"The most atmospheric all-day Indian table in Manchester — book it for a relaxed first date over the bacon naan roll and House Black Daal."
Dishoom recreates the old Irani cafes of Bombay, and the Manchester branch sets that idea inside Manchester Hall, a 1920s former Masonic temple on Bridge Street. It is the northern outpost of the group founded by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar, with the menus run by long-time executive chef Naved Nasir. The format is Indian comfort food from breakfast to late, in a room layered with worn leather, sepia photographs and ceiling fans.
The signature is the House Black Daal, black lentils simmered over 24 hours until thick and glossy. Mornings bring the bacon naan roll with cream cheese and chilli jam; later the kitchen runs chicken ruby, lamb raan and the Nalli Nihari biryani, plus pau bhaji and prawn koliwada to share. Most plates land in the everyday range and a full meal sits around £25–40 a head ($$), making it one of the city's better-value rooms for the setting.
The setting carries the visit. The grand hall keeps its high ceilings and panelling, broken up into booths, a bar and a downstairs room, dimly lit and busy from open to close. Service is quick and friendly, the soundtrack is upbeat, and the place fills with everyone from breakfast meetings to late dinners. It reads as lively rather than hushed — come for energy and atmosphere, not a quiet corner.
For a relaxed first date, a casual team lunch or a group dinner that won't break the bank, Dishoom is Manchester's easy choice: shareable Bombay food in a room with genuine character. A natural first-date and team-lunch table.
Not for a quiet, formal special-occasion dinner — Dishoom is a loud, busy, high-turnover all-day room built for energy and sharing, not for a hushed tasting-menu evening.
Dishoom Manchester is inside Manchester Hall at 32 Bridge Street, M3 3BT — a 1920s former Masonic temple in the city centre, with all-day dining rooms across the building.
Order the House Black Daal, cooked over 24 hours, the bacon naan roll, chicken ruby and the Nalli Nihari biryani, with pau bhaji and prawn koliwada to share.
Dishoom takes bookings for groups of six or more; smaller tables join a walk-in queue. It is open all day from breakfast through to late dinner.
No. A full meal sits around £25–40 a head ($$), which is good value given the grand Manchester Hall setting and the all-day Bombay menu.
Dishoom serves Bombay comfort food in the style of the old Irani cafes — Indian and Irani dishes from breakfast naan rolls to grills, curries, biryani and daal.
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