Shoryu Ramen

Piccadilly Gardens isn’t usually where you’d expect to find a refined culinary escape, but Shoryu Ramen has managed to carve out a consistently high-quality niche in one of the city’s busiest transit hubs. As the first outpost outside of London for the Hakata-born executive chef, it brings a very specific, very authentic slice of Southern Japan to Manchester.

The headline act here is the Hakata Tonkotsu. Unlike the lighter dashi-based broths you might find elsewhere, this is a thick, creamy, 12-hour pork bone soup that’s rich enough to require a bit of a sit-down afterwards. The noodles are exactly as they should be—cooked with enough “bite” to stand up to the heat—and topped with the requisite nitamago egg, which is marinated until the yolk is jammy and deep orange.

While the ramen is the draw, the Shoryu Buns (their take on the classic hirata) are worth the side-order. The char siu BBQ pork is the traditionalist’s choice, tucked into a cloud-like steamed fold with a bit of a kick from the spicy mayo. It’s the kind of food designed for efficiency without sacrificing soul, making it a favourite for the office crowd at lunch or those looking for a proper meal before a gig at a nearby venue.

The space itself reflects that dual-purpose nature. It’s sleek and modern, with communal seating and an open kitchen that provides a rhythmic soundtrack of boiling pots and “Irasshaimase” greetings. It feels more like a Tokyo station bar than a standard British restaurant, which is exactly why it works.

What to expect

Expect a menu that leans heavily into regional specialities. Beyond the pork broth, there are plenty of solid options for vegans, including a white natural ramen made with soy milk and miso that rivals the original for depth of flavour. To drink, there’s a surprisingly deep list of sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails to explore if you aren’t in a rush to catch a train.

• The Order: Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu and a side of Hakata Tetsunabe Gyoza.
• The Vibe: Fast-paced, bustling, and unpretentious.
• Top Tip: If you can’t see a table online, they keep a decent amount of space for walk-ins, so it’s always worth a try.

It’s worth noting that they don’t seat incomplete parties—a move that keeps the queue moving—so make sure your whole group is present before you check in at the desk. For those with dogs, you’ll need to stick to the outdoor terrace, though guide dogs are welcomed inside.