you can leave as many negative reviews as you like but there won't be a day that akbars is not packed out! ppl love the food. simple!

Whoever said that above obviously works at Akbars. If not they must be deluded as Akbars is nowhere near the best indian in Manchester. I'd rather eat an Indian ready meal than Akbars garbage.

I absolutely love Akbars. I eat there maybe once a month and always go for the tikka masala, have tried other dishes but this one is king for me. Only had troubles with quality of food/service one time... just before the restaurant was featured in the MEN for employing illegal workers. Since then the service has been top notch.

If I could, I'd bathe in masala sauce.

Visited Akbars with my mum on a Saturday night in Jan 2010. They have now replaced the intercom system with little hand held buzzers so they can alert you when your table is ready. Fine in theory but pretty useless when yours doesn’t work! We had already waited for over 90 minutes when we were told we were next on the list. We became suspicious when various people who had arrived after us were being called to their table. We told the man on the door we were leaving, he insisted we speak to the manager who subsequently implied we were stupid and accused us of ignoring the buzzer…he did then test the buzzer which proved it wasn’t working and to his credit he apologized and gave us a 25 % discount with free drinks. However would I go again…doubtful. In summary, very poor service, the staff were verging on rude and arrogant and when I penned a complaint I received no response.

We recently went to akbars twice 17th&24th Jan and ordered 3 different dishes and they all tasted the same. Balti, karahi & jalfrezi. The service was excellent . Maybe cos we went early at 4.45pm. Not sure we will b going again cos we don't know if other dishes taste any different.

Akbars needs to sharpen it's service and quality it's the worst place I have ever gone people are mad supporting these resturants when they are just bothered about money the staff are not well trained and when you have a problem they pass the issue on so all you do is go round in circles I have had many problems when I have visited been given wrong food and for those who eat chicken breast in the curries get ready for a mixture of leg and then they have the cheek to tell you it's breast pull the other one Reading the critics and the compliments i can bet those in favour have probaly been dissapointed since I know many a folk who have dumped akbars and stick local good luck akbars because before long you going to need it as best way to advertise is word of mouth sorry I don't have any best words or experience to pass on

I recently went to Akbars for the first time on a Christmas party and had high expectations from what people had told me. All I can say is that they clearly try and turnaround as many customers as fast as possible regardless. There were 3 other groups of people on Christmas parties and the restaurant clearly hadn't organised or prepared for the volume of people. We were seated well over an hour late. The starters cam eout quite quickly and were ok, but no better than a good Indian takeaway. The staff were clearly just trying to feed us and get us out as quick as possible, constantly asking if everyone had finished their meal.

It is a shame, because the interior of the restaurant is lovely and has the potential to be a fantastic place with a lovely atmosphere in which to dine. But the only impression I got was almost like a fast-food cafe, which didnt make for an enjoyable nor relaxing experience

Fascinating to read all the negative views below. I went here a couple of years ago with my daughter and thought it excellent so arranged to meet my niece and her partner there last night. Worried by the queue but we were told it would be only 10 or 15 minutes (Wednesday evening at about 7.30). Waited about 10 minutes max when the bleeper went off and we were shown to our table. Had the Liver Tikka starter plus popodums and chutneys followed by the seafood balti with pilau rice and a family nan.

Couldn't fault the quality, taste or service. Highly recommended. And couldn't help but notice the large number of Asian customers which I normally take as a good sign.

the only postive reviews I can see here are by people who say they are asian.Im asian and know as a fact this is not pakistani home cooked food.It is awful.with currys full of ghee.

I am Indian and have eaten in indian/pakistani food establishments all over the world.Akbars's food is fast food, the quality is inconsistent,service is poor and staff can border on rude.If there are any organised meals by colleagues/friends at Akbar's I simply now explain I wont be attending and my reasons why.Go here if you want to throw away hard earned money for oily/unhealthy non-authentic indian/pakistani cuisine in a place devoid of ambience where you will be crowded like the cattle you'll consume and to improve on this you'll be kept waiting for this privilege.So look at the positive reviews written by people who have never spent more than £20 per head on a meal.So when you go here and leave feeling you could have had a better experience with a Lloyd Grossman curry jar at home remember this review.

