WHO’S BEHIND IT? Itsu was launched back in 1997 by Pret A Manger co-founder Julian Metcalfe. Metcalfe’s ‘eat beautiful’ operation takes inspiration from department stores in Japan where ‘hundreds of skilled people prepare thousands of boxes.... always fresh, always delicious, always beautiful, each day’. Having established, much like its cousin, as a well-oiled lunchtime machine with 60-odd London outlets, Itsu has recently expanded into both Cambridge and Reading while Manchester will be its first operation in the North.
It'll be interesting to see if Itsu can steer Spinningfield’s army of office workers away from the lure of Gregg pasties
WHAT WE SAY: Spinningfields is not exactly short of sushi spots - the area is knee-deep in nigiri and noodles. Sushi takeout, Nudo, which launched late last year, is only an itsu-bitsy bit away from the new Itsu restaurant (formerly the long-vacated Japanese restaurant, Samsi) and also serves fresh sashimi, nigiri and miso soups.
Looks like lunchtime wars, but Itsu insists it's an entirely different beast to Nudo - though there's only so much you can do to improve an avocado salmon sushi roll. Still, too much of a good thing doesn’t necessarily have to be reason for concern (unless you’re an Italian restaurant, or burger bar, or another street food joint) and Itsu's commitment to guilt-free food is refreshing. It'll be interesting to see if it can steer Spinningfield’s army of office workers away from the lure of Gregg pasties and onto healthy miso soup.
Itsu, Spinningfields
WHAT TO ORDER?: Itsu are keen to push their healthy ‘eat beautiful’ menu (like ‘eat clean’ but a little sexier) which comprises of 64 protein packed, low carb, dairