Akbar's Restaurant image

Akbar's Restaurant

Restaurant Indian restaurant South asia restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed South asia restaurants in Manchester


Address

73-83 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ, United Kingdom

Website

www.akbars.co.uk

Contact

+44 161 834 7222

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.10 (3.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 to 11 pm
  • Friday: 5 to 11:30 pm
  • Saturday: 5 to 11:30 pm
  • Sunday: 4 to 11 pm
  • Monday: 5 to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 5 to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (13) chicken (13) time (12) table (10) friendly (10) challenge (10) good (10) staff (9) taste (9) order (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Osman S. 1 year ago on Google
    Well that was my first visit to this branch. I have been to the one in Glasgow. 1) Booking and ridiculous rule: I almost decided to walk out at the entrance. We booked a table and the staff wouldn’t let us enter until everyone was there. Explained to him that we will place an order even for missing persons and if they don’t arrive its on us but they wouldn’t listen. Finally, a lady came and sorted us out. Seats and space: The seating and tables were extremely tight. Our dishes couldn’t even fit. This was very disappointing. Had to play musical chair with dishes as they couldn’t fit. Very tight room to eat freely. This is probably because they have tried to squeeze in more people and didn’t realize about providing enough room for people to eat with comfort. Food: Bbq: The bbq was excellent and it was well cooked and nice juicy taste. We really liked it. Karahi and curry: The curry dishes were too spicy and didn’t like them as all one could taste is chilly and spice. Had to order yogurt twice to eat. Staff: The service staff was friendly and decent. Iftar platter: The iftar fruit platter was extremely disappointing. Excepted a little more from the management. Rather than just concentrating on saving money should have presented it better and nobody asked them to give it for free.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Adnan H. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here with my 2 friends on a Wednesday around 6.30pm and were quickly seated without any waiting. It was the first time I'd been to Akbar's for over 10 years so was really looking forward to visiting again I decided to try the "Chef's Challenge 1" (see picture) which consisted of a meat feast Balti, portion of pilau rice and a gigantic naan. My friends went for the usual starters and main meal. If I completed the challenge then I would get a certificate and a dessert "of my choice". I received my food shortly after, the main dish was average at best with it just being a mixture of minced meat, lamb, chicken, and potato just thrown together and made into something that was too salty and lacking in taste. The pilau rice was bland with no pieces of meat or any sort salaan to top it off to give it some flavour. On the other hand the naan was tasty and very lite. I completed the challenge in around 20 mins and according to the challenge rules I should've been asked which dessert I wanted for my reward but this didn't happen and I was just brought 2 scoops of ice-cream which was probably the cheapest dessert on the menu. Overall very disappointed with both the quality of food and the service received, I expected better from a well-known restaurant which I had enjoyed visiting 10 years earlier.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 JHigg 1 year ago on Google
    Where to start. Booked a table for 19:30, if your reservation gets confirmed you don't then expect to be waiting in like for another 25 minutes for a table to become available? The setting is so noisy you can't hear people at your table speak and the staff can't hear your order. Since the last time it has become EVEN MORE cramped if that is possible, if dining with multiple people there simply isn't enough space on the table for your food. The food I was quite disappointed with as it was very average, however I would recommend the masala fish starter but that's the only compliment they'll get for this review. If you are adamant on going take your time and go to the Bradford establishment, this one will just cause you frustration.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Love H. 2 years ago on Google
    The wait time was absolutely ridiculous, when your finally sat down the tables could practically be all one as there is no space, waiters will brush against you as they go past. And unfortunately the wait times don't get any better when getting your food. Starters were slapped on plates whilst some got it presented to them on a nice platter as you would expect to get when visiting a restaurant. We had sides missing arriving after our meal was finished. Starters tasted nice but over all experience is not worth it to be honest. No music, you could hardly hear yourself speak, let alone the other person sat across you. Went for my husbands birthday and I felt bad. Mains were standard and the family nan we orders was okay, little crisp and thin to my liking. Perhaps spend your pounds else where, where you don't feel like leaving as soon as. I gave it to two stars only because staff were friendly or else it would get one star. The seats are also very uncomfortable 😅. Have visited the Bradford branch and is much nicer. Its a shame this branch isn't as good as its my local restaurant.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heavenlykid 1. 9 months ago on Google
