Ariana

Reviews

• Ashley F.

  star star star star star_border 5 September 2026

  Hidden in plain sight amongst the plethora of Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurants is this Persian gem. From outside it looks little more than a cafe, and doesn't look that much different inside. It's un fussy and popular with Iranians with its sprinkling of homely reminders - including a Farsi music Chanel playing on a background screen. This is a dry bar and booze is strictly off the table. Drinks do include lassis and 'dough'  (an Afghan salted yogurt drink).  There's also a range of Arab and Turkish teas and coffees.
  For those unfamiliar with Persian specialities there is every type of familiar looking kebab available and burgers, but the treat for me are it's signature dishes from Iran. We had a refreshing undressed starter salad of mint and coriander leaves with feta, walnuts, radish and spring onions (panir o sabsi) and a mirza ghasemi, a smokey aubergine paste with eggs and flatbread.  Our mains included a Persian 'green stew' (gourmeh sabzi) with lamb and kidney beans with a distinctive bitter and savoury flavour; and ghemeh badenjan, a buttery lamb dish with split peas. The flavours were rich and rewarding and very different from curry mile routine. They actually did give us a wrong main and forgot the water which all felt forgivable after a rare dining experience.

• Rob T.

  star star star star_border star_border 4 September 2026

  I've recently been getting into Iranian food and trying out a few of them along Wilmslow Road. Ariana, although not bad, wasn't my favourite (this is still Caspian).
  
  The lamb in Qabili Pilau here was a little over done for my liking and in slices rather than a big piece. I'm not sure which is more traditional but I much prefer the lamb shank style.
  
  The starter of mint, parsley, raddish, feta and walnut was quite tasty although a little different to what I'm used to.
  
  If your new to this style of food then Ariana is a safe bet but I would reccomend trying elsewhere.

• Fatima R.

  star star star star star_border 3 September 2026

  I first stumbled into this place by chance, and I was amazed by The food. It was great, the options on the menu are satisfactory. The place itself though is a bit crummy and small. I would still go back to it since most of the places in Rushlom aren't much better decor wise. I don't think i have to look for another Iranian place in manchester.