An ‘izakaya’ is a casual Japanese bar that serves drinks and snacks, translating as ‘stay-drink-place’. KITTEN is a Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar in central Manchester, a classy and fun spot for drinks and delicious Japanese plates that is indeed a place well-suited to staying and drinking.
In many ways, KITTEN is an Instagram fanatic’s dream. The décor is beautiful, featuring sweeping beige sofas, hanging green plants, and an extensive marble bar. Ceilings are high, with earthy toned walls and the occasional wooden feature adding a real warmth to the space. But you don’t just come to KITTEN for the interior design.
The menu is also impressive, boasting a large selection of Japanese-inspired food and drinks. The food menu appears very much suited to sharing. Appetisers to start with, in the form of roasted edamame seasoned with crispy chilli, shallots, garlic, ginger, lime, and soy, or grilled padron peppers.
When it comes to the main event, there’s plenty to choose from. You can order a platter of eight sushi rolls – spicy tuna, California, or salmon aioli (to name but a few) -, nigiri by the piece, or sashimi in portions of five. There’s tempura, both calamari and vegetable, as well as some signature plates, like tuna tartare, and salmon shiso.
If you’re struggling to choose, and dining in a group, there are pre-chosen sharing platters of either nigiri, sashimi, or the ‘Big Mamma’, with a little of everything.
Drinks are very much also on theme, though there are some classic cocktails on offer, too. If you’re sticking with the Japanese vibe, you can opt for a lychee and sake martini, Tokyo ice tea, or the signature ‘Kitten Margarita’, which combines tequila, Cointreau, and yuzu.
For a fun evening of cocktails and tasty Japanese dishes (and some gorgeous Instagram photos), KITTEN is the ideal dining spot in Manchester.