Reviews of The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle. (Restaurant) in Manchester (Greater Manchester).

The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle

539 Reviews

372 Comments

Restaurant

Modern European restaurant

16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle, Restaurant in Manchester (Greater Manchester)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle

T. J.

Delicious carbohydrate heavy food with excellent service. It's in a delightful open plan space under a railway line, you arrive at a door a wall and a doorbell, no major fanfare but something different and slightly quirky. The inside is nicely spaced out with pleasant wait staff who take you to your table and enthusiastically inform you of the dishes of the day. All of the dishes we had were small portions, hence being recommended to order 2 or 3 per person. All were ranging from good to delicious. The reason I am unable to give 5 stars is that with the 2 to 3 plates per person the raises the cost per head up towards the point where you do expect total perfection, some of the dishes were, some not so much Having said that I wouldn't hesitate to return to have more in the future.

D. K.

Fabulous. Family owned, and it shows. The care taken is exemplary. The food beautiful. The drink selection wide and interesting. Difficult to find, I think probably on purpose. Housed in an end railway arch, with a tiny sign. All the staff about to go on a works holiday to Italy, so closed for a month. Don’t tell anyone about this place…!

S. C.

After having a very very cold bus trip for 4h this restaurant was our salvation. From the outside one does not know what to expect, but once the door was opened we really got surprised. The warm and nice atmosphere inside made us enjoy the delicious lunch even more. The Spätzle tasted truly authentic, but at the same time had a touch of originality. We strongly recommend the Spätzle “Guanciale” (sadly not on the photos), which are a beautiful mix of different countries traditional plates. All in all this restaurant is something different and offers a nice variation of very interesting dishes and drinks. We strongly recommend it :)

J. B.

The Sparrows was absolutely incredible! I've always heard good things and have been looking forward to going for a long time now. The interior was simple and beautiful, the staff were really kind, polite and attentive, the whole place had a really good atmosphere and felt perfect for any excuse to dine there. The food was stunning, really simple presentation that showcased the dishes perfectly. Each dish was amazing, great flavours, fresh and surprisingly not that heavy for four pasta based plates. Good selection of beers and wines, and the tiramisu at the end was a great final touch. Couldn't recommend this place enough and can't wait to go back and sample more. As the menu changes with the seasons there is always a reason to go back!

D. T.

A true hidden gem, quite literally, to find it just follow Google Maps and its just a small black door with a sign on the side. Once you’re in though you are transformed to a tranquil Japanese inspired space. The staff are lovely with excellent recommendations. It’s small dishes so you are advised to order two dishes per person and they come as separate courses. The cocktails are excellent too. Perfect if you like Sake as there are two excellent options. The food is European inspired pasta dishes all of which were perfect. Overall, one of the best restaurants we have visited in Manchester and highly recommend

Y. L.

Expect to queue and wait on Friday night even with a reservation. Other than that everything was perfect. The Sparrows knows what they do best and they are really good at it. I was happy with my gnocchi and all the desserts my friends and I ordered.

T. S.

This was one of my last hopes for some really impressive food in Manchester. Very pleasant experience and simple food, but underwhelming really. One good dish that had me asking questions about what exactly made it so good (deffo get the tomato, spinach and cream sauce option), but nothing else intrigued me. My first time having burrata and I wouldn't order it again based on this experience, it was very plain tasting. The cocktails were nice, a focus on sake which is interesting although I couldn't quite figure out the connection with the continental cuisine. Would have liked to order wine, but it was beyond our budget.

R. Y.

This is truly a hidden gem in Manchester. It's a small cozy restaurant with some authentic European dumplings and pasta. Even if you are a solo traveler you can have their dish without having to worry about wasting food. I absolutely loved their Perogi and Tiramisu. Highly recommended!

W.

The best meal we had in Manchester! The pasta is fresh and so delicious and the service was so warm and friendly. Prices also very reasonable. Make sure you ask for recommendations! The spätzle with kaz sauce was the best and a must try, especially if you love cheese sauces. The pappardelle went best with the butter and sage and the texture was silky and amazing. The beef and pork pelmeni was so moorish we wanted another plate! We also had focaccia which was great to mop up the sauces but didn’t enjoy the pearl barley winter salad much. The desserts were also really good. The panna cotta really surprised us👌the cocktails were also delicious! 3 dishes + focaccia, salad and desert was perfect for 2 people. It’s very carb heavy and filling. Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes!

R. D.

We absolutely loved our experience at Sparrows and highly recommend it. The service, the food and the drinks everything was phenomenal! We tried pelmeni, spatzle, focaccia and gnocchi along with a drink which was made of umeshu and single malt (match made in heaven I must say) and a very delicious sake cocktail. We will be returning very soon to try the fondue and the desserts :D

D. “. B.

First time here, had an amazing choice of dishes, too many to mention, throughly enjoyable. Pictures will tell it all. Staff were extremely courteous and attentive.

h. g.

My wife and I had a lovely dining experience. The staff are very attentive giving advice on all aspects of the menu. The decor is modern with touches from the past. Like the improvised Jazz playing in the background the girl kneading the focaccia dough behind the workings of the kitchen. The ambiance was subdued invitingly warm like we found a cosy niche. The food was amazing, the goulash is must, I wanted to try everything on the menu, it was a bit early in the day for alcohol but I will return to taste Sake in the evening time if I can get a reservation. I will be telling everyone about the food.

v. b.

If I could give it a 6 star I would! Food, ambience & service was amazing. Best meal I’ve had in Manchester during my time here so far. It’s a bit hard to find as well as you can see in most reviews but it is a small black door within the wall of the bridge. Also very busy so I’d suggest calling ahead to book a reservation!

S. B.

Absolutely delicious food and a lovely setting. The caramelle was insanely good (and so was everything else). Ate like a queen but everything is so light and fresh I didn't leave feeling like I needed to be rolled home. Super highly recommend, go go go!

I. L.

Very great customer service coming from their staff and the owner. They really took time to go through all the things we ordered. Thanks to the owner who recommended me the best sake in town. She's very knowledgeable. Food are quite expensive for the portion. Their creamy red pasta was really banging. Had two type of dumplings, the beef one and the mushroom one. Both are so so. Other food are great, especially their bread. Only downside, when we asked for a bottle of sake on dining, they charged us £10 more expensive than the takeaway one. I felt cheated and they didn't tell me in the beginning. I was thinking to buy the whole bottle after had a glass of it as a thank you gratitude for the help of the owner, but i was suddenly very disappointed after knowing they charged us more than the price from their website.

L. K.

Absolutely loved it here! Had the spek, burrata and focaccia to start followed by the spätzle with chorizo and more spätzle for desert. All of the food was fantastic and clearly used top quality ingredients. Service was brilliant, helpful, friendly and attentive despite it being a busy Saturday. Also had the house gin from the distillery next door which was lovely Already can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu!

A. L.

Beautiful covered outside area a bit quieter than the main restaurant. The food is stunning, simple beautiful flavours of European classics. Good wine list and some nice cocktails. Staff here are friendly too.

D. S.

First time trying Spaetzle and I was not disappointed. My partner had the pierogi and was also very impressed having grown up with Polish food. To top it off the service was outstanding and prices very reasonable.

S. O.

We ordered the daily special, kase Spätzle, gnocchi bolognese, goulash, pierogi, pelmeni, some salads and 1 tiramisu to share. Seems alot for 3 pax, but they are not. Pasta is definitely freshly made and everything was flavourful. Price is very reasonable. If I were to pick my favorite, that would be the kase Spätzle and pelmeni, but everything was very good.

J. C.

Where to begin? This tucked away gem can only be described as some of the best food I have eaten in Manchester/the UK. The interior of the restaurant is extremely homely and is everything I’d choose to have in a restaurant or bar. We had a mixture of dumplings, goulash and spätzle, along side some focaccia bread, sauerkraut, but rats and then finishing with a top notch panna cotta. I could go on forever explaining how nice it was, but I’ll keep it simple and say it all was absolute amazing and I’d 100% come back again and again. The staff were quality and helpful and the Japanese sake was something else. 11/10.

J. C.

10 out of 10. Everything is prefect. The best pasta restaurant I have ever been, just so good!!!! Definitely need to try their panna cotta, sooooo good!!! I will go again and try different things, price isnt expensive too!!!

