Last updated: July 28, 2025
For 15 years, Australasia has been offering a luxurious pan-Asian dining experience in the heart of Spinningfields. It’s made the cut of many a Manchester ‘Best Restaurants’ list, but with the culinary scene constantly evolving and new owners, it was time for a reimagined Australasia to launch with a new look, a new chef and a new menu.
Identifiable via its iconic Louvre style glass pyramid entrance, this underground oasis has elevated its experience, ensuring it’s a force to be reckoned with. And let us tell you, it is.
Lighting has played a huge part in the transformation. If you’ve been before, you’ll know there are hundreds of beautiful lanterns and lights adorning the ceilings of Australasia. Well, they’re still there, but the bamboo shades flood the area in more light, while the calming vibes are accentuated via the exposed white brick walls, plants and foliage which give an exotic feel and a softer overall look is achieved with natural fabrics and comfier furnishings. The padded seats are super thick and ultra luxe.
Acoustically, the restaurant is also much quieter with much of the new furnishings absorbing the sound. For early diners, you can enjoy live music from the grand piano while you indulge in Australasia’s new cocktail list, followed by cool beats and DJs later on in the evening.
The service, as has always been the case at Australasia, is slick, professional and friendly. Daniel, our waiter, is excellent – talking us through the new look menu and brimming with knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise about the dishes. The re-vamped menu is courtesy of new Head Chef Lucie Sainerova (formerly of Raffles International and Novikov International) and as well as the sushi and raw bar menu, there are a selection of Yakitori skewers, small plates, a ‘from the grill’ section (there’s a focus on open flame cooking), large plates and desserts. Choose several smaller dishes or go for a couple of mains – all the dishes will comes out as and when they’re ready and they’re all designed to share across the table.
Tuna, shrimp and salmon ceviche is delicately cured in Peruvian tiger’s milk, the seafood bursting with bright citrus and gentle heat. The ceviche is assembled tableside, a lively mix of galangal, citrus gel, avocado, red and green chilli, and sweet onions. Each spoonful is artfully placed atop crispy nori and rice parcels, delivering crunch and freshness with edible flowers for a final fancy flourish.
The spicy tuna and shiso roll is divine with the slices of tuna lightly scorched to intensify their flavour, along with fragrant shiso and finished with a smoky burnt goma – crushed, toasted sesame delivering a deep nutty hit. A swipe of sweet apple gochujang brings layers of sticky heat.
The undisputed star of the table, is the miso-glazed aubergine packed with umami for added addictiveness. Roasted until luxuriously tender, the aubergine melts on the tongue beneath a rich, glossy glaze of soy, miso, and a touch of ginger warmth. Scattered across the top, a nutty crunch of toasted almonds and puffed amaranth for added texture.
A staple of Japan’s Izakaya scene, chicken karaage from the small plates section was recommended by Daniel, and surprisingly, was one of our favourites of the meal. Golden brown crisp on the batter, a sweet and savoury honey hit with tender chicken and several satisfied ‘mmms’ from Maria and I would definitely have us ordering this again next time.
Meanwhile, our large plate of black pepper beef with Kampot pepper and fermented black bean was like a fancy twist on the Chinese takeaway favourite. Wok-seared sirloin carried all the flavour of the caramelised garlic, and crushed Kampot peppercorns (a Cambodian grown pepper known for its citrus and floral notes) gave even more punch and a hint of fire.
When there are so many brilliant new restaurants hitting Manchester’s culinary scene, it’s never been more important to stand out from the crowd, but Australasia 2.0 seems to have quietly secured their place back at the top end of favourite fine dining spots in this eclectic city.