eastZeast Riverside - Manchester

You walk into what feels like a proper grown-up Punjabi restaurant - all sleek lines and warm lighting overlooking the water at Salford Quays. The kitchen here doesn't mess about with watered-down curries for timid palates. They're doing traditional dishes with the kind of layered spicing that makes you slow down and actually taste what you're eating. The cocktail menu deserves particular praise - they've clearly thought about what drinks work with bold, aromatic food rather than just slapping together generic serves. Evening-only opening (except Sundays) means they're serious about the dinner crowd, and the consistent buzz suggests locals have cottoned on. Book ahead, especially for weekend slots.