R. M.

Went here for my birthday after reading so many positive reviews for this restaurant,and I can confirm that they definitely live up to their hype. The staff are lovely and the food was out of this world. My favourite was the aubergine ravioli (recommended by the waitress). The food was fresh and had amazing flavours. I would highly recommend this restaurant to friends and family and will definitely be returning!

G. B.

The restaurant is wonderful, we found it by chance a week ago and the food was so delicious, we came back a few days later. All dishes were outstanding, the staff were very friendly and accommodating, it was a great experience. We tried the spatzle with kase and the one with guanciale sauce, the gnocci with chorizo, both types of pelmeni, the chef's daily pasta with chanterelle mushroms (my personal favourite), as well as the foccacia and smoked sausage - everything was so flavourful and well made, I cannot recommed it enough!

S. R.

A real hidden gem! We were blown away by the service, atmosphere and most importantly the food and drinks. We had 2 mains, 2 sides and 2 desserts and we finished everything. 10/10 will be going again and recommending to friends! Visited for the 5th time Jan 2022 and still absolutely amazing ❤️ staff are wonderful and the food is perfect as always

D. C.

The chorizo sauce and the tiramisu are a must try. The dishes were creamy and delicious. The ambiance was warm and the staff were very attentive. I would definitely go back!

A.

Extremely warm and friendly staff. Delightful food and such an intimate atmosphere. The lighting is perfect!

V. A.

We turned up on the Saturday without a reservation and unfortunately there was no space so we reserved for the next evening and was not disappointed. If your looking to get away from the usual pub grub this is highly recommended.

C. C.

Go go go. Just book, whenever you can, as soon as you can. Great wine, great cocktails, better food. Käse Spätzle is 🤌🏻

F. C.

What a special place! Everything was cooked beautifully and the flavours were so unique. Looking forward to every change of menu.

L. B.

What a hidden gem this place is! The atmosphere is so cosy and yet classy. The mix of cultures in the menu is refreshingly unique, the spätzle was so fresh and great quality, really good texture and the flavours were incredible. I want to go back just to try more, luckily we got a few plates for the table so we could share and try different dishes, we weren’t disappointed by any of them! The service was impeccable, small touches like coming round and filling your water up gave you fine dining vibes in a relaxed ambience. The drink options were great and it was really nice to try the saki flight and even better that they taught us a little about each one. Fantastic quality all for a great price. We will 100% visit again to try more dishes and we would highly recommend you to try it!

T. H.

Wow, what an amazing dining experience. I'm not much of a diner for more classy and traditional places usually due to the price, but this place absolutely blew me away. I came here and got a reservation on the day on the back of a Reddit reservation as I was visiting for the day. As soon as you step inside it's a very cosy and warm environment. Very welcoming. The decor isn't over the top and works perfectly. It's classy without being pretentious or snobby. The service was second to none, everyone very helpful without being intrusive. I never had Japanese Sake before but one of the lovely hosts explained the drink, served myself some and told us about the provider, the Japanese prefecture and so on. I was amazed. The food was fantastic. I had the egg pasta with Chorizo sauce. It tasted fresh, flavourful yet amazingly balanced. Portion size is enough to fill you up without leaving you bloated. Focaccia was delicate, soft and springy. My partner got the Pelmeni, and it brought back that nostalgic feeling as she was of Russian descent. I've never seen food bring a smile to her as much as that. All of this for around £8-10 a main dish. It's mindblowing. If I lived in Manchester I would be here twice a week minimum. The easiest 5 star review I've ever provided.

M. B.

An absolute gem of a restaurant, just wonderful. A mittel European carb fest, which is just about the best thing you can write in the world, wonderfully executed, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is a concept and a menu you just want to go big on. Loved everything about it and I only wish there was another one of The Sparrows closer to home. The cheese spatzle is a must.

P. J.

What a find. What looks like a door to a warehouse opens to a nice space with such an interesting food and wine selection. Any hesitation about what initially seemed like an unusual mix of cuisines and dishes is quickly forgotten when tasting the flavours of the first pasta dish. Rich and beautiful flavours in all our dishes. Well done team 🙌

J. H.

Hands down the best spaetzle ever (and we've eaten a lot in our time!). Lovely chilled atmosphere, great wine and beer, delicious food and the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff. Tucked away in an unassuming area of the Green Quarter, this place lives up to the hype. If you're looking for huge portions and loads of booze go elsewhere - but if flavour and refinement without pretention, this is your restaurant. Highly recommended!

B. S.

Even the salt offered was the best I've been had in so many years. A meal I won't forget

V. S.

Before they moved to their new address I ate their with two great Italian friends and we weren’t disappointed. Things haven’t changed. The food is still wonderful with the portions being just right for a satisfying meal,with the service being knowledgeable and attentive without ever being intrusive. Can’t recommend it enough.

D. L.

Somewhere off the beaten track, doing something different but really well. The spätzle was amazing and so were the wines. The atmosphere was cosy as well, which is an achievement in the large railway arch it sits in. A small menu but lots of variety so good for all dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan.

M. C.

Amazing food and a good wine list. The combination of Italian and Eastern European cuisine really works. Order several sides; you can't go wrong. We are looking for excuses to go back to Manchester so we can eat here again.

C. E.

This was without a doubt the best meal of my life. It was the full package experience. We loved the atmosphere, the service was just the right balance of friendly, helpful and not pushy and the actual food was exceptional! Will without a doubt be returning again soon!

M. J.

I've been going to the Sparrows for several years now - usually for birthdays or when we have friends and family over. It is our favourite restaurant in the city. Everything from the extensive (and interesting) wine list, the lovingly prepared food and the cosy and inviting atmosphere, to the attentiveness and genuine warmth from the front of house members of staff is perfect. I savour every visit, and look forward to many more over the years!

B.

Food is amazing. Warm, friendly service in a cosy restaurant.

L. H.

Visiting Manchester for a concert. Asked at our Hotel where would they recommend we went for dinner, and The Sparrows was suggested. So a very short walk later, we found The Sparrows under the train lines in what would have been an old "lock-up" archway. Very descreet entrance, entry via ringing the door bell, we did wonder briefly, just what we were getting into 😆 When the door was opened we were greeted as if we were long lost family. Oh and the decor inside was beautiful. We hadn't booked and rightly so they were very busy, but inspite of them being so busy our wonderful hostess found us a table, we knew we wouldn't be long as we were going off to the concert. The menu was explained as too the wine list, we ordered the choritzo spinach and baby tomatoes on 2 different choices of pasta...... all handmade and cooked to perfection. The staff were all lovely, really good to witness how they all knew what they were doing and carried it out perfectly. It was a really smooth run operation. Resulting in 2 really happy customers, who will definitely return. Thank you.

D. K.

That’s a great place for hearty comfort Central European cuisine. Another plus for a well-thought wine list with many interesting options. Had an Orange T and it was lovely.

T. T.

Amazing food, quality and attention. I was very happy to find this hidden spot in Manchester near Victoria Station. The woman who received us, who was also in charge of the service, was super friendly, stored our luggage in a room so we could eat more comfortably and recommended great dishes for us. It was the first time we had Spatzle and we loved it. I will totally visit The Sparrows again whenever I go back to Manchester.

J. D.

The food was very nice and we were served by Monia who we chatted to in Italian. One thing was a bit strange though - the cheapest wine was £26 after which the next most expensive bottle was like £38 or so and then getting far more expensive. I'd like to see some more normal priced wines in line with the cost of the food.

T. T.

Great food with real creativity/flavour. Staff were really friendly and welcoming. Highly reccomend if you like small plates/sharing with friends and family.

A. P.

Really glad we found this place. The good was amazing and we had a lovely time. Its clear they really care about the ingredients and quality of both the food and the drink and the service was fantastic. Well definitely be back and would. Highly recommend.

S. C.

The spaetzle with guanciale is absolutely to die for. The restaurant has a very cosy and romantic atmosphere, the staff are very knowledgeable and it's got a great wine menu too. Can't wait to go again and try more items on the menu!

L. C.

The food was excellent 👌 with great service from the staff 👌 and great selection of wines!

J. O.

I shared a pre-wedding dinner with friends at Sparrow which was brilliant. They went out their way to celebrate the occasion with prosecco for all guests on arrival. I really wasnt expecting anything and they went above and beyond. Thanks for a great experience and great food.

S. W.

Food was really really good. Had the best tiramisu of my life after an amazing meal. Would 100% recommend it to friends and family.

