Japan Deli, Withington

To celebrate the end of our exams, we went for lunch in a place called Japan Deli in Withington, south of Manchester city centre. The small, cafe style place has seating for no more than 20, and a rather unassuming exterior. However, even if only attracted by the name, we found eating here to be a very good decision.

Now, I don't claim to know anything about Japanese cuisine, and so simply cannot comment on the authenticity of the menu. The lack of familiar culinary language probably persuaded us that it was authentic. Anyway, we were the only ones in there (weekday mid afternoon so not a worry) yet we could still smell the kitchen, and the lone chef was busy chopping away.

We decided, not being sushi fans (there was a wide selection on the menu), to choose a few of the starters and one of the larger noodle dishes to share. We ordered with the chef at the counter, which was strewn with Japanese groceries for sale. Fish, vegetables and sushi were on display beneath the cabinet, which may have just been to impress (it worked). We ordered some miso soup, chicken gyoza, karaage chicken and vegetable yakisoba, along with some green tea. In total, it came to just over £15, including some extra portions of squid gyoza and spring rolls we later ordered. Very good value. The food was really delicious and the service was really good. Excellent find so close to the pubs, bars and kebab shops of student-ville Manchester. If only we had tried it earlier!

Chicken gyoza, karaage chicken and vegetable yakisoba.