On a recent visit to Manchester, we once again paid a visit to Australasia, a restaurant that can be found within Spinningfields in Manchester. We love the concept of this restaurant, which is actually located underground, and it’s anything but ordinary. You’d be forgiven for walking past the nondescript exterior, but that’s where the mediocre ends. With impressive decor, beginning with the glass-housed staircase which takes you down to the restaurant itself, the room is bustling, open plan, and effortlessly chic in style.
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by a member of the team and shown to our table overlooking the open plan kitchen. Whilst browsing the menu we shared some of the steamed edamame beans tossed in soy and sesame oil. We were also rather tempted by their mango and passion fruit infused water, which was wonderfully refreshing.
To begin our meal, we opted for some of the California Rolls, including two pieces of each of the following; salmon, cream cheese, chilli and cucumber; spicy tuna with avocado and lotus crisp, and our personal favourite, the Asparagus, pressed watermelon, mango and red pepper. The rolls were impressively presented and each one burst with wonderful combinations of flavours.
“If you’re looking for excellent fusion food, which is difficult to do right, then look no further than Australasia.”
From the Robata Grill, we decided to share two of the garlic spiced prawns with mango and lime salt skewers. And finally to complete our small plate selection, we shared the black cod roasted in hoba leaf - which both looked and tasted incredible - a personal favourite, which by no exception failed to disappoint.
For our main courses, my partner went for the crispy suckling pork belly with pineapple curry. This was a wonderful dish with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, rich and sour. I decided on the 8oz 28 day aged British beef fillet, which was impeccably prepared and cooked. For sides, we of course had to sample their sticky coconut rice in lotus leaf, as well as a side of their sweet potato and rosemary mash. The sides were equally as delicious as the rest of the dishes.
We also enjoyed a couple of their non alcoholic cocktails. I went for the Coconut & Mango which saw a mix of mango and coconut ice cream; it was an indulgent treat. My partner went for the Watermelon Lemonade which of course saw a mix of watermelon juice, lemon juice and lemonade.
Once again we were highly impressed with our visit to Australasia, and certainly look forward to returning in the future. If you’re looking for excellent fusion food, which is difficult to do right, then look no further than Australasia. We would certainly recommend you book in for a meal when you next find yourself in Manchester.
The Bill: £56 per head