J. L. P.

A hidden gem offering a cozy atmosphere like no other place in Manchester. Amazing service which transpired great passion and knowledge of the products served. We were talked through each dish in great detail, always with a smile. The food is excellent and priced more than fairly. Will be making more visits.

N. W.

Highly recommend the Pelimeni Pork & Beef dumplings to start - they were garlicy and yummy! The Guanciale Spätzle and Lasagna were also delicious. This was our first time ordering food from Sparrows, and now we can't wait to visit in person.

S. B.

My second visit here. Food was stunning and I really recommend the Pelmini. The only reason I gave 4 stars this time is our waiter came across rather arrogant and moody which I never experienced on my first visit. Other than that I couldn’t fault it!

e. h.

Came for our anniversary today, the service was impeccable and really enjoyed the relaxed almost tapas style way the food came, cocktails were also brilliant. All in all a fab experience

H. H.

Beautiful restaurant, staff are amazingly knowledgeable about the menu and attentive, delicious food. Couldn't recommend more - thanks to all at The Sparrows, we'll definitely be back :)

L. L.

Visited this tiny little place tucked away under a railway arch and was not disappointed. I enjoyed the traditional kase spatzle (irregular pasta shapes originating from Germany), followed by mushroom pierogi and then a sweet pierogi for dessert, cooked in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Great service, staff were attentive and described the dishes well. Looking forward to visiting the new site over at Red Bank soon. If you like pasta and fancy something different then this place is well worth a visit.

J. C.

Amazing food, all freshly made, delicious and reasonably priced. Their bolognaise is something else! Fantastic selection of Sake, beers, wines and spirits too. Kasia and team never fail to give a really warm, sincere welcome too- even if you're just popping in to collect a takeaway. Absolutely a must for anyone in Manchester to try.

L. L.

AMAZING food. Everything was delicious and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Hidden gem and a must visit!

C. P.

Nice atmosphere, nice staff. Left feeling a bit hungry though as portion sizes are on the small side, although it was delicious

J. W.

Really amazing food and very reasonably priced. Would recommend booking as quite small (in a nice cozy way). Nice people who run it and they are v knowledgable and passionate about the food they serve.

A. C.

Wonderful food and atmosphere, they take your coat as you enter. The food comes quickly and is high quality, this is a place for a treat!

D. N.

Look at the pictures and then you don't just have to take my word for how delicious the food is here. This hard to find gem is worth tracking down. It seats just twelve, so you don't have to fight for the attention of staff if you need anything. I guess the best way to describe this is simple food done well, although the chef clearly puts in an immense amount of preparation. The price of each dish was surpricingly affordable, which meant we didn't feel restricted when choosing from the decent drinks menu. If you like pasta, you'll LOVE this. We did, and we fully intend to return.

L. M.

The best pasta I've ever had, my partner and I went for lunch on a Saturday. The service was unbelievable and great date night.

S. C.

Delicious, cozy and welcoming. Pasta was warming, wine was well reccomended to match and the brownie was out of this world! And the food prices are so reasonable! I don't know how they do it. Keep in mind this is a cozy venue with limited tables so booking is highly recommended!

B. M.

Brilliant birthday treat, the menu was a challenge but we were helped, the food was different and very tasty

T. L.

Food is very good and the staff are friendly The menu isn't immediately obvious, but after a quick run through from our server, we got a good selection between 4.

M. F.

Not just one of the best places in Manchester, but one of the best in the country. Anyone leaving a review that says otherwise clearly needs to increase their oxygen intake.

M. T. W.

We went to a birthday celebration here last night. Everything from the friendly welcome to the goodbye was fabulous. The food is sublime and in perfect portions. The freshest pasta I have had for a long, long time with delicious sauces. Goulash is crazy good. Everyone in our party loved it all. This is a wonderful restaurant which will surprise and reward you when you go there. So go there. Soon!

L. S.

Wow! Food was outstanding, service was personable and warm, atmosphere was lovely - only seats 18 people in the whole restaurant - and the best part, it was super affordable! Can't wait to go back.

R. S.

Exquisite ! Delicate, yet very rich food at the same time ; the Sparrows should win a prize for this fine equilibrium. Fresh products. Innovative ideas revisiting eastern cuisine. Coming from a French-Polish girl, I do not put this comment lightly 🥰🤤

E. C. P.

Really good atmosphere. Small place but very warm and welcoming staff. The food is very good and tasty. Fully recommended.

M. A.

Amazing service amazing food. Delicious. At a great price as well. Highly reccomend. Intimate place. Great atmosphere. Would book in advance. You will not be disappointed.

K. T.

A hidden gem serving spätzle and other traditional Bavarian food, which is not commonly found in the UK. The staff were personal and the food was like a carbohydrate hug on a plate. Try the spätzle the traditional way with butter and sage! I would like to go back to try more.

C.

Have to try restaurant in Man City!

a. l. p.

This place is unique. When you enter it feels like a cool restaurant in Berlin or Copenhagen, when you order it feels like you are back in continental Europe and when you eat it's a fantastic explosion of flavours and tastes! A must for real Mancunians

R. H.

Beautiful restaurant and amazing food! Will definitely be returning.

P. T.

Perfect food and atmosphere for a rainy and chilly "summer" day! The food was simply amazing, well priced and just the right amount to keep you from feeling too heavy afterwards after eating absolutely everything because it was so good! Good selection of German/Austrian wines and a few beers, including a very good porter from a Japanese brewery. Staff very helpfully talked us through the menu and did everything they could to make sure we were comfortable when the place got full. Will definitely come back whenever I am in Manchester again!

E. A.

Absolutely loved their käse spätzle and vegan pelmeni. Service was great too. Definitely recommended.

K. W. C.

Really good food. Highly recommend the kase spatzle. Make sure u book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

C. H.

The food was nice, some of it was lacking flavour though e.g. the pierogi. The main flavour in my pasta came from the cheese, the portions were small and it wasn't clear from the menu how much you got. They didn't have slimline tonic. Overall it was just ok. With regards to the owner's response below, I have type 1 diabetes so I can't drink 'normal' tonic which is why I mentioned it. I also don't appreciate the analysis of what we ate and don't know what point you're trying make by listing everything out just because I mentioned slimline tonic, it just feels invasive. I've noticed you've done this breakdown of things other reviewers ordered too if they leave a less than 5 star review. Weird.

J. R.

Who would have thought sake and central European food go so well? The menu is basically small plates of dumplings or pasta with a selection of sides (mainly salad). A small but well chosen selection of mainly central European wines complement the food well, but what they really want you to try is a range of sake and other Japanese sake based drinks which have complex flavours which go really well with the buttery smoky and sour flavours in the food. Good service and relaxed ambience with mainly young clientele. Highlight was the mushroom and sauerkraut pierogi and desserts.

L. 4.

First time at the restaurant, made to feel welcome , staff really personable. Talked us through the menu and the food is amazing. Looking forward to going back soon.

H. E.

Absolutely incredible food. A lovely atmosphere and the staff were so fun and friendly. Highly recommend

R. M.

Best restaurant in Manchester. Not a bad thing to say. Will be back again.

J. S.

The best pasta I've ever had. Servers were all friendly, knowledgeable and so passionate. I'll definitely be coming back

T. W.

Beautiful food with opportunity of wine pairings with each dish. Waiting staff were lovely but service a bit slow.

V. V.

The Sparrows is a gem. The food is outstanding, the place stunning. It’s always a pleasure going back, it feels very special for a date night.

C. M.

Stellar spätzle! The pasta is certainly the star of the offerings. The käse spätzle was simplicity at it’s best. The unmatched texture of freshly made pasta with a silky cheese sauce is a match made in heaven. This is not your Großmutter’s Mac and cheese. The goulash was very good but trumped only by those clever people at Platzki. There are some clever tea pairings, the decor is uncomplicated and Tyrolese meets Polskie. Easy on the eye and very convivial. There’s a sense of more to come.

D. L.

Absolutely delicious food. Very welcoming, professional & efficient staff. Lovely restaurant.

E. A.

Restaurant is wonderful! Lovely decor and atmosphere. Staff very friend and food amazing!!

S. S.

Understated and a true hidden gem. Exceptionally clean, very professional and friendly attentive staff. The menu is unique with good variety. Very reasonably priced. If you are some who trully appreciates high quality food in a humble environment for a sophisticated dining experience this place is not to be missed. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu and so easy to drive in and park for an easy hassle free evening.

