Thai Noodle & Rice

You'll climb a narrow staircase to find this unassuming Thai restaurant that's become something of an obsession for Manchester's Thai food lovers. The dining room is nothing fancy – basic tables, fluorescent lighting, zero Instagram appeal – but the kitchen turns out the kind of authentic Thai cooking that makes you forget about the surroundings entirely. The pad thai arrives with that perfect balance of sweet, sour and umami that so many places get wrong, while the green curry packs enough heat to make you reach for your drink without overwhelming the fragrant coconut base. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the service is efficient if not particularly chatty. This is the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders and newcomers quickly become converts.