I dont understand all those Akbars haters out there. For gods sake you're all complaining about the amount of time you spend waiting, well obviously it's busy, it's the best Indian restaurant all over!

I'd go there again.

Me and my friends go to Akbars at least once a month. The food is great, the staff are nice and we have a good time. There is always a wait at Akbars because it is so busy even if u go on a Monday or Tuesday night so I'm wondering, if it is as bad as some of the reviews say why is it so busy? Well, you wont get any better than Akbars!

I have recenty visited Akbars, the appearance of the restaurants is fine but the food is not at all what peope have told me.

We went to Akbars to celebrate my wife's birthday. It was a total disaster. We can eat hot food but this was too hot. I complained to our waiter and he was totally indifferent. Not wanting to make a scene I asked for the bill, paid up and we left the food uneaten. Never again will I ever go there again. Not a place I would recommend to anyone. There are better places in rusholme and fallowfield. Better food and much cheaper, don't waste your time or money.

Now hang on a minute, I'm absolutely shocked to read the reviews on here. I'm a long established, loyal Akbars customer, as are most of my family who have dined at the bradford Akbars for over ten years. Bash and all the lads there are first class and very attentive, efficient and put you at ease. And being honest, without the regular Akbar waiters your experience there would be dull. We have never waited more than ten minutes for a table and my teenage sons and I have even ditched our Christmas dinner for the last three years and opted to have our Christmas lunch there and we wouldnt change that now. The menu is faultless, the quality of the food is exceptional and the place is always spotless and problem free. I have visited the Leeds Akbars and have to say it lacked the charisma that the original Bradford Akbars has ,even though there were a few waiters i knew from old. The manchester Akbars we visited in December 2008 after an MEN Arena gig and I have to say again it lacked the tlc of Bradford and the food was rather oily, but a quick word and we were brought new dishes. I'm so glad they are opening a new Akbars in middlesborough in March and cant wait to dine there and see just how it fares with the original and in my opinion the best Akbars in Bradford.Bash and the guys work damn hard and deserve every success. My advice to all these on here, try the original akbars in bradford , with Zafran and the other abbundance of friendly, fantastic staff you won't be disappointed.
Good Luck

Booked a table for 18.30 on 19/2/09 for 15 people and when I made the booking I was asked for my mobile number. I was entertaining several high profile consultants. As our surgey schedule ran over I called at 17.30 and rebooked the table for 19.30. When we arrived at 19.40 our table had been given away because we were ten minutes late. I was extremly embrrassed in front of my colleagues. We were offerd split tables which was not appropriate. Evenutally after speaking to the manager they agreed to get us another table. They asked us to order drinks from the bar, we could not get served then finally was asked to give a ?5 deposit for a bleeper. We ended up leaving and had a fabulous meal next door with friendly , courteous staff. I was upset as they had my mobile number and could have contacted me prior to letting the table go.

Paid a visit on Valentine's night. Booked a table for two for 8:30 p.m. We arrived at 8:20 p.m. with folks queuing outside the door. Spoke to the girl on the entrance and told her we had booked a table. She told us to 'get a drink and join the queue'. The queue was probably 50 strong when we joined it. Speaking to other folks in the queue, most had not booked a table so I could not see what benefit we had gained by reserving. Finally sat down at around 8:50 p.m. Food and service was OK, but nothing to shout about. I personally could have done without the wild man of rock being pumped out of the sound system and the couple of kids who were running round the restaurant like Dervishes generally creating mayhem. I would rate the whole experience no more than 5 out of 10.

