Yuzu Manchester

As pan-Asian small-bite menus proliferate nearby, and sushi prep is put into relatively unschooled hands, Yuzu continues to do things properly. This small restaurant on the Chinatown fringes has changed little since opening in 2010 – origami figures and saké bottles still provide the decoration – but it has quietly seduced umami seekers who come to sample some of the best Japanese food in town. The menu is sensibly proportioned, and features sashimi but no sushi (the kitchen doesn’t have the expertise), and masterful frying. Must-order dishes include brilliantly fresh gyoza to dip into soy sauce and chilli oil, chicken karaage, and prawn or chicken katsu. Sashimi is a real strength, either served on sushi rice as a donburi bowl or in a simple platter; there’s also tempura, udon noodles and good-value lunch sets. Keep an eye out for interesting Japanese beers on the drinks list – and the choice of seven sakés.

Yuzu is a traditional Japanese restaurant located in China Town, Faulkner Street, Manchester city centre. Ideally located for a post-shopping treat or an evening meal,  the restaurant itself is small and inviting, simply decorated with wooden tables and a bar area. Yuzu dishes are simply cooked and authentically served.

The menu is freshly made to order using traditional Japanese cooking principles, the fine quality of Yuzu’s menu has been commended by the likes of Jay Rayner, the Michelin guide and the Good Food Guide 2020. Yuzu has been especially recognised for the unique and authentic taste and quality of their dishes.

You will find a selection of small and large plates on the menu, perhaps you may start things off with a selection of assorted tempura, or some fresh sashimi salmon. Other favourites include chicken katsu and miso soup served with seaweed, tofu and chopped spring onion.

Larger dishes include a teriyaki salmon don – large pieces of salmon cooked in a teriyaki sauce and served on a bowl of rice with miso soup, and a pork yaki udon which is a sliced pork loin dish simply cooked and served with stir fried vegetables.

The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with lunch served from 12pm until 2pm, the restaurant opens again for dinner from 5.30. Large group bookings are welcome however you must contact the restaurant to arrange this. Each table booking is allocated up to 90 minutes.

You will also find a drinks menu, which includes sake, speciality Japanese ales and gin. Look out for varying seasonal dishes on the menu too, such as fresh oyster katsu and locally sourced free range pork coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried. There is often a lunch specials menu to look out for.