R. N.

Incredible place, incredible service, and incredible food. If you are in Manchester then you have to try this place! 1000% will be coming back to here!

H. M.

A hidden gem. Great food (although small portions if you're hungry). Lovely service. We will be back!

J. S.

Visited Manchester for birthday and had some disappointing meals elsewhere, looked online for reviews of Italians and the sparrows showed up. We managed to get the last slot for the evening and there is good reason for the high rating and availability. Food was incredible, service was impeccable and the overall ambience and atmosphere in the restaurant was perfect. Probably some of the best gnocchi I’ve ever had and the fresh pasta was superb also. If you live in or visit Manchester I highly recommend to book. The google rating speaks for itself!

A. R.

Unbelievably good, incredible service, great atmosphere and rhe most delicious food. Perfection

W. T.

Off the beaten track but extremely well priced and flavoursome food. Great service with a selection of Germanic and Balkan drinks and food dishes. Definitely a hip location and worth a visit.

L.

Wasn't easy to find but once I discovered I how could I resist . I was feeling cold so I had a jabnease tea to warm me up . A stew and Italian bread and spotted someone tucking into chocolate brownie with a small glass that looked like sherry I just had to have one

S. P.

Amazing regional, small menu. Super knowledgeable staff. Excellent drinks and wine list. Highly recommended and will return if I can get a table!

M. N.

Lovely quirky restaurant hidden away next to a brewery. Amazing dishes (not always described in a lot of detail), that range from dumplings to gnocchi. Highly recommended if you can only go to one restaurant in Manchester, and like pasta/rich food.

S. B.

Absolutely amazing food and drink, run by passionate people! The only place I've found in Manchester that gives you the feel of a tiny European bistro

C. R.

We tried our luck without a reservation on a Friday, completely expecting to be disappointed, but the staff were able to offer us a table for an hour. Everyone we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. We absolutely loved the food, my partner had the special, a delicious aubergine ravioli and I went for the Chroizo cherry tomato and spinach with cream. We shared some focaccia and pierogi and enjoyed every bite. Can't wait to return as we could have picked from anything else on the menu.

J. R.

Really superb meal. This was our second visit after a break of a couple of years, and the food quality has not slipped at all. We had the speck board, dill cucumbers, kase spätzle, mushroom pierogi and smoked sausage. Everything was superb. Also, the service here is brilliant! Little touches like water refills and friendly and helpful, but not overly familiar service, are greatly appreciated. Stuff like that seems simple, but so many places get it wrong that it can’t be! Prices were extremely reasonable. One of the best dining experiences currently available in the city centre IMO.

C. K.

a bit of an unusual location. food was very delicious. a different experience with chef curating the meal to make sure it's at the table fresh. The goulash wasn't what I expected but still very tasty.

L. A.

Delicious food, we had a combination of a lot of things on the menu and all of them were prepared with great care and seasoning. The owner and waitress that served us were very welcoming and gave us wonderful advice on what sides should accompany the dishes. The price was very reasonable for the overall high quality of the food and atmosphere. If we ever come back to Manchester we will be sure to come again!

A. S.

Great service, amazing food and a very nice atmosphere! They prices are very reasonable considering the quality. We had a lovely evening.

B. C.

This place just never disappoints! Amazing food, lovely decor and such beautiful staff. Visited three times so far and I know ill be back again.

J. L.

Food is amazing. So many flavours blended in together! The restaurant isn't very big but has a really nice atmosphere to it. The staff are all lovely and we really appreciated that despite being after closing time, we weren't rushed into finishing our meal.

J. S.

First dine out after the covid. Food was amazing! and staff were so kind and welcoming.

M. D.

A hidden gem. Looks slightly dodgy from the outside but is a lovely oasis once you're inside. Great atmosphere, delicious food and friendly knowledgeable staff. Really stands out from the crowd and well worth a visit. Looking forward to another visit soon.

O. F.

Relaxing atmosphere with fantastic food and service.

e. e.

Absolutely stunning food What a beautiful hidden away gem The food is fresh and bursting with flavour complemented with a very romantic but yat relaxed atmosphere 👌

p. a.

Great drinks, good food. Friendly service. Also squeezed us in without a reservation.

O.

Enjoyed a very lovely meal here for my birthday. Food couldn't have been better - a wonderful selection of pastas and spaetzl. Plenty of dishes we'd never tried before and were out of this world. Staff were all really lovely and friendly and offered useful suggestions. The space itself is a nice surprise - from the outside it's just a railway arch but as you enter the door it's a wonderfully lit space without any pretentiousness but plenty of modern style. Definitely perfect for a weekday date or weekend special occasion!

J. H.

AMAZING food. Lovely staff. Great Sake pairing. We came away wanting to come back for brunch!

J. M.

Lovely staff, great experience. Food was amazing. I am missing the butter and sage spitzel.

A. S.

Amazing. Some of the best food you can have in Manchester. Service is friendly and attentive. Pierogi and gnocchi are particularly special.

R. S.

I have wanted to visit this restaurant for a long while now and was surprised with a visit. A very unassuming doorway led into an incredibly cosy and well decorated space (that allows dogs!!). I can’t remember everything we ate, but stand out dishes were the fondue, the goulash (so melt in the mouth) and the burrata and Speck board. Service was incredibly genuine and warm and I’ve already booked to go back it was that brilliant.

l. y.

Absolutely amazing fresh food here, every mouthful wad a delight and worth the money! Only complaint.. more of it please!! Too tasty for a small portion haha will definitely come back again when I next visit Manchester.

E. L.

The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Dishes are so beautiful and tasty. Only disappointed me is there potion. I ordered a pasta as a large potion with extra £4, but the dish looks absolutely normal potion, looks same as my wife’s ( she orders just regular pasta ) I felt like just waste money on 10 gram additional potion.

L. P.

One of the best places I have eaten at in Manchester. Delicious and decadent food and very friendly staff. If I was selfish I wouldn't share as it is that good

A. T.

Absolutely fantastic, must be one of the best restaurants in Manchester! Menu is a little confusing at first but our server talked us through, ordering two dishes each was perfect, the spatzle, goulash, pelmeni and smoked sausage were all amazing!

P. D.

Simply excellent. Olivia looked after us all night and explained the menu concept and layout. Food is so flavourful and understated. From small plates, larger ones and finishing with coffee and dessert, exceptional. Will easily have my custom again and will tell everyone to come here.

c. C.

It was an absolutely wonderful meal. In fact, I was writing it on my way home after the meal. Great service, knowledgeable, attentive and professional. It was our first time and it was full of surprises. Delicious food with the perfect sake match. If you are looking for an intimate restaurant for your date night or a meal with friends, this is the place.

D. C.

Beautiful food. Knowledgeable staff. A hidden gem. Went for a celebratory post-lockdown meal. Treated the menu with a tapas-style ethos with guidance from the amazing waitress. As a layman, I would say the food was Eastern European but felt like Italian with a twist. HIGHLY recommended. Can't wait to return.

C. W.

Had a great time. Food and drinks we orders were all between very good and exceptional. The portions are sized so you can try several dishes, which I think is great. Service was brilliant with great recommendations.

S. S.

Amazing Spatzle experience in Manchester!!! Absolutely to try!!! And lovely experience with the chefs!!! Top restaurant in Manchester very cosy and familiar!

H. T.

Exceptional. Lovely service. Amazing food. Would highly recommend

A. S.

Absolutely great from the moment we stepped in the door. Lovely, welcoming staff made us feel at home straight away. The food was absolutely gorgeous, wish we had the appetite to try one of everything on the menu, it all sounded lovely. You could see it being prepared right in front of you, and the atmosphere was lovely. Really looking forward to going back.

J. M.

Exceptional! Could not fault a single thing, the food, the service, the drinks were all amazing.

V. J.

Our expectations for this restaurant were completely blown away. A real must if you are visiting Manchester (unless you’re gluten intolerant!). The spatzle and dumplings are delicious (we had the Kase and Chorizo sauces) - they have great wines and also phenomenal sake (and I’m not even a sake drinker). The interior was really beautiful and inviting, and the staff were friendly and very passionate. Note that the restaurant is actually in one of the railway arches - it can be easy to miss the sign.

s. w.

