Akbar's Restaurant, situated in Manchester's city centre, is renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine and distinctive dining experience. Established in 2006, it quickly became a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant is famous for its 'naan trees,' a unique presentation of naan bread that adds a theatrical flair to the meal. The menu features a variety of traditional Indian dishes, including Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Chicken Karahi, catering to diverse tastes. The establishment has faced challenges, including a temporary closure in October 2024 following the passing of its founder, Shabir Hussain, known as the 'king of curry.' Despite these setbacks, Akbar's Restaurant remains a cherished spot for those seeking quality Indian dining in Manchester.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.1 3,642
- Tripadvisor 4.0 2,405
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Attentive Service Many reviewers highlight the friendly and attentive service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
- Excellent Value The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a great option for groups and families looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Great Food Quality The restaurant consistently delivers delicious and authentic Pakistani cuisine, with standout dishes like butter chicken, seekh kebab, and flavorful curries, making it a top choice for Indian food in Manchester.
- Unique Naan Bread The family naan is a standout feature, known for its impressive size and presentation, making it a memorable and shareable experience for groups.
- Vibrant Atmosphere The restaurant has a lively and energetic atmosphere, perfect for celebrations and gatherings, with a bustling environment and occasional birthday celebrations adding to the experience.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Cleanliness Some reviewers have noted cleanliness issues, including dirty tables and dated interiors.
- Inconsistent Food Quality Some reviewers have noted a decline in food quality over time, with dishes occasionally lacking flavor or being overly oily.
- Loud Environment The restaurant can be very noisy, making it difficult to have conversations, especially during peak hours.
- Rushed Dining Experience The restaurant's popularity sometimes leads to a rushed dining experience, with staff prioritizing quick table turnover.
- Service Issues The service can be inconsistent, with some reviewers experiencing slow or rushed service, long wait times, and inattentive staff.
The longer read
Akbar's Restaurant is a popular, bustling Indian restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and large portions, particularly the family naan. Many reviewers highlight the friendly and attentive service, with specific mentions of waiters like Harry, Umar, Zaid, Kumar, Sifat Mousum, Shery, Keyser, Aky, Atique, and Aleef. The staff are often commended for their attentiveness, warmth, and efficiency, even during busy periods. Several reviewers appreciate the celebratory atmosphere, especially the unique birthday celebrations involving the entire restaurant. The restaurant's ambiance is often described as cozy and vibrant, making it suitable for families and groups. However, some find it can get quite loud.
The food receives mixed reviews. While many praise dishes like the butter chicken, seekh kebab, and lamb nihari for their flavor and authenticity, others find inconsistencies in quality. Some reviewers have noted issues with dishes being too oily or lacking freshness, and some have had issues with Rogan Josh. The portions are generally considered generous and reasonably priced, offering good value for money. The naan bread, especially the family-sized option, is a standout item, frequently mentioned for its size and taste. However, some have noticed the size of the naan has decreased over time. A few reviewers cautioned about the rice, with some finding the pilau rice not to their liking. A number of reviewers praised the poppadoms and pickles served as an appetizer.
While many customers report positive experiences, some mention issues with slow or rushed service, particularly when the restaurant is crowded. A few reviewers noted long wait times even with reservations, and some felt hurried during their meal. Some reviewers have reported inconsistencies in food quality over time, with a few long-time customers noting a decline in recent years. However, many still consider Akbar's to be among the best Indian restaurants in Manchester, citing its authentic cuisine, good value, and lively atmosphere. Easy parking is another benefit. Some reviewers have mentioned that the restaurant can be quite busy, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended. Some found the music to be too loud.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 161 834 7222
- Website
- akbars.co.uk
| Mon | 17:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 23:30 |
| Sat | 17:00 - 23:30 |
| Sun | 16:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.1 against a median of 4.6 across the 26 places to eat we hold for Manchester, where the most-reviewed is Popeyes Louisiana Chicken.
Still deciding?
- What are the signature dishes at Akbar's Restaurant in Manchester that first-time visitors should try?
- What is the dining atmosphere like at Akbar's Restaurant in Manchester?
- Does Akbar's Restaurant in Manchester offer good vegetarian or vegan menu options?
- What is the average price range for a meal at Akbar's Restaurant in Manchester?
- Do you need to make a reservation in advance for Akbar's Restaurant in Manchester?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.