Hakkapo

Hakkapo is a Manchester version of an Izakaya – that is, a Japanese bar where people go to eat, drink and just generally hang out after a long day at work.

It’s light and bright with a casual ambiance but more ambition than a simple ramen joint. There’s a grace and finesse to presentation and that’s quite hard to achieve when you’re serving things floating in a broth. But oh, what a broth.

There are the usual bao buns, high-level ramen, and some pretty epic donburi (rice bowls). In fact, the salt-aged sirloin version was named a Confidentials’ Dish of the Month. The small plates are much more than a gyoza or two. Favourites range from miso-roasted scallop to tempura red prawn and sashimi salad.

Drinks include Japanese beers such as bottled craft ales from Hitachino Nest, an inspired wine list featuring plenty from Poland (that’s where the -po of Hakkapo comes in) and a good selection of sake – surely the next big thing on the drinks scene?

It all comes together nicely. This is relaxed food that pairs perfectly with drinks and downtime, while taking you by surprise with its quality.