    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Just go if you really looking for authentic Indian food! This is the best so far I have found in England ( coz am from london, yea I been been to most popular ones only and can’t say they are even close to Akbar’s) This was recommended by a dear friend and during this trip of mine, we decided to give it a go! With all the mixed reviews, I had was expecting average experience but I must say I AM BLOWN AWAY WITY THE FOOD AND SERVICE!!! Why? Read on… PRO : Food 10/5 Very flavourful, delicious, soul satisfying, perfect level of spiciness!! Food we ordered: chicken tikka - 3/5 Chicken tandoori masala - 10/5 Sauce platter - chilli chutney was nice! Lamb rogan Josh - 10/5 Garlic naan ( not family) : 10/5 Gulab Jamun with ice cream 5/5 ( better if this is served in a bowl than a plate) this is huge and good for 2 people!!! - Zaif who took our order should have guided us better but glad we dint order 2 else it would have gone wasted. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Service 5/5 : Exceptional Service is impeccable. We were served by Zaif, Vishnu, Alif and one more. You must be thinking why so many? That is because, they are very prompt!! - Special mention - VISHU! he is a star! The mutton rogan Josh we ordered was seno from / less saucy. After tasting, I requested if they could get some curry ( without the meat) and he said “ no problem”. He took away the dish and got it the level of sauciness I wanted with no change is taste! I was worried with redoing the taste might get compromised but I am extremely pleased with the customer obsession they displayed! 👌👌👌👌👌 Price 10/5 : VALUE FOR MONEY!! We paid 41 pounds for all of this!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Location - not too far from tram CON : it’s noisy 🎧, paratha was not available! THANK YOU CHEF, Raja Akhtar ( I think was the second name)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bassma 1 year ago on Google
    Akbars is one of my favorite, yet this time was not to my standards. My last visit was in 2017. Food quality is not as delicious as before. Restaurant is jammed tables are close. Noises children running around. I suggest a section has to be designated to families with kids to minimize noise. The bread still delicious , and the Tikka marinated shrimp and chicken. The mutton Biriani rice was not tasty at all. We couldn’t eat but to taste only. Level of cleanness needs to be increased. Toilets hygiene needs to be taken care of. I hope all service and restaurant environment will be back to excellence standards as before.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emilio R. 1 year ago on Google
    First time at Akbar's today and I was very impressed! The food is very reasonably priced and the portion sizes cannot be grumbled at. Also, the giant "family naan" is a must have and definitely worth it - very tasty as well. The "Big un" challenge is very tasty and you get a lot of food for just under £15, definitely worth it! The food was very tasty and enjoyable, service was also quick and staff were friendly and helpful. Menu was quite extensive as well and has lots of options, vegans go elsewhere because none of your fake plant meat stuff is served here. Would definitely return. One bad thing I'd say is the size of the main eating area, it does seem to be rather cramped and the tables aren't that big either, because it's cramped there's basically people walking past your table the entire time, not the end of the world but when you're sat near a family of loud kids that decide to run around and knock into your table it does get annoying!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vijay P. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been here a number of times and the food has always been good quality. It can get busy and therefore have to wait for a table. We were lucky to have arrived at the opening time of 5pm and were seated within 5mins. The staff are friendly and he made a special request to the chief to have my main Asian style hot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zoya R. 7 months ago on Google
    A lovely place to dine in, bring your friends and family and laze about while enjoying amazing traditional Indian food. Akbar’s never fails to have great food with quality taste and I will be coming back very soon! The waiters were very kind and attentive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carl P. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place, food fantastic. It was pretty warm on a busy Saturday night in the eating area but nothing unbearable consodering the place was packed out. That said the food was truly great, the staff friendly and efficient. Took what I couldn't what in a take away box (always a plus). Service was speedy and quality very good. Considering how busy it was you'd think there would be delays but the kitchen was a hive of tasty activity. Thanks for a good night. And some fine food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nasreen C. 7 months ago on Google
    If you want loud vibrant ambience akbars is the place to be busy hustle bustle food excellent fish masallah fantastic starter palak gosht naans excellent warm napkins at the end of meal ice cream sundaes with sparklers very popular 👍

