Sexy Fish Manchester

With striking sculptures by Damien Hirst, a dazzling pink onyx and glass bar, a huge fish tank, and mermaids everywhere, Sexy Fish landed in Manchester - the third outpost for the glitzy brand following Mayfair and Miami - with a splash in late 2023. It’s very much a dress-to-impress, see-and-be-seen destination in the city’s buzzy Spinningfields, its over-the-top opulence tailor-made for celebrations and selfies.

The food is presented immaculately, too, a procession of picture-perfect platters of Japanese-inspired sharing plates. Touches of luxury – black truffle, caviar, Wagyu, foie gras – abound. But the quality of cooking should not be overlooked. This is not just food to be artfully photographed, but to be savoured.

The chef’s selection of sashimi on our visit included elegant, bright slices of Spanish tuna, Scottish salmon and Japanese yellowtail on ice, while plump scallops with sharp, spicy pickled apple and jalapeno were served in the shell. Sticking with the sea, a generous fillet of caramelised black cod was stunningly succulent, sweet yet intensely savoury. Sexy fish, indeed.

Meat dishes were just as impressive, from spicy beef tenderloin enveloped in warming pepper and ginger flavours to the slices of expertly grilled USDA sirloin, tender as a fillet steak but twice as tasty with a punch of garlic miso. Caramelised lamb rack was pink and juicy with red koshu and anchovies lending a beautiful balance of citrus, chilli and salt to the deliciously rich meat.

Desserts range from impossibly light cinnamon doughnuts to lavish sharing platters, and the drinks list includes eye-catching cocktails as well as a huge selection of champagnes; though there are plenty of by-the-glass options, too.

None of this comes cheap; the most expensive premium omakase menu is almost £150 a head. But it’s possible to order less extravagantly and still eat well, and if you visit in the daytime rather than the DJ-fuelled, party-primed evening, then a set lunch menu offers superb value at under £30. No matter what time of day, it’s always got that special occasion vibe thanks to the spectacular surroundings, confident cooking, and charming service.

Following on from locations in London and Miami, Sexy Fish has opened a third site in Manchester, in the heart of its vibrant dining, shopping and events district Spinningfields. Famed for its high-end glamour, opulent interiors and surrealist aesthetic, the sushi restaurant has taken over the former Armani unit, with a maximum capacity of up to 200 guests. This particular site features three sculptures by Damien Hirst, as well as fish-shaped lamps by designer Frank Gehry, huge tanks of tropical fish and a pink onyx bar where you can order one of its award-winning cocktails.

At the helm of the kitchen is head chef Bjoern Weissgerber, who earned his first Michelin star at the age of 27. Diners can indulge in signature Sexy Fish dishes, with a menu that’s similar to its original restaurant in Mayfair, and spans a la carte options, omakase tasting menus and late-night dining. Dishes are inspired ‘by the seas of Asia’, and span the likes of smoked tuna belly, black cod, king crab and more – including a wealth of dishes that are exclusive to this Manchester site.

Partial to a glass of fizz? The restaurant is home to the largest Champagne collection in the country with 75 different bottles, as well as a selection of top vintages and an outstanding sake collection. Those who prefer something a little more unusual can sample cocktails from the Trinity Menu, which combines award-winning cocktails available in London and Miami, as well as four bespoke serves created specifically for Manchester. This includes a Tonic & Mango featuring Manchester’s own Thomas Dakin gin, tonic, mango, coconut and pandan.

Finally, Sexy Fish Manchester is open from lunch until late, with a host of late-night entertainment in the form of world-class performers, DJs and menus, available on Fridays and Saturdays. Who’s ready to party?