Food review: Australasia’s new sharing Sunday lunch menu

Australasia is a Mancunian institution and a favourite of pretty much everyone. The appeal is simple; a unique, Asian inspired menu which offers fresh and light food in gorgeous, coral-coloured surrounds. Expect sushi and nigiri, Japanese-style grilled meats and puddings inspired by the tropics. The only drawback? It’s famously pricey. But they’ve just announced a new sharing menu which makes getting your Australasia fix that bit more affordable on a Sunday.

Checking at £30 for two ‘waves’ (ie courses) of small plates or £37 for three and available from noon-8pm, highlights of the new sharing menu include air-light squid tempura, curried korokke (potato) croquettes, tender teriyaki beef, and lychee and strawberry cheesecake bedecked in rose petals (part of the awesome dessert bento, pictured).

I took my twins (6), 15-year-old son and partner and when we boosted the mains to 3 which was more than enough between us for a Sunday feast. The price includes a large glass of wine, select house cocktails (think Makers Mark Mint Julip) and non-alcoholic blends such as the Lavender Lemonade, Watermelon cooler and a kind of adult Orange Spritz.

The wine list is special too. Intriguing bottles include two occasion wines by Western Australia’s L.A.S. Vino (one of the country’s most hotly tipped minimal intervention winemakers). I particularly like the look of the Portuguese Pirate Blend 2013 (£90) as well as Clau De Nell (2015, £59) and Josef Chromy’s Pinot Noir (£57). There are many options in the £20-35 range too. Other attractions include a weekly violinist in residence from 3-8pm every Sunday.