I’ve written countless reviews and enjoyed dining in some amazing places. It’s rare for food to truly take my breath away. Nowadays, it’s not about how fancy the food is or how pricey the experience claims to be; that doesn’t matter much to me. It’s the little things, the details, the nuances. Lucky Cat Manchester gets them all right.

There is something special about a night where everything aligns – the lighting, the service, the music, and of course, the food. Lucky Cat is more than just a restaurant; it’s an escape. The moment the doorman opens those heavy doors and greets you with a nod, you feel enveloped in a cinematic warmth. You forget you’re in Manchester. You could be anywhere – Tokyo, Shanghai, New York – but you’re right here on King Street.

Housed in a Grade II listed former bank in one of the city’s trendiest areas, Lucky Cat beautifully embraces its past. The building still exudes grandeur with its towering ceilings, intricate columns, dark wood paneling, and vintage brass. Flickering candlelight adds to the ambiance. The vibe combines 1930s Tokyo with Art Deco elegance beneath soaring vaulted ceilings. It’s sexy, cinematic, and full of energy. Even the bathrooms are spotless, surrounded by that signature Lucky Cat scent – fresh, floral, and utterly addictive. I lingered longer than I should have.

We chose the Journey Menu – £100 per person – a well-crafted tasting experience featuring Lucky Cat’s best dishes. It started with salted edamame, followed by pea guac with shrimp crackers, and then beef tataki in truffle ponzu – thin slices that melted in your mouth. Next were spicy tuna maki, sweet and sour prawns, and tofu with spicy avocado bao topped with jalapeño sauce – every bite balanced elegance with indulgence.

Then came the larger plates: spiced lamb chops with chili and tofu cream, grilled miso salmon with wasabi and burnt orange, and smoked BBQ aubergine with a chili crunch that left you wanting more. The flow of the meal was consistent. Each course was introduced warmly and precisely. Between dishes, we absorbed the atmosphere. Urbi was behind the decks, spinning a set that transformed the room from early evening sophistication to late-night energy. A mix of Kyoto lounge vibes and sun-soaked Balearic soul flowed through the space like a relaxing breath. You wanted to Shazam every track, then keep playing it in your mind all the way home.

The GFC – Gordon’s Fried Chicken – arrived midway through the meal and stood out. It was crispy, juicy, and indulgent, covered in sticky chili sauce with just a hint of sweetness. This is the kind of dish you rave about for days. The hand-dived scallops were also exquisite – perfectly seared and served with charred baby corn and a splash of yuzu. Soft, oceanic, and delicate. Each bite told a story. Even the simple egg fried rice was golden, buttery, and enhanced by crispy shallots and XO sauce – proof that at Lucky Cat, nothing is an afterthought. This was comfort food reimagined with sophistication.

The cocktails were equally impressive. The Kakigori, made with mango, pineapple, passionfruit, and Absolut Elyx, was almost a work of frozen art. The Okinawa Margarita, infused with yuzu and Thai basil, struck all the right notes – sharp, clean, and fragrant. And then there was the Dirty Martini – smooth, icy, and perfectly seasoned. I’ll say it once – it’s the best Dirty Martini I’ve had outside of London. Period.

Dessert was Hokkaido French Toast – golden, fluffy, soaked in warmth, topped with banana, and paired with a light, malty beer yeast ice cream that was completely unexpected. It’s a dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment for just a little while longer.

Lucky Cat is not just about the food. It’s about the attention to detail, the drama, the dedication. It’s in how the room glows, how the air smells, and how the music blends into conversation. From start to finish, it’s an experience. But not the kind you watch; it’s the kind you immerse yourself in. And yes, I’ll be back – probably before the month ends.

A special mention goes to our waitress, Hika. Originally from Japan, she embodied grace and warmth. Her attentiveness was seamless – never overwhelming, always present. She was knowledgeable, kind, and instinctive, guiding us through the Journey Menu with real passion and poise. Her recommendations were perfect, and her ability to anticipate what we needed before we asked was a unique skill. Hika made the evening more than just exceptional food; she made it personal and memorable. It was hospitality at its best.