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Kala Bistro

British, Modern European·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Kala Bistro

Silver Award

Kala is the sixth restaurant in Gary Usher’s Elite Bistros group, which includes Chester’s famous Sticky Walnut. Like his other restaurants, Kala was crowdfunded, becoming the fastest-funded restaurant project in the world with over £100k raised in 11 hours.

Located on smart King Street, Kala is elegant but laid back with 55 covers in the mezzanine dining room and 10 at the bar. The open kitchen has a charcoal grill, a first for the group, and is headed by Jack Huxley, who has joined from Sticky Walnut where he progressed rapidly to head chef.

Dishes include a couple recognisable to diners who’ve visited the other bistros, such as a silky-smooth chicken liver pâté which comes with rhubarb and cider chutney and a thick slab of toasted milk loaf. Our seasonal Wye Valley asparagus, firm and tender, was served with chunky sauce gribiche enlivened by sharp pickles and salty capers, while creamy burrata came with sprouting broccoli, blackened spring onion dressing and salted lemon.

A main of braised beef featherblade with fat golden truffle and parmesan chips was another dish familiar across the bistros, slow-cooked and fall-apart tender and drenched in glossy rich gravy. Meaty barbecued monkfish arrived appealingly charred from the grill, served with shredded red cabbage, mango, crunchy macadamia and sweet, smoky BBQ sauce.

The bistros excel at puddings, and Kala’s banoffee choux bun with whipped cream was comforting and indulgent. Our sticky parkin was superb, served with stem ginger ice cream and sweet butterscotch sauce. The wine list includes plenty by the glass, while beers feature local brewers Blackjack, Runaway and Alphabet.

Homely yet high-end, Kala is a welcome addition to Manchester city centre.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
British, Modern European
Ambience
Cool, Lively
Food Occasions
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Child friendly, Dates, Group dining [8+]

About

Kala, Greater Manchester is a light and modern bar and bistro serving classic French and British inspired dishes from their inviting city restaurant. It’s ideal for both relaxed and formal dining, as well as family dining, with a selection of menus on offer.  

You will find a main menu, as well as a bistro menu, Kala also serves Sunday lunch. On Kala’s main menu there are plenty of classic dishes, with tempting sounding starters such as chicken liver pate served with sourdough and farmhouse chutney, and a roasted butternut squash served with hazelnut cream and salted cucumber.

Main courses include a selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Those looking for something classic may enjoy the beech-smoked duck breasts or the pan fried cod loin. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish take a look at the spiced field mushroom doughnut served with sesame creamed spinach and caramelised celeriac.

Side dishes include truffle and parmesan chips, steamed greens and a cauliflower cheese dish finished with a lemon and chive breadcrumb.

Those with a sweet tooth will find plenty of classic dishes on the dessert menu, including crème brulee, and poached pears. If you’re looking to indulge perhaps you may go for the banana loaf served with muscovado cream and candied pecans. There is also a cheese option.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, take a look at the bistro menu. The bistro has a set lunch and dinner menu, with the option to go for two or three courses.

Kala has a good selection of wine, lager and soft drinks. You will also find a small but tempting menu of cocktails which includes the ‘Old Sticky Walnut’ which is made using Woodford reserve, muscovado syrup and walnut bitters.

For group bookings and celebrations ask the restaurant about their party and festive menus.


FAQs

Is there a children's menu?

Yes there is a children’s menu serving a number of good, child-friendly meals.

Helpful? 0

Kala Bistro is featured in

Location

55 King Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 4LQ

0161 839 3030 0161 839 3030

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-14:30
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat 12:00-14:30
Sun 12:00-17:00
Dinner
Mon 17:00-22:30
Tue 17:00-22:30
Wed 17:00-22:30
Thu 17:00-22:30
Fri 17:00-21:30
Sat 17:00-21:30
Sun Closed

Reviews

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1 Review 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Andrew G

14 September 2024  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Lovely night out.

Spent a lovely night at Kala Bistro. Service was excellent, staff very good, very nice to chat to. 
Food was great, price was reasonable. 

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0161 839 3030 0161 839 3030

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