Zaika

Been here a couple times. First time was shortly after it opened and had a take out. Cant remember too much apart from it was ok.
Went a few months ago and had an enjoyable meal. Good service — although we were literally the only people there so got the waiters full attention.
The only thing is its very quiet so lacks atmosphere. In fact, we were the only people in. They say us in the corner of the restaurant — I think so people who walk passed see us and looks «busier».
I live next door to the restaurant so I can see if busy or not — unfortunately, most of the time its not busy at all.

Going to a curry house OFF the Curry Mile? Are you mad? Going on a scorcher of a day? Are you even madder? Well, yes, I am living my life to the full and did both of these at Zaika last night. Reason — there was an offer on Manchester Confidential.
Poppadums, as mandatory, were placed upon our table and I was slightly dissapointed that we were only given two. I understand that we were on an offer but, come on, normally they can’t wait to foist some off on you. The chutney’s were tasty and the mango had some lovely spicing to it, making it different to your regular dipper. I tucked in to a lamb botti to start, whilst the boyf had his traditional onion baji. Both were delicous and spiced well. The botti did take me by surprise to start but I quickly got used to it, and it was well matched with the baji. For main, chicken passanda (yes, I know, it’s «not really a curry») and a jalfrezi, paired with rice, matter paneer, and a garlic naan. My passanda was delicous — again, great spicing, with cashews and almonds mixed throughout the sauce. The waiter was great with explaining the difference between matter and aloo paneer, though I did have to repeat myself numerous times on account of the slightly (read very) inebriated table of businessmen (and one woman [I wouldn’t want to cheat you out of the facts dear Unilocalers]) in the corner. Once they’d gone, the place really relaxed but, understandably on account of this glorious weather, we were the only table there by the end of our meal.
If you’re willing to go off the beaten track of the Curry Mile and venture all the way to Deansgate, then this is the curry place for you! Plus Taps and Epernay are right next door, perfect for a post-​curry drink.

Excellent menu, pleasant surroundings, good food and service

If it wasn’t for the amazing Goan Fish Curry, Zaika would get 0stars from me.
Having been a few times, and each time seen the standard of service and quality of food decline, I am less inclined to visit ever again.
Its always cold as they leave the front doors open, the prices are high without any justification for being so.
Suffer the wait for Akbars instead.

are these guys not on the curry nation uk discount scheme? shame, would love to save money here!

was absolutely tasteful, not rushed, pleasant, would go every night if my body could take it.
Great menu, even the sweet menu is brill, if you can finish them
Back on Friday night, and booked over the Festive period
Mike B

A bit expensive and only 1 notch up from your average modern Indian. Décor a bit sterile weird layout feels a bit cramped even though its quite big, they opted for big entrance but rooms lack atmosphere. Service excellent. Convenient if you are this side of town but Zouk still gets my best vote as top Indian in Manchester.
Please do not bring me those bland plain generic Popadoms that have been fried in oil when you can get nicer ones with black pepper in that taste fantastic just grilled. Amen.