The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle

This place was fantastic! The food was great. There was good variety and everything was full over flavour. They used great ingredients particularly in the tomato and yellow bean sides. The spätzle was great, we had never tried it before but it was light and it held the sauce well. The bolognaise sauce was the best we’ve had in the UK, nice and rich. The Russian dumplings were also fantastic, small, crispy and would be ideal for snacking. We also ordered a second focaccia because the first one was so good and gone too quickly. The service was impeccable. The food is brought in waves with staff recommending which two dishes to bring at a time. It was a great way of eating because it meant the table wasn’t cluttered with lots of dishes and you could appreciate each dish on its own. We were served at various times by 6 different staff members but it wasn’t chaotic, the service just flowed perfectly with staff there when you needed and not bothering you while you were eating. All the staff were really warm and friendly too. The atmosphere in the restaurant was great. Despite the high ceiling it felt intimate but still vibrant. The price was very reasonable too. Overall it was just a perfect meal out.

One of my favourite restaurants in Manchester, it’s the perfect place for date night. Lovely relaxed atmosphere with great food and friendly service. We have dined here a few times and it’s always been a perfect experience. The food is delicious, I would advise to select a few dishes and share, that way you get to sample more of the menu. Cocktails are good but the wine options are even better!

It was a nice experience as a one off but we wouldn’t go back. The service was quite substandard. We waited almost 2 1/2 hours for five dishes and by the time the next one came, we were still hungry. I only one of the waiters and waitresses seemed happy. The rest didn’t seem that bothered. The asparagus special was amazing and one the best dishes I’ve had. That may be because we were really hungry and it was the first one we had though. It was also £18, which seemed very steep for five pieces. The dumplings were fine. Very fresh but the Dip with it didn’t do anything for it. Was nice to try the spatzle but for the prices, I wouldn’t be getting it again. The dessert was also very lack lustre and a nothingness. For £90 The atmosphere was fine. I didn’t like being able to look in the kitchen in the way that they framed it. It was all a bit too industrial. It seemed too much like a pop-up stall than a restaurant. The quality of the food was great and you could really tell a difference Compared to a normal restaurant standard. For £96 though which included one alcoholic drink, I think there’s probably better value elsewhere. I would recommend everybody try it at least once though and form their own opinion

I absolutely recommend this place! The food was really well seasoned and the staff knew the menu and how to tailor to our palette. The attention to detail is immaculate. From the moment you buzz in, there was a lovely gentleman who offered to hang our coats and sit us down. Someone came and explained the menu and made us feel so welcome. I enjoyed dining here and it has formed one of my favourite food memories. What more could anyone ask for?!

Enjoyable lunch. A few things to consider.... very little space between table (chair often kicked by passing customers and staff). Menu difficulty to read.... very small font and poor restaurant lighting. Recommended to order 2 dishes per person but 1 would have been sufficient for us. Wrong order for 1 of our group so he was waiting while the other 5 were eating. Long wait for food and between courses. No dessert as we didn't have enough time due to slow service. Food dropped onto arm by waitress clearing dirty cutlery. Food very tasty but let down by numerous minor issues.

The overall is nice. Good service. Many drinks for selection. The food is also good. There was a bit mess up about our reservation which caused us to wait outside almost an hour. Please make sure to make a booking and reconfirm with them for your safety sake.

I accidentally made my reservation a month early but Ian and Vanessa were so accommodating and managed to get us seated! We loved everything l, but the gnocchi was incredible! Huge thanks to Ian and Vanessa for making my partner’s birthday so special!

Fabulous : wonderful birthday treat from my sons in this beautiful restaurant . Exceptional, delicious food service and atmosphere This is magically invisible in the bustle of Manchester making the experience so unique ! Highly recommend