The Rice Bowl Reviews Summary

Food Quality

Pros:

• "The portion sizes are very good as we could barely finish our food there was so much and the price is reasonable."
• "Takeaway food is beautifully packed and still piping hot when I get back home."
• "The food here was lovely."
• "Wow the meat was cooked to perfection. It melted in my mouth. No chewing required."
• "The food is really good and the duck has a hint of orange which I've never had before but would certainly recommend."
• "The food was excellent and service very attentive."
• "Absolutely amazing food here everytime i have been. The meat is so tender and the best I have had in any restaurant I have ever been to."

Cons:

• "Sadly tonight the portions were noticeably smaller than usual."
• "Sizzling black pepper chicken was way too salty."
• "The food came freezing cold and they refused to exchange it then then I found a black hair in my chicken curry."
• "The food was overcooked."
• "Pathetic egg fried rice - see pic, hardly any egg, hardly taste like a fried rice."
• "Some dishes were overcooked, and too dry."
• "What happened? We were her a couple of years ago and it was lovely, now just greasy mushy sticky messes.... everything was just too sweet."

Service

Pros:

• "The staff are so polite, the food is always on time and flavoursome."
• "Friendly staff led by owner Jenny who ensures everything runs like clockwork."
• "Service was quick and food was delicious as well as at a good price for the portions."
• "Staff were very attentive and super efficient."
• "Service by the staff is always excellent."
• "The service was great and the staff very happy to assist."
• "Service was 10/10 so friendly and quick."

Cons:

• "Food was nice when it eventually arrived but won't be rushing back as it is expensive and due to the poor service."
• "None of our courses came at anywhere near the same time and in the end my meal took so long to arrive."
• "Awful service and attitude of the manager we waited over one hour and twenty mins to arrive and had to cancel the duck."
• "Service took forever."
• "Waited over 1 hr & 30 mins to be served our mains as the kitchen forgot to cook them!"
• "The service is rather slow. Not nearly enough staff to provide a good service."
• "Sadly tonight the service was poor/slow and verging on rude."

Atmosphere & Decor

Pros:

• "A little cramped but maybe that added to the atmosphere."
• "The cosy basement eating area is very tastefully decorated and generates an excellent atmosphere for any occasion."
• "The atmosphere was great."
• "The venue is cozy, nice, elegant and atmospheric."
• "The atmosphere is so refreshing. Perfect temperature and never felt we were underground."
• "Upon entering your greeted with stairs and a lovely mini waterfall before you enter the restaurant which has lovely decor inside and very traditional!"
• "The décor in this restaurant is beautiful, feels like you are in China (probably Song or Tang Dynasty)."

Cons:

• "But extremely poor acoustic - spent the whole dinner shouting at each other to make ourselves heard."
• "A great spot for lunch, but due to its location in the basement, it isn’t accessible for persons using a wheelchair or those who have difficulties climbing steep staircases."
• "This is not suitable for disabled guests as it is down many steps to the basement."
• "Bathrooms were cramped, dated and not the cleanest. I feel these need a little upgrade/ spruce up!"
• "The only negative is accessing the restaurant down some steep stairs."
• "Ambiance was a little suffocating due to the lack of windows and ventilation, although there was still sufficient fresh air."
• "Been quite disappointed at the dingyness of even the more popular ones."

Price & Value

Pros:

• "The prices are reasonable."
• "It's really good value for the service and quality of the food."
• "The special 2 course lunch menu we had was for £12.95 and especially worth a visit for!"
• "Portions match the price, considering this is central Manchester I think it’s very reasonably priced."
• "The prices were reasonably & the drink selection good."
• "Fabulous value."
• "Good prices."

Cons:

• "Food good as always but now 12.95 for the midweek lunch special with a large part of menu carrying £2 supplements."
• "The food was good but the dim sum platter was overpriced as it was 5 dumplings for £9.50."
• "Bit pricey but worth it."
• "Food was nice when it eventually arrived but won't be rushing back as it is expensive and due to the poor service."
• "The food is good but disappointed that the set lunch is now considerably more expensive and the choices have been reduced."
• "It was expensive but I would definitely come back."
• "Prices are a little higher than average for Chinese food but it is because of the superior quality."

Accessibility & Location

Pros:

• "This must be one of the best Chinese restaurants in Manchester."
• "Nice little basement Chinese restaurant in the heart of Manchester city centre."
• "One of the best Chinese restaurants you can visit in the city centre. It's a true underground Chinese spot that offers interesting interior design."

Cons:

• "A great spot for lunch, but due to its location in the basement, it isn’t accessible for persons using a wheelchair or those who have difficulties climbing steep staircases."
• "This is not suitable for disabled guests as it is down many steps to the basement."
• "The only negative is accessing the restaurant down some steep stairs."
• "Also you have no signal so if you have any emergencies DON'T go here."