Cheshire, International Restaurant Guide

Named in homage to a rocky outcrop that has long been a settlement for Buddhist monks, Don Buddhika’s black-fronted restaurant is “still going strong with its Sri Lankan speciality dishes” – small plates, curries, grills and more, with dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus. Besides this venture in the swanky Manchester ‘burbs, as of late 2023 they’ve also opened a second outpost a short drive away in the market town of Knutsford.

“Casual dining on long trestle tables in a successful food hall” – the MO at this revived Victorian indoor market, where there are “plenty of food outlets” to take your fancy, ranging from sourdough pizza heroes Honest Crust to new arrivals Soots Pasta. Add in “wines and beers from the surrounding independent stallholders” and this “fun venue” is a “go-to destination” when in town (and “child-friendly – they love it as much as mum and dad”).

“A lovely find in Chester” – in 2025 Liam McKay celebrated his 10th year as chef-patron of this well-liked destination, which moved in 2023 to a more prominent new address, at the side of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre (next to its sibling ‘Twenty Eight’, see also). There is an à la carte menu, but it’s known for its longer six-course tasting menu at £75 per person. “The set price selection of small plates is superb value”; (“we saw some diners finish the set meal then repeat their order!”). “Many ingredients are grown at the restaurant’s own smallholding”.