Well I went to Akbars last year in june, we booked a table and yet still had to wait 30 minutes. I'm an Asian and heard a lot about Akbars, the scenery and lighting was good and the amazing lighting on back wall was quite soothing. We ordered starters and a main meal and it all came at once, the starter consisted of salad chicken tikka and seek kebab. As soon as I tucked into the salad I cut my gum on a piece of plastic, probably from the tub which it was mixed in or taken out of. Anyway I called the manager over as I was bleeding and he immediatley changed the salad and gave us some drinks on the house. The rest of meal was good, but I was already put off as my gum was bleeding and I didnt feel like eating.The overall experience at Akbars was good, a little slow with waiters not knowing English. Should have some proffesional waiters who are courteous and know what they are doing, instead of running like headless chickens. All restaurants should have waiter schools in manners and politeness.

Because our 8:30 p.m. table at Akbar's wasn?t ready by 9:11, we were still at the bar when the great wave of white wine crashed over it. I?m talking about the ?Poseidon Adventure? of wine spills. Rebecca Addlington could have done the backstroke in it. I?m not sure how the bartender set it in motion, and neither was he. He kept marveling at its fury and aftermath: my friend?s wine-splashed chin, her wine-soaked skirt, her wine-sopped entirety.This restaurant isn?t in the hospitality business. It?s in the attitude business, projecting an aloofness that permeated all of my recent meals there. Brace yourself for confusion.

I dislike this restaurant. I had plastic in my sticky toffee pudding which was unremoved packaging from the dessert. It was examined as if I had put it in there myself - I was horrified. I got no apology and I am not the type to make a scene, so i left it. On several occassions I have been hurried out and tables have been cleared while we were still eating.

Just because you have the location doesn't mean you got the best food! The chicken pakora starter was raw and the service was very poor by people who speak little or no english at all. Never going to eat from this place again. And the manager is very rude and disorganised.

Never been to Akbars in Manchester, but the one in York is perfect. The service is exceptional and the food is brilliant. I think the staff at Manchester need to come and see how it's done in York.

I visited Akbars on Saturday 13th December and booked a table for 9 people. We had the ?19.95 set menu which turned out to be a total con. Over the Christmas period they have removed the Set Menu 2 and replaced with the same menu minus desserts and starter dishes (which was not communicated when asked why we were not entitled to pudding). We were not given an itemised bill and the 2.5% Vat difference was not subtracted from the bill. I had my doubts about going to Akbars after reading recent reviews but I am sorry to confirm it is correct. The length of time to wait and quality and quantity of food, coupled with high prices, equates to nothing short of a con.

Those pondering whether or not to visit Akbars should spend their money elsewhere.

Don't be persuaded by their reputation, in the past Akbars may well have been the best Indian in town, however this is now now longer the case.

Management were rude when querying the menu and the phone was put down on me. I will never put a foot in the door of Akbars again, and will be recommending any friends and family to steer clear.

This is the first time I've actually read the reviews for Akbar's and all I can think is that the negative ones are probably being written by people who work for Salt and Pepper!

I've been going to Akbar's (Manchester) regularly for about 2 years and I have to say it is by far one of the best Asian restaraunts in the city. The food is excellent, I myself am Asian and a very picky eater. My Mum hates eating out (as she can make the food at home herself!) but even she likes Akbar's.

The starters are to die for-grill starters are second to none. For the main I usually go for the Apna-style handis-closest I have ever had in a restaraunt to home-cooking (if not better-sorry Mum!)And if I have room as the portions are very generous the desserts are fun-and even come with sparklers.

The service is always excellent and one of the reasons my friends and I keep going back. I'm not sure what one guy was doing to get dirty looks from the waiters but they are all very attentive - sometimes too much. But that's not a bad thing really.

Also, people have complained about the time it takes to get a table. Obviously it's busy on the weekends because it is popular and people like dining there. And I'm pretty sure there is no hidden conspiracy when seating diners.

