Along the strip of Barlow Moor Road that has bloomed with restaurants and bars in recent times, and nestled rather conveniently near to the laidback bar Escape , you’ll find this bona fide Japanese gem of the thriving Chorlton foodie scene.

The Venue
After a couple of pints at Escape, within seconds you can step foot inside Yakisoba’s slim, inviting environs. Think low lighting and minimalist decor: tiled floors, green wooden tables, red leather chairs. It’s contemporary Oriental, and all rather tastefully done. Even the gleaming subterranean toilets will have you purring with pleasure. Probably.

The Atmosphere
Buzzzzzzing, but in a good way. Amidst the friendly, lively atmosphere you’ll spot the usual Chorltonite crowd: affluent friends, cosy couples, willowy students - but now the word is out, people travel here from far and wide. So remember to book and book early. This place gets busy, seriously busy, especially at weekends when your elbows may become intimately acquainted with those of your fellow diners. Luckily the service is super fast and super friendly.

The Food
Here, the Bento Box is king. So don’t think sushi. Oh no. This is Japanese-orientated cuisine with a dash of Chinese and Thai tossed in for good measure. Big food, big flavours, big menu, and an epic array of vegetarian dishes to keep even the most ardent veggie happy. Soup, crackers and fruit come served in compartments of a wooden tray alongside your chosen main. The Buddha Treasure Bento, for example, boasts heaps of breaded vegetables served with a delicious pot of fragrant curry sauce. Not so much a box as a full-blown culinary adventure. No starter required here. And all for £7.95. That’s cheap for what you get. Other notable dishes include the seafood udon, which is a huge portion of mixed seafood with large, thick griddled noodles. Delicious.

The Drink
There’s a simple, but more than adequate wine menu covering most bases. Four different reds, four different whites, each costing £12.95, and a range of well-known bottled beers from around the globe: Carlsberg, Tsingtao, Shingha and Kirin, all £2.95. There are various non-alcoholic fruit juices, and green tea too, but for heaven’s sake, why not try a flask of Sake (£5.95).

The Last Word
These days culinary Chorlton is drowning in restaurants, but Yakisoba is one of the best. Fast, friendly, affordable, fantastic.