SAKANA made a sensational arrival in Manchester city centre in the late autumn, adding huge shot of glamour to Peter Street. The huge steel maple tree artwork dominating the split-level premises is already the stuff of legend. Now 2015 is set to confirm that this pan-Asian restaurant/bar is all about substance as well as style. There is some serious cooking going on across both levels. Upstairs is dubbed the fine dining space, but that’s only relative. The more casual downstairs, complete with sushi bar, robata grill and two teppanyaki areas where diners can watch dishes being freshly prepared, offers some amazing dishes... at amazing prices, too, if you go for the new Taste of Sakana menu you will be receiving up to 40% discount or try out their A La Carte menu with a 20% discount!
It’s available every day 12pm-7pm and offers two dishes at £10, three at £14.50 and four at £18.50. For these bargain prices you can savour – and share – signature dishes such as Donburi Salmon Teriyaki (citrus cured salmon, Japanese rice with naturally teriyaki sauce), Yakitori Chicken and Leek Skewers, Spicy Fish Ramen (Noodle soup with spicy thai fish cake and spicy broth) Duck Sunomono (duck breast, candied walnuts, sweet and sour raspberry vinaigrette, green salad) and, as veggie option, Kimchi and Aubergine Bun (served with two soft steamed buns). For the full choice, saving on a la carte prices, visit this link.
Meanwhile, on the upper level, the popularity of the Upstairs Tasting Menu over Christmas as such it’s continuing throughout January. Choose between £35 for four courses and £49 for six courses. Once again the veggie options are a delight, but it would be shame not to sample the likes of Sake poached chicken, smoked artichoke, shimeji and black fungus or Sesame seared tuna, soft shell crab, black garlic and wasabi.
Sakana means to ‘’enjoy alcohol with food’’, so there’s no excuse not to avail yourself of the excellent wine list. Indeed the first floor “residents area” bar is designed for those who want to splash out on an array of rare and vintage wines. Meanwhile the cocktail menu in our ground floor bar is divided into three sections: Kusuguri-Zeme – elegant and sophisticated; Shakubuku – strong and hearty; and Dai – classics with a Sakana twist. The also sell an interesting range of beers plus Vimto!
New Year Sakana, well worth checking out.
Sakana Pan Asian, 23 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR. http://www.sakanapan-asian.co.uk