Had a fabulous meal. Beautiful ingredients, great dishes. Superb service. Very reasonable price. Lovely cocktails with sake. Would highly recommend. We will definitely be back. Thanks to all for a wonderful night.

R. S.

A little hard to find with it getting dark out early, the sign could do with a bit of illumination. The area didn't feel great either in the dark, but once we found the place we were very pleasantly surprised! The waitresses were both very helpful and friendly. The food tasty and fresh, all made from scratch. The Käsespätzle didn't taste very authentic but it was still tasty (although I'd get the tomato spätzle next time)! The ravioli portion was very small and quite pricey (compared to some of the other dishes) but I do appreciate that making ravioli from scratch is hard work! The dishes are a bit on the small side in general, so anticipate ordering multiple (which the waitressss advised).

T. W.

An absolute gem in the ever-growing Manchester restaurant world. if you love your carbs get yourself booked in ASAP.

L. W.

The Sparrow is a gem of a restaurant. The food is remarkably good and the service is excellent.

E. C.

So glad we stumbled across this on a short trip from Glasgow. Lovely well priced food, good wines, excellent service and great design and use of space. Thoroughly recommend.

M. H.

Not quite in the city centre... This is what makes it unique. Oh, that and it tastes great. I would recommend ordering a large portion of pasta at the start so you don't have to wait on your top ups. Definitely check this place out.

D. C.

Incredible food and cocktails! Great service, they even brought out a blanket for our dog. Well worth the money

h. u.

First visit last weekend for early Sunday lunch. Quirky little place. Staff very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful but not over the top. Food amazing and different to anything I'd had before. Friends said cocktails were lovely. I was driving so didn't indulge but will next time. Totally different to mainstream , corporate, chain style restaurants. This place has heart and soul and cares about their food and customers. I'll be back!

S. B.

Just amazing from the moment I rang the doorbell to the moment we left - so welcoming, surprising, homely, stylish and the food...just incredible! The attention to every detail, decor, service, food, wine list, was so meticulously done that you wouldn't realise but so important. Feel very lucky to have found this beautiful place and am looking forward to returning again (and again)

K.

Combining Italian fresh pasta with Polish cuisine and a wide selection of sake this is one of the hidden gems of Manchester's culinary scene.

M. B.

Since I first visited a few weeks ago, my only complaint is not having a big enough group of friends interested in returning to this place as I much as I’d like to. And that’s with us having already gone back a couple of times… Everything is so meticulously prepared and just oozes quality. You can really tell the amount of heart and soul poured into the preparation of the menu, each dish, the decor, and even the drinks. You want this food. Don’t worry about not being able to order everything on the menu (you’ll definitely want to), because you’ll be back.

V. G.

A quirky and hidden gem mixing Japanese drinks with gnocchi and spätzle dishes?! The drinks menu was very extensive lots of different sakes which washed the pasta dishes down nicely. Definitely worth a visit if you want to try somewhere different.

J. N.

Such a great dining experience. Everything is perfect, from the atmosphere to the food and the great owners and staff. They are so passionate about everything on the menu and that translates into anything you order. All of this makes it my favourite place to eat in Manchester 😊 You leave with a full belly and a big smile on your face - perfect!

J. D.

Loved it. The staff are really nice, the menu is very unique (Eastern Eurpoean dumplings and Tyrolean spätzle servied with sake! All really delicious. Had a fantastic evening with reallt nice food.

M. B.

Will be forever grateful to my friend who recommended this place. Such an exciting and unique blend of cuisine all cooked perfectly and packed with flavour. The venue is amazing too. Already planning a return.

T. S.

The food here is special. Took my dad for Father’s Day and he absolutely loved it I’m so happy he got to experience it too. Service is fab too. Thanks so much guys! Strongly recommend the crab ravioli, pierogi and the smoked polish sausage with sauerkraut so tasty!!

A. D.

Always on the level and above. My favourite spot in Manchester ❤️

A. B.

The most fantastic place I have ever been!!! Phenomenal atmosphere, delightful interior and such a nice customer service. The vibe in there is just so nice I want to be there every day. Food? OMG!!! I have never tasted anything like that before! Mouthwatering dishes made with heart are just divine!!! And my favourite Tiramisu is just so so sooo good!!! I would highly recommend this place to everyone who wants to taste something new. I love it!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

N. V.

A wonderful dining experience! The setting, the wine, the staff and incredible food! Everything was so delicious. A real treat. I can't wait to return!

S. R.

What a hidden gem. This is the place to take your foodie friends! Instantly felt at home and relaxed in this spacious, almost art gallery space. The waitress and restaurant owner were so attentive and had so many exciting recommendations. We tried some Japanese Sake (wine) and I wasn't sure on the flavour at first but the owner talked us through the bottles and let us try a few more to compliment the dishes we chose which we really appreciated. Its hard to find a place at the moment where you don't feel like you're being told off or regimented whilst out for a meal but this place was different. Can't wait for my next visit!

A. K.

Just go eat at Sparrows. Don't question it, don't think about it, just go... And eat all the Kase Spatzle because it's TOOOO GOOD!! The staff are amazing and yeah, can't recommend it enough!

K. A.

Lovely little restaurant. Delicious food and amazing service. Very much worth it and I would definitely recommend it. If I'm ever back in Manchester I will most likely be returning.

t. J.

Amazing food and brilliant service, waitress talked us through the menu and recommended things without trying to upsell. Usually I feel a bit uncomfortable in fancy places but theyve struck a really good balance between fancy and welcoming. Wish we could've had the crab but think you have to get there a bit earlier (we went in the evening) - will def be going back

S. W.

Literally amazing restaurant! I couldn’t choose a favourite dish as everything was fantastic. We tried the gnocchi, the spätzle, the pasta and the pierogi. All were really light and tasty. The sauces were also excellent. The brownie was also delicious. I washed all this down with a glass of sake which was excellent. Staff were lovely and passionate about their food.

K. s.

I had my birthday and something else.What a treat.Thank you all for a wonderful time.

F. W.

One of the most fantastic little restaurants I've ever come across. Really brilliant service with nothing but pride for the dishes served. An overwhelming sense that care is taken in every aspect. More than anything else, truly delicious food and wine!

M. L.

Unique location and amazing food. We had the kase spatzle and the golden chantarelle tagliatelle for mains, then the cinnamon, sugar, and butter spatzle for dessert. All dishes were wonderful, very fresh, and were served quickly. The only downside was that the portions were very small, I could have eaten double what was served!

E. H.

Highly recommended! Absolutely loved the Sparrows. Everything is fab - decor, service, the drinks and food. The waiters were highly knowledgeable and very friendly, great at recommending what to order and drinks that would be complimentary. We had focaccia, burrata, the cheese spatzle, both types of pelmeni and the plums and spatzle for dessert. Paired with beer, cocktails, wine and plum sake (we shared!). We'll definitely be back soon!

Ł. D.

It was recommended to me by friends, and I'll be happy to recommend to anyone. It's a fantastic little restaurant, with a great atmosphere, a fabulous selection of drinks (brilliant Negronis!), and a marvellous menu to match. The service too was fantastic: very friendly, helpful and passionate about the food they serve. I will definitely be back.

L. I.

Delicious food, unusual menu, great atmosphere

C. M.

Lovely place. Tiny, nicely decorated restaurant in a railway arch. Booking advised (12 seats). Lovely staff, helpful and accommodating of dietary requirements. Food was amazing, fresh, interesting style, very cheap considering. Nice vibe which would suit most occasions/guests. Good selection of drinks including gins, Japanese craft beers, sake. Entrance seems wheelchair accessible. An absolute gem, I will be back!

B. W.

Very friendly staff. Thats the only good takeaway for me. Portion sizes are tiny with a large pricetag so there is no value for the money spent. There is no ambience as you are in a shouting match with everyone else in the room just so your spouse can hear you. Was noisy and overpriced with tiny portions but had a great staff.

V. M.

Came here for a special occasion with family. The customer service was great throughout, the lady serving us offered advice as we weren’t sure on what to get and we weren’t disappointed, it felt like she took us on a journey through the courses. Also the aperol spritz were lovely!

P. H.

Absolutely amazing food, the pasta is cooked to perfection and the accompanying sauces are delicious. Do try the Saccottini dish if you go!

L. J.

Amazing food, highly recommend gnocchi with butter and sage.

