Wagamama St Peter’s Square

Wagamama St Peter’s Square is one of Manchester’s go-to spots for a casual curry or lunchtime noodles. Right in the middle of the city centre, seconds away from one of the main tram stops, it’s quick, easy, good value, and good quality.

It’s walk-ins only so a meal isn’t a big hoo-ha, just a bit of spontaneous social magic. With gyoza to share, hot pots to slurp and cheesecakes to indulge in, this is the original cool Japanese noodle bar that spawned a hundred imitators.

It’s popular with office workers and shoppers who want more sustenance than a sandwich at lunchtime, and it’s a please-all option for dinner meet-ups with friends. The efficient service makes it a good shout for pre-theatre dining too; it’s less than ten minutes’ walk to the Palace Theatre, the Opera House and the Royal Exchange.

Eating here is about more than convenience though; Wagamama has become a UK institution akin to Greggs and John Lewis. Everyone’s got their regular order, with the chicken katsu curry and tantanmen beef brisket ramen likely neck and neck in the popularity stakes.