What’s the vibe?
The Indian mega-chain’s Manchester branch is loved and adored. If you don’t already know, Dishoom offers a taste of the old Irani cafés of Bombay, with a stylised decor to match. The London-based group now has a strong following up north, and people often queue down the street for it.
Why is it worth it?
Behind the modest frontage it's a multi-sensory hit: thick incense smoke wafts through corridors, ’60s Indian psych tracks drift over the speakers. The huge 150-seater dining room takes over the Grade II-listed Manchester Hall – a former freemasons' lodge – turning it into a dimly-lit treasure chest of marble, leather and dark wood panelling.
The one thing that outshines the decor is the food. And what food. Pau bhaji – a popular Indian street food – is comfort food at its best: a gently spiced mix of mashed tomato, beans, potato and veg which was scooped up greedily with hot home-made rolls fried in butter.
Spicy, hearty and no-nonsense are some of our favourite things here in Manchester, and Dishoom nails all three. It’s no wonder we love it.
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.