A. Ż.

A MUST TRY. The food is excellent! The best polish dumplings I’ve ever had (right after my mums of course :)) The owner, Kasia is absolutely lovely and truly passionate about the food they serve. The quality is top of the top with carefully selected ingredients from all over the world! Dont expect a big restaurant tho, its all about the atmosphere!

D. C.

This place is one of the best meals in Manchester. The atmosphere and place is gorgeous, the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly and the prices are fantastic. The food is just sensational - something for everyone with a brilliant mix of foods you might know and newer ones, meat and vegetarian options and all entirely delicious.

B. Q.

Lovely pasta, the ragu bolognese is stunning, great selections of beautifully cooked Austrian,Polish, Italian dumplings and stuffed ravioli style parcels.

S. T.

Truly some of the best food I’ve had in a while. We visited from Glasgow and this was a real highlight of our trip, will be back!

M. L.

Excellent food and the staff / owner was lovely, being very kind. Manchester is currently in tier 3, so we were collecting takeaway. The owner merry kindly added some focaccia, salad and Sake liqueurs when I mentioned we were trying The Sparrows for the first time and had driven 10 miles each way to do so.

B. S.

The service was lovely, the coffee was lovely and the meal was lovely. The hostess was friendly and clearly extremely passionate about the food, taking the time to talk me through almost every item on the menu. The coffee was strong, black and delicious. The food was fresh, light, flavourful and not what I expected. A delightful surprise!

M. B.

Really fantastic food. My wife and I shared 3 dishes and a side. Our son had bolognese spatzle which he finished and was a perfect portion size for an 8 year old. We had spätzle, dumplings and goulash and each tasted fantastic. Will definitely return. Friendly and helpful service as well.

T. S.

Picked up today food and Sake whilst in tier 3. As always food is beautiful fresh and extremely delicious. I popped in and setting is so Christmassy and looking great. The Sparrow is a real hidden gem and can’t wait to dine with you again. Staff and service excellent-wishing you all the best and hopefully see you again soon

M. W.

Easily the best restaurant in Manchester. The food is authentic, inexpensive and utterly delicious. The service is second to none. The staff have a genuine passion for what they do, and communication is both easy and comfortable. The Sparrows is an absolute must visit, and visit, and visit.

D. O.

The food, drinks and service here go way beyond what's expected of the price category in a city. It's clear they're passionate about what they do: from the hand made pasta to the sake choices they import to pair with their desert spätzle. The midweek special including a gnocchi dish, a spätzle dish, focaccia and a side dish (the sauerkraut was yum) is superb value at £15. I only wish I lived closer to Manchester so this could be our local 'go to' choice for a great evening. A big thank you for all your work.

M. C.

Excellent friendly service, lovely environment. Very calm and amazing food.

D. B.

Unbelievable value. My initial thoughts were that I have had better pasta, but then the bill came and for £15 per head (including wine) this place is unbeatable value. Really unique take on regional pasta dishes and charming location. Really reccommend if you are looking for a cheap, delicious and individual place to eat.

B. S.

The best pasta I have ever had and splendid customer care!!Kasia has done such an amazing job with the place.

J. J. C.

Just perfect. The kase spatzle, the people, the ambiance... It's heaven.

C. A.

Such a unique experience. Amazing food! Such a knowledgable team, good you won’t experience anywhere else. You must go.

J. C.

Great place. Food really good and varied choice. Really nice ambience and staff are very friendly. Will definitely go again when we are in Manchester

S. I.

Fantastic restaurant, the food is delicious, service is really good and the ambience is cosy. Truly a gem of a restaurant. You won't be disappointed!

Z. B.

Very good food but extremely small portions and had to order 2x just to satisfy. Quite cold aswell if you are sitting near the entrance although female waitress with blonde hair was very nice

S. R.

Absolute best pasta & spatzle there is in the UK - truly one of the best meals I've ever had. Cannot recommend enough, already planning another trip to Manchester just to visit here....

H. K.

Amazing food, amazing service. Would recommend to anyone !

L. W.

Absolutely delicious! The Käsespätzel (?) was incredible, as were the russian dumplings. I want to live in this restaurant! The service was wonderful, really relaxed and informative, listen to their recommendations and you will not be sorry! Thank you for a lovely evening, we will be back soon!!

j. r.

Superb service, really good and unusual food

R. C.

My favourite restaurant in Manchester ♥️

T. C. N.

Absolutely amazing from start to finish! The setting is lovely, the staff are delightful and knowledgeable, and the food is out of this world! I tried the bolognese spätzle, butter and sage pasta, pelimeni, and gnocchi with chorizo and spinach all of which were cooked beautifully and absolutely delicious! I realise now I've never actually had good gnocchi before! I can't recommend it enough!

G. E.

You can't fault this place. The food and service is top notch. Me and my friend shared 5 courses and a bottle of red for £85. Do yourself a favour and treat yourself.

R. D.

Had a great lunch here today. Had the combination of spatzle starter and gnocchi Bolognese main with sauerkraut and focaccia all for £15. Everything was delicious and freshly made with a light touch and rich flavours. The host was very friendly as were the fellow diners on the communal table. Will have to try the pasta next time.

M. C.

Delicious food and generally a good night out but let down by Small portions and virtually no carbs which left some of us hungry. It was also very cold in there. A good range of drinks and helpful informative staff. There was a great atmosphere, despite the bright light and size of the place.

T. M.

Nicest meal I've had, both for food and dining experience. Highly recommend the spätzle, I never imagined it could taste so good, and the Russian dumplings with garlic breadcrumbs.

P. T.

Wonderful restaurant, superb food, beautifully executed. Lovely atmosphere and very efficient, friendly staff. If you haven’t tried it, you should.

M. L.

Inspired by the reviews, a friend and I went to see this hidden gem. The idea of a very small restaurant (booking ahead recommended) which serves freshly handmade pasta and dumplings with an unusual selection of Japanese drinks was intriguing. Jazz music, small tables, white paint and pale wood - basic, clean and pleasant. Intimate, but not cramped, little but airy. I ordered the Spatzle in a cheese and braised onion sauce and the Pelimeni dumplings. My friend ordered the Pierogi dumplings (with a cheese and potato filling) and the beef goulash. Between us we also had some foccacia bread and sauerkraut. Spatzle - creamy, delicious and soft. The cheese sauce provided a smooth textural coating rather than any strong flavouring. Pierogi - these were lovely, reminding me very slightly of gyoza dumplings in appearance but with a much more delicate flavour. The potato inside was fluffy and delightful, but I wished my friend had ordered the sauerkraut and mushroom filling ones instead! Curious about those! Pelimeni - these Russian style dumplings were smaller than I anticipated, perhaps better to see them as filled pasta shapes like a small girasoli or tortellini. I was surprised to see panko breadcrumbs sprinkled on top, adding an interesting crunch. Slightly disappointed that the overall flavour seemed to be garlic butter, and both me and my friend were uncertain as to what meat was in the filling, guessing at pork or veal mince. Goulash Tyrolese - the big chunks of beef were tender, with a deep rich sauce. The pickles with the dish helped to cut through the sauce but my friend’s complaint was that the amount of spatzle provided was too small to make a notable accompaniment. The focaccia was fresh and spongy with just the right amount of chewiness - certainly helped to mop up the cheese sauce from the spatzle, whilst the oil and balsamic dip made it a simple dish on its own. Interestingly, the sauerkraut was an afterthought for us, but we were glad we ordered it - I really welcomed the fresh salty/sourness to refresh the palate between mouthfuls of garlicky pelimeni. I had the daily Sake cup whilst my friend ordered a Mori Japanese beer - both of us remained unsure as to whether these Japanese drinks actually complimented the dishes or the menu - they didn’t clash with the food, but perhaps I may have preferred a white wine after all. When I asked prior to ordering we were told that the portion sizes were neither starter size nor main meal size, hence us ordering two dishes each. But even with the two side dishes we still felt that there was room for dessert, so he ordered “Daz’s wife’s brownie” and I ordered the Tiramisu. The brownie was nice apparently but the portion size was far too small - two small mouthfuls literally, which meant I couldn’t bring myself to ask to try any of his! My own tiramisu was better size wise - but I wasn’t used to the lack of layers or marsala. It seemed as though the savoiardi fingers were barely soaked in coffee with a thin custard (zabaglione?) covering. It was nice, not quite the pick me up that I had hoped for, but as always in Italian cuisine there are lots of regional variations in recipes. Overall, we really enjoyed the experience and the food. And the bill (which included another beer) only came to £65.We left feeling that we’d definitely return to explore other menu options.

j. h.