All in all an excellent reataraunt. I have recommended Akbars to loads of friends and family and not heard a bad word yet.

I want to go now but I only had a take-away from there yesterday so maybe not.

I would love to be able to sit here and write a review of the food at Akbars as I have been led to believe that it is lovely. Unfortunately I cannot. After waiting almost 2 hours for a table (after being told it would be about 80 minutes) myself, and the rest of my party walked out. Was it the extended delay that annoyed most? Perhaps the lack of information did it? Could it have been the way our name remained on the top of the "announcer's" list while names below ours were being seated and crossed off? Maybe the condescending way the staff looked at and treated us? Anyway, we escaped the cattle market, school cafeteria restaurant for a known safe haven and managed to resurrect our evening.
I now know how and why Akbars has gotten itself such a wonderful reputation. Everyone who goes there must be so completely inebriated from all the alcohol consumed in the inevitable wait for a table that they have no idea what they are eating or what it tastes like. Will I be venturing to Akbars again? Only if all the other restaurants in Manchester close down, the head chef and the Manager call round to my house to apologise in person, and then offer to limo me to their restaurant in a sky blue Rolls Royce with Elvis Presley at the wheel, and only then if the meal is free! If you want an Indian meal in Manchester go to Shimla Pinks and see how it should be done. Stay away from Akbars, all that Hype is wasted on this place.

Great food and excellent service. Well, it was once we left Akbars. Having been packed in to the bar area and routinely told that our table would be available soon, it became apparent that the maitre d' had several lists running that seemed to favour some more than others. I can accept a half hour wait but an hour and a half and still waiting! As we stood looking over the dinning area I?m sure that if they put brackets on the wall they could squeeze a few more people in. Even if the food was of an excellent quality it would not have made up for the service that Akbars offers or doesn't. A lucky escape.

I have just returned home from what was very nearly a disastrous night out. Having planned for a party of 6 to go to Akbars, we arrived at 8.10 and were told a table would be available in approx 1hr 20. At gone 10pm having asked some half a dozen times if we were going to be seated in what can only be described as a school dining hall, we were again fobbed off. We left Akbars, went to Shimla Pinks and were treated with what can only be described as simply perfect service and food. Akbars is quite honestly awful, the staff are worse than hopeless, the calls to your table over the microphone are just a waste of time where they simply repeat your surname in a very muffled tone over the noise of hoardes of people waiting for tables. Dreadful place, dreadful service, will never go back.

When Akbars first opened in Manchester, the quality of food and service was excellent. But now I have realised after going there several times the food quality has dropped. We went as a big group and ordered various different curries but all the curries tasted the same as if one base was made and to one lot chicken was added and lamb to the other. Service quality has also dropped and sometimes the seating arrangements feel cramped. I would avoid going at weekends and bank holidays due to poor service. Other days service is good.

Excellent and good quality atmosphere. I have stopped going to rusholme because of Akbars.

Read the good reviews and had high hopes but was very disappointed. Was told a table would be available in 20 minutes, but waited over an hour for one. Barman looked as if he had swallowed a lemon and we couldn't make out the names being called out over the speakers. Eventually we were brought to our table in what felt like a canteen with neon lights. Waiter took our drinks order and returned with a bottle of wine and no glasses. Someone else turned up and the starters arrived but still no glasses! Food was basically thrown at us and was not up to the standard I expected. Do yourself a favour and avoid this place.

After reading a lot of the reviews here we were in two minds whether we should go to Akbars because even the good reviews said it was a long wait. We went about half past six and did not have to wait more than a few minutes. The service was good. The chicken tikka in my curry was gorgeous. We all had poppadoms, starters and main meals with a family nann, a regular nann and 3 lots of rice between us and were pleasantly suprised by the bill which came to about ?84 for 5 of us. Although we did get drinks at the bar before going to our table so the drinks were not included in this price. When we were leaving there were people waiting for tables so if you don't like waiting get there early like we did.