlets in a sticky-sweet sauce of tomato, soy and peanutty mirin, and a spectacular dish of tender black cod roasted to perfection in hoba leaf. Prices are high, but the accomplished, beautifully presented dishes justify the expense. Also worth exploring is the interactive wine and cocktails menu, which comes complete with photographs and tasting notes. An indulgent treat for special occasions.

Australasia is a vibrant and contemporary looking restaurant serving a menu of Australian and Southeast Asian inspired dishes. Based in the heart of Manchester, Australasia is an elegant looking venue which has been decorated in neutral tones to reflect the Pacific Coastline.

The restaurant itself also has a cocktail bar and a resident DJ, you can head to the bar for drinks or take a seat and order from your table.

There is a lunch menu as well as an a la carte menu, you can also order afternoon tea. The main a la carte menu combines a blend of Indonesian, European and Southeast Asian dishes, which can be enjoyed “locally” which means choosing several small sharing plates to enjoy, or you can order “traditional” which means the starters are delivered to share but the main courses are individually plated.

Choose from popular dishes such as yellowfin tuna sashimi and peking duck spring rolls served with hoisin and spring onion. Other plates include dishes from the robata grill such as lemongrass chicken skewers with satay sauce, and garlic spiced prawns served with mango and lime.

Larger dishes at Australasia include a delicious sounding crispy suckling pork belly with pineapple curry, and a chicken randang spiced panco leg, served with bok choi and toasted coconut chips.

You will also find premium steaks on the menu, and plenty of sides to share such as Asian coleslaw and rough cut Kimchi chips.

Those with a sweet tooth may appreciate the chocolate coated coconut mousse, or the Fijian honey mousse cake served with black cherries, and milk honey ice cream. If you can’t decide between desserts why not go for the sharing taster selection which gives you a little bit of everything.

There is a large drinks menu which features a good selection of cocktails as well as wine, beer and soft drinks.