Cool location, lovely atmosphere and great selection of drinks. The food was decent although the portions were on the small side. Quite expensive for what it is but worth trying out.

B. D.

Food was great. I would have given 5 stars but I felt the portions could have been larger.

O.

Nice vibe, drinks were great

M. B.

Absolutely love this place. The food was amazing and the Saki pairing and education was outstanding. They also sell takeaway Saki which I obviously had to take advantage of. Wonderful.

J. R.

Going to The Sparrows was an experience that went beyond just having a meal. Instead of the usual starter/main course combo you get a series of options that go from lighter to heavier dishes. Each one is served with the option of a Japanese sake drink that compliments and enhances the flavour of each dish. The pasta dishes were subtle and delicate but my favourite dish was the Hungarian goulash. Huge chunks of meltingly-delicious Tyrollean beef with a plum and whisky sake of course. Great food: great education: great wine: great experience all round. Thank you.

K. K.

Excellent food from a region I wasn't too familiar with. Great prices so it's a place you can go back to again and again.

P. J.

Hidden gem. Menu was brilliant, well thought out

N. H.

Amazing little find off the beaten track. Recommended.

S. O.

Absolutely loved every dish that we had! Would highly recommend to anyone. Sad that they don’t have a branch in LDN.

D. R.

Lovely place, food fantastic, very tasty, staff friendly, very helpful and welcoming. Stylishly decorated, lovely in every way

R. L.

Wow! This place is awesome. We tried a variety of different European specialities and everything was excellent

M. W.

This has become our go to take away! Every dish is amazing - delicious spätzle, pierogi, pelimeni, gnocchi, lasagne, aubergine parmigiana, ravioli and focaccia (yes I’ve tried them all!) and don’t forget to order Daz’s wife’s brownie. Can’t wait for things to return to normal and we can order in :)

K. M.

Outstanding food and in such a lovely setting. All the staff were brilliant. Definitely check it out if you can get a table.

P. D.

Fantastic food and friendly service in a cosy setting. Very cheap for such a great experience compared to other Manchester city centre restaurants. Great homemade pasta and dumplings and well worth a visit!

H. N. H.

Just book and go! They are in the process of moving from current location to the Green Quarter about five minutes away. Check out the website for details but whatever you do you MUST book as it's very popular and very busy. Was in the Waitrose magazine as the north west 30 Best Places to Eat Under £30.. the Swiss whisky was fun especially the Whisky and Death bottle.

A. N.

Lovely food and good beer supplied by the brewery next door, was quite difficult to find though so could do with better signage.

T. D.

Intimate carefully conceived inexpensive Polish bistro, with only half a dozen tables. Great attention is paid the the customer. The Pierogi and Spaetzle dishes are delicious. A delightful birthday lunch.

C. v. B.

Very good food all hand made and freshly prepared on the premises. Cheese foundue brilliant and all pasta dishes very tasty

V. R.

Weird location but incredible food. Can’t wait to return. Parking is easy on the road outside.

M. K.

Had a lovely time here a month or so ago, the hostess was lovely and made sure to explain the origins of each dish, which were all delicious. The chorizo spatzle had to be the highlight, perfectly soft but chewy spatzle in a lovely sauce which provided a perfect balance of creamyness and saltyness. Would also recommend trying a sake as the hostess is clearly very passionate about it and provided a good recommendations on what to try.

M. S.

The Sparrows, what an amazing place. Had two lovely lunch plates with a little salad, bread, lager and Japanese whisky. God bless spätzle, new favourite dish. Make sure to try the Sake!

C. C.

Took us about 15 minutes to walk here from the centre but definitely worth it. Keep an eye out though as we actually walked passed it first time. The lady serving us was incredibly friendly and helpful and the food was just amazing.

J. m.

Amazing food, great service and the best drink selection. Loved the sake. Will be coming back often.

N. R.

Fantastic food, great service.

G. S.

Very nice place, with good food and friendly staff

M. L.

Such an hidden Gem in Green Quarter. I had an amazing experience for my Family Reunion. From Food to Service everything spot on. Stop looking around and pop in here asap

A. A.

So so good. But, book in advance. One of the coolest little places to dine out in the city. The Spätzle with chorizo was delicious. Service was great and atmosphere was brilliant. Would go again!

C. S.

My Polish grandmother used to make us Pierogi, they were always delicious, nearly 50 years later I have found a place that makes them As I remember them. Well worth a visit

J. J.

Absolutely adore this place. The food is amazing, the service is excellent and the atmosphere is wonderful. A part of me doesn’t want others to know about this place for fear of not getting a table next time I go.

S. M.

Don't come too hungry. The plates are very small. I am not sure what kind of food this is...fusion? A bit discombobulated.

D. J.

Superb food and drink, a lovely homely atmosphere, fantastic service from kind and knowledgeable staff.

G. H.

Everything was lovely and 5 stars; service, setting, food, drink. A hidden gem of Manchester

V. S.

absolute banger, lovely staff and quality food!

N. P.

Cosy atmosphere, pleasant servers and dishes full of taste and texture from starters to desert.

m. c.

What a great find! Fantastic experience

G. S.

Wonderful spatzle, great service, beautiful space!

L. M.

Had a lovely meal today. Enjoyed the ambiance and the attentive staff.

C. W.

Amazing intimate restaurant. Service excellent and food one of a kind! I loved the Spatzle!

M. D.

Such a lovely restaurant. Friendly staff and lovely service. We even got some complimentary drinks because the place was quite packed ( for the right reasons). Wunderbar!

S. B.

Fantastic gnocchi spatlese and pasta specialist. Excellent and unusual booze.

J. H.

Delicious food, great staff and lovely surroundings. Had a great time + a great meal.

B. R.

We went here today. It was my son's choice for his Graduation. The food was wonderful and the service even better. Would highly recommend and would like to say a big thank u

D. K.

Fantastic place! Food very delicious and service even better! Thank you for our great experience! KASSE SPÄTZLE & TIRAMISU ARE THE WINNERS!!! We will definatelly be back! Thank you! Highly recommend!

R.

Wonderful food, service and fantastic drinks. Spatzels and dumplings were amazing.

A. J.

Super cool spot in the viaduct, delicious comforting food, really lovely chatty staff, I hope we will be back in Manchester soon so we can come again :D

A. M. D. L.

Really good food! Welcome place for a quiet date or just to sit outside and have a drink in a warm day. Everything nicely made! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

V. B.

Really delicious food from a restaurant passionate about great produce and service. Highly recommend ordering a take out whilst in lockdown and then a visit once we are back to normal

J. H.

I've never eaten somewhere where I've made to feel so special. Wonderful food, drinks, atmosphere and service. 10/10 for everything.

K. B.

I really enjoyed The Sparrows. Really nice atmosphere & friendly staff...and the food was gorgeous!! Homely, but a little posh and really well-made!! I will happily go again & recommend to others!! 😊

G. W.

Amazing food. Will definitely be back.

c. h.

One of the best affordable pasta place in Manchester. Great customer service, I ordered the wrong thing, they allowed me to re-order without fuss.

C. S.

One of my favourite places to eat in Manchester. I really enjoy every meal there and the owner is so lovely too!

S. D.

Great place with selected variety of pastas cheese boards

c. m.

Amazing food, amazing service. Had a lovely evening and will definitely be back

R. P.

Just incredible. Amazing food, a great selection of wine and deserts (each with their pairing of drink) Brilliant service!

C. S.

Wonderful. The food is delicious, the staff are so welcoming and helpful, the saki is fab too.

a. b.

The food is amazing and is a real gem amongst the industrial landscape of Manchester! Lovely atmosphere because it's so small and everyone chats to each other :)

K. J.

Exceptional! Amazing food, welcoming staff. Thank you! Best place we've eaten in Manchester

G. M.

One of the best experiences in Manchester.

E. J.

Delicious food and venue, different to anything else in Manchester. I've not had this style of food before but I'm hooked and will be back.

R. P.

Really good food, though portions could maybe be a little more generous for the price and the location is nice but tiny. Worth it for the food though!