  • 2/5 Sam R. 2 months ago on Google New
    Food was horrible. It’s just a hype unfortunately. Service was good but environment was uncomfortable - not clean.

  • 3/5 Moin A. 4 months ago on Google
    Serving for the masses is what the management said. The Biryani wasn't biriyani. It was Palau Rice. No Spoons with the dishes they served either. All in all, it was a bad experience. Very disappointed. Management agreed that the food is made for a British audience and if your not happy it will be discounted off the bill.

  • 4/5 Yosr M. 7 months ago on Google
    The food is amazing! Probably one of the best things I have ever eaten. The chicken tikka masala was out of this world. It is a bit crowded though and you might need to wait but it is worth it!

  • 5/5 Earup K. 4 months ago on Google
    They have the best lamb chop in Manchester. The quality of food is excellent.

  • 5/5 Animated S. 7 months ago on Google
    I was really impressed overall with service and waiters, drinks and nan breads huge, fresh and good vlaue.. Starters of lamb chop and fish masala also very impressive. Meat Rogan Josh and balti chicken and prawn curry had amazing sauces. However, tiny prawns! Also both meat and chicken are clearly very over cooked. I appreciate that may be the style but the beef was a bit dry and chicken starting to come apart. It just needs a tweak for those dishes. But, worth a look as all the rest so good and quick friendly service. Chicken balti should be cooked 100% fresh. It takes minutes to do and should be firm juicy to compliment the perfect sauces.

  • 5/5 Max J. 9 months ago on Google
    I recently visited this restaurant and was thoroughly impressed. The ambiance was charming, creating a comfortable and enjoyable dining environment. The service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a delightful experience. The food was outstanding, beautifully presented and bursting with flavors. I left feeling satisfied and looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended for a memorable dining experience!

  • 5/5 Haji Z. 8 months ago on Google
    Well this place never disappoints, thought i would take my family out as my wife wanted butter chicken. My little boy wanted the naan on a stick. The service, given it was busier than average we was given a table as we had our little one the wait was 30min plus but got im about 10min The food was excellent the starter chops, lamb karai, and the signature NAAN on a stick. Nothing to fault. Staff was very friendly even though they was busy. I would 100% recommend this place.

  • 4/5 Yvonne D. 8 months ago on Google
    Very loud busy place. Service was great and food was good slight hot chicken tikka Masala for me but the nans are amazing.

  • 5/5 Bilal M. 9 months ago on Google
    I was recalcitrant to visit based on my previous post Covid visit. Haven’t been in for Asian curry for such a long time. Im glad I came back to Akbars. Absolutely mouth watering and delicious taste. Love the taste of their lamb karahi here. Confidently one of the best restaurants around Manchester city centre. Staff are so friendly and always on hand when you need something. Will request to separate chicken and lamb meat of chef challenge to try next time. Don’t like two different meats cooked together. Thank you.

  • 5/5 Foodie C. 11 months ago on Google
    Came for iftari, love it was served on time, ordered weeks lamb chops an fish masala, the food was lush warm tasty and full of flavours, for main we ordered a chicken jalfrezi and bhindis wow the bhindis were cooked to perfection the chicken was ok could have been better. Why 5 starts the waiter that served us was on point super friendly an helpful so well done. Would deffo come back when it’s not ramadan to see if it’s any different.

  • 5/5 Our adventures A. 9 months ago on Google
    What a place! No other words, fantastic food great service and a brilliant atmosphere One of our team did the challenge and this would give beard meets food a run for his money! Get yourself booked for some fantastic food!

  • 5/5 Ste D. 10 months ago on Google
    Attended for a work event and was impressed by the quality of food, we had a set menu and you got a large starter, 4 curries w/rice & dessert. And they serve the largest naan breads I’ve ever seen, well worth the visit if you like Indian food.

  • 5/5 Ian T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and great service. Would definitely visit again. The Chef's challenge 1 is really worth a go, really nice food despite being a challenge.

  • 3/5 Omayya V. 2 years ago on Google
    Slow service due to it being very busy, we were a large party of 15 so some of the orders got a little confused, the lamb chops, king prawn tikka, koftas and liver karai were very nice, so was the naan. The rice portion was very small and the seafood balti was very underwhelming, and definitely not 'the best seafoid dish on the subcontinent'

  • 5/5 Paul k. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the chefs big un challenge. Mistake on my behave, so much food with a good spice but tasted great. Sunday evening it was packed, only waited 15 mins was expecting longer due to the amount of people. Had the best waiter, he laughed when I ordered the challenge but was quick with all our order. Will definitely go again next in Manchester.

  • 5/5 Simon P. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff a really friendly, we did not book in advance and we came late - Not a problem less than 5 min wait and we where sat down. Beautiful food great cocktails, a magic carpet sized naan bread. Our waiter was such a nice happy person a credit to the team. The chef's know what they are doing and the price was great. First time we have been to Manchester and we where so happy we found this gem.

  • 3/5 Chris G. 2 years ago on Google
    The food here is ok, although spicier (in my view) than some other smaller curry houses for a similar type of dish (e.g. garlic chicken balti). What let down the rating was one of the dishes on our order didn't turn up till nearly the end of our meal, despite us chasing. You could argue the waiter missed it/didn't hear us but my friend had ordered a sweet curry and the waiter checked before leaving the table that this was ok. This makes me think he clearly did hear us and somehow the chef didn't get said order. A service charge was then added which we didn't pay as the overall service was poor on this occasion


Call +44 161 834 7222 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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