Manchester is gifted with some incredible restaurants serving up the most delicious sushi. That’s just how we roll! From the spots that won’t break the bank to the ones that are perfect for a treat, we’ve provided you with the ultimate guide to sushi in Manchester that’ll have you hook, line and sinker.
1. Cottonopolis
One of the boujee cocktail spots in Manchester, Cottonopolis also offers an incredible range of Japanese-inspired food, including some visually stunning sushi. The food is aesthetically led and almost too pretty to actually eat! The menu includes a variety of things to try, with prime-cut sliced Sashimi, Nigiri, Maki, Nori Tacos and Tataki on the ‘Ice’ menu.
The wider menu also includes some fantastic Japanese-inspired dishes, such as Kushi Robata skewers, Wagyu beef, crab Tempura and Bao Buns. Not only that, the cocktails are a real highlight – with Japanese-style beverages finished off the likes of Yuzu soda and Sake. Cottonopolis, 16 Newton St, Manchester, M1 2AE.
2. Sunset by Australasia
Popular cocktail spot Sunset also happens to be a fantastic option if you’re craving a bit of sushi. Focusing on smaller plates in comparison to its sister site, Australasia, the menu is perfect for a tapas-style lunch or dinner, with Nigiri, Tempura rolls, California rolls and other small plates such as oysters, Yum Yum squares, and Yakitori chicken skewers (which are to die for, may I add). Their list of refreshing cocktails accompanies perfectly, with green tea, lychee and hibiscus frequently featuring throughout the menu. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3AP.
3. Australasia
One of Manchester’s most beautiful spots for Japanese food, subterranean venue Australasia is much-loved for its incredible Australian dishes, infused with Japanese and Indonesian influences. Think oysters, Sashimi and Tempura dishes – with Teriyaki beef rump dishes, octopus and many more fresh fish offerings. The menu is absolutely huge, with a wide variety of Nigiri, Tempura, Sashimi and California Rolls to choose from if sushi’s what you’re after. We recommend ordering a number of dishes and trying a bit of everything, with the portion sizes perfect for sharing. Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3AP.
4. Sushi Marvel
Coming in with rave reviews, Sushi Marvel was born in Chorlton before expanding to Manchester’s post-industrial neighbourhood, Ancoats. The restaurant was created by a chef well-versed in sushi making, working in Hong Kong, Japan and London – so you know you’re in good hands when you visit.
The simple but delicious menu caters for everyone, with vegan and gluten-free options available to order. The Ancoats spot is perfect for a quick lunch on a budget, with menu highlights including Futomaki, Uramaki, Temaki and Otoro. If you’re visiting with friends, their sushi platters are perfect for sharing, with prices starting from £18 for a beautifully presented tray of fresh sushi. Sushi Marvel, 90 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5EB.
5. Sapporo Teppanyaki
A fun, contemporary venue in town, Sapporo Teppanyaki offers a more interactive experience for sushi fans, with food prepared before guests in the centre of the restaurant. The Japanese restaurant presents itself as one of Manchester’s “finest” sushi spots, serving Nigiri, Temaki, Maki, California rolls and Sashimi, with other Japanese dishes such as Teppanyaki, noodles, and chicken rolls available to order. Sapporo Teppanyaki, 91-93 Liverpool Rd, Manchester, M3 4JN.
6. Samsi
Slap bang in the middle of Oxford Road and Piccadilly train stations, Samsi rates highly on customer satisfaction. With a huge varieties of platters available, including ones named Sakura, Samurai and Kabuki, and sushi ranging from Norimaki and Uramaki, to Sashimi and Nigiri, there’s so much to choose from at one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Manchester. Samsi also offers several seating arrangements, including horigotatsu, a sunken set up to mimic sitting on the floor, as is traditional in Japanese culture, making it a truly unique experience. Samsi Japanese Restaurant, 36-38 Whitworth St, Manchester M1 3NR.
7. Sakura
Just on the outskirts of Manchester, Sakura is an authentic Japanese restaurant with some fabulous decor. Taking its name from the iconic Japanese cherry blossom tree, Sakura prides itself on its delicious sushi combinations and is well known for its easy-going all-you-can-eat buffet designed to reduce the stress of the traditional buffet.
Guests simply order their food from an iPad at their table, which is then brought out to them as soon as its ready. Beats queuing, huh? Guests can, of course, visit anytime, with authentic Nigiri, Inari, Sashimi, Maki, Temaki, and Japanese dishes such as Teppanyaki, Tempura prawns and noodles on the menu. Sakura, 175 Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8LG.
8. Firefly
Fairly new in town and known for its LA-inspired approach to Asian cuisine, Firefly comes alive at night, with a low-lit atmosphere complemented by regular DJs, twinkling lights, and fantastic food. Home to ‘free spirited, social dining’ – this place knows how to roll, and they’re not afraid of breaking tradition when doing so.
Boasting all the traditional sushi creations you’d expect alongside a number of unique creations, guests can tuck into rolls such as their Wagyu burger roll, Korean pulled pork, and a five-spiced crispy duck one, too, as well as the classics such as Nigiri, Temaco, and Hosomaki. Firefly, Suite 2, Ground Floor, One New Bailey, Stanley St, Salford, M3 5JL.
9. MUSU
New kid on the block MUSU aims to provide a truly contemporary Japanese experience. With a set menu, lunch menu, tasting menu, and late-night menu, pretty much every eventuality is covered, with the Omakase (chef’s choice) menu making for a unique and luxurious experience.
Have your own personal sushi chef whip you up the perfect menu, offering the likes of Bluefin tuna, Hamachi, Eel, shellfish and wagyu, allowing an exploration into the tastes and textures of sushi. Whilst sat at the dedicated 6-seater Omakase counter, enjoy the theatrics of the kitchen alongside specially created beverages, ranging from an ‘Apple, Chamomile, Champagne’ cocktail, to an array of Japanese whiskies and spirits. MUSU, 64 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BN.
10. Unagi
Crowned the regional winner last year in the epic food battle that is the British Street Food Awards, Unagi has branches in Altrincham and Wilmslow, as well as pop-ups at Lime Bar at Salford Quays and The George Charles in Didsbury. Plus, you’ll find them at a shipping container slinging plenty of fresh sushi in the Green Quarter.
As well as serving Japanese street snacks like karaage chicken and edamame beans, Unagi serves up a wide selection of sushi including uramaki filled with flavours like crispy duck roll or ‘green hamachi’ (breaded prawn, avocado, cucumber, yellowtail and jalapeño). Better still you can order the ‘Unagi Omakase’ which is a beautifully presented selection of 30 or 40 pieces of nigiri. sashimi, hosomaki and uramaki. Unagi, Canal Road, Timperley, Altrincham, WA14 1TD | 10 Park Place, Cheetham Hill, M4 4EY | The George Charles, 244 Burton Road, West Didsbury, M20 2LW | Lime Bar, Unit G1 Quayside, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 3AG | Unit 1 King’s Court, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AR.