M. O.

Interesting Central and East European food with dumplings and pasta featuring. New place has high ceiling and tables well spaced out

V. H.

Visited 2 weeks ago and I’ve got too say, it’s one of the best places in Manchester. Food & staff were fantastic. Definitely going back.

L. p.

Had a range of dishes here and they were all so so delicious! The service was also excellent. Highly recommended!

S. C.

One of the best meals of my entire life.

E. S.

The Sparrows - great name, great food, served by passionate, engaging people. You won't regret spoiling your self here and all for a very good price.

R.

Great tasty food in a nice relaxed atmosphere! Highly recommended ! Also the beer is great :)

V. A.

Lovely food. So rare to find good central European food. I love everything here.

B. H.

Great food and wine, friendly staff. Really liked the interior too!

L. K.

The quality of the food is good, everything is fresh, tasty, and the atmosphere is cozy

R. K.

Very nice meal for good price

J. W.

Great food and great staff.. the Kase spätzle is especially good and I have just ordered a case of the recommended Hungarian wine which is delicious

R. C. M.

My taste buds are in paradise

G. t. G. S.

Went on a date night here with my boyfriend. Lovely food and service 👌👍

M.

Food and service was incredible. Really nice to see host so proud of their restaurant. Will visit again!

R. H.

Incredible food. Lovely service. Great space. I'll be back as soon as possible!

A. B.

Great ambience. Helpful and friendly staff. Delightfully tasty food

L. O.

You will definitely need to book for this little gem but the food and atmosphere is worth it. So nice to have something a little different in the city

O. s.

great place! i love their food!!!2🥰 Very nice service. I recommend😘🙂

M. H.

Very nice interior and delicious food

S. H.

A quirky special underestimated Gem. Amazing food & excellent service 👌 😋 👏

A. G. U.

Outstanding food and very warm staff. I loved it. This is a hidden gem, make the effort to find it.

C. J. (. C. M.

Loved it. Fantastic food with a cool atmosphere, great music and terrific hostess.

B. C.

Brilliant, authentic food and a focused, very well chosen wine list.

S. L.

the best pasta I’ve ever had!!!

G. J.

A new home at Redbank Beautiful food and amazing flavours , we wish you the best of luck in your new home Such a shame you have to put up with the current world problems We will be back very soon G

P. R.

Lovely food and atmosphere. Service second to none.

R. M.

Beautiful food and place - really special

M. B.

Really friendly staff . The food is fresh and delicious .

m.

Wonderful unpretentious and friendly place and excellent tasty food.

C. J.

Very good place that once found will be returning....food excellent

J.

One of the most relaxed and enjoyable dining experiences I've had in Manchester

D. D.

Brilliant food ..small menu in a small place but huge flavour and quality..

T. O.

Sensational stuff. Loved it all from the Sake to the Spätzle, get after it!

R. M.

Limited by covid regs.but absolutely 1st.rate set up. Really friendly great food.

D. Z.

Unreal fresh food and great service. Really well priced. Would recommend!

T. C.

Fantastic food and staff - not like any other restaurant in Manchester.

W. D. C.

Lovely atmosphere, great food and a very welcoming hospitality.

C. P.

Great food and service in a hidden gem of a location.

J. C.

Amazing food and service. I will definitely go back again.

M. B.

Deliciously tasty food

F. M.

Spaetzle and Sake....what is there not to love!!!!! Best Food in Manchester!!!!!

I. T.

Wonderful small restaurant ,specialising in spartzle and dumplings ,nice space good service reasonable prices

J. K.

Fantastic, food was great and the service was fantastic. Will be back!

S. D.

Fantastic food, great ambience and attentive staff

M. J.

Delicious home made food, friendly service and extremely reasonable. Amazing!

D. R.

Fantastic food with plenty of flavour, and very attentive staff

V. P.

Good food , very welcoming and good service

S. E.

Incredible as always. Some of the best food you'll eat in Manchester

S. N.

Amazing place to eat, like people say a little hidden gem 😀

M.

Amazing home cooked food! It is also very reasonably priced

S. M.

Wonderful food, great atmosphere

S. R.

Awesome food from start to finish!

J. L.

simply the best restaurant in Manchester

L. L.

Very yummy location 😍

B. C.

Best restaurant ever.

B. P.

Amazing food, lovely people - we will be back!

P. K.

Amazing service, delicious food. Can’t wait to come back

D. M.

Attentive staff. Food with great flavour. Beers and spirits to match.

T. W.

One of the best restaurants in Manchester

T. P.

Excellent food and service, as always.

B. D.

Astonishing food and drink that you will not eat anywhere else.

A. S.

Always an amazing experience here, always.

K. B.

Lovely place, wonderful food and a superb host....

D. M.

Great food and staff are all very friendly

R. R.

Amazing everything. That just about sums it up.

B. R.

Awesome. Just awesome.

S. t. s.

great food and a great price will be back

A. A.

Just great, don't doubt

S. A.

Fantastic place, just not the friendliest staff.

D. B.

The best restaurant ive been to in Manchester maybe?

M. B.

Quirky restaurant for a an affordable bite to eat when craving carbs

J. R.

Fantastic food, amazing fusion

I.

Great food. Great atmosphere

e. l.

Brilliant food.

A. K.

Great food and nice vibe

J.

It could be more food for the price charged.

C. V.

Top notch

P. M.

Try the goulash, superb

G. F.

Incredible service and food - lovely

S.

Probably the best restaurant in Manchester.

J. Y.

Amazing place with knowledgeable staff

T. B.

Great food and service

S. W.

Great food when i visited

D. B.

Simply brilliant!

A. R.

Cinnamon spätzle to die for

J. E.

Good food

M. S.

Amazing!

K. W.

Excellent place and service.. Thanks 🤓

H. J.

Amazing will be back

j. d.

Such a fabulous find.

M. K.

Great food.

M. S.

service was outstanding.

J. M.

THE BEST PLACE!

A. A.

awesome

K. P.

Loved this place!

I. V.

Amazing food

b. s.

the best in Manchester!

H. C.

Delicious

M. W.

Delicious food 😄

C. I. R.

Lovely lovely lovely!!!

W. J.

Love it here

I. W.

Fantastic!

l. c.

Spectacular place

J. G.

(Translated) Undoubtedly an unforgettable culinary experience. Everything has been thought out and worked on, do not hesitate to ask for any information on the dishes or the alcohols. Portions and flavors are perfectly adjusted. With unbeatable value for money, it is an address that is worth the detour. (I recommend the facaccia and the Späzle) (Original) Sans aucun doute possible une expérience culinaire inoubliable. Tout a été pensé et travaillé, n'hésitez pas à demander la moindre information sur les plats ou les alcools. Les portions et les saveurs sont parfaitement ajustées. Avec rapport qualité prix imbattable, c'est un adresse qui vaut le détour. (Je recommande la facaccia et les Späzle)

S. P.

Als Schwabe musste ich mir die britischen Spätzle anschauen und wurde nicht enttäuscht! Sehr authentisch und super lecker. Preislich etwas gehoben (für Schwaben eher schwierig) aber definitiv gerechtfertigt. Personal auch super nett und aufmerksam (Translated) As a Swabian I had to look at the British spaetzle and was not disappointed! Very authentic and super tasty. A bit high in price (rather difficult for Swabia) but definitely justified. Staff also super nice and attentive

M. H. V.

(Translated) Very good attention from the waiters. Very nice and cozy place with a good atmosphere and very tasty food! (Original) Muy buena atención por parte de los camareros. Lugar muy agradable y acogedor con buen ambiente y la comida muy rica!

K. M.

(Translated) From the parpadelle to the gorgeous people to the papier toilette, everything was exceptional. Thank you so much for everything, see you soon ❤️ (Original) From the parpadelle to the gorgeous people to the papier toilette, everything was exceptional. Grazie mille di tutto, ci vediamo presto ❤️

w. n.

(Translated) Good food value for money (Original) Buena comida en relación precio valor

F. A.

(Translated) Insane food and service. Beautiful atmosphere. One of the best meals in an eternity. (Original) Waanzinnig eten en bediening. Prachtige atmosfeer. Een van de beste maaltijden in een eeuwigheid.

S. S.

P. D. R.

(Translated) Excellent service and very good food. With quality and very particular style. Super cozy and very well priced (Original) Excelente atención y muy buena comida. Con calidad y estilo muy particular.super acogedor y muy bien de precio

O. N.

S. D. H.

R. F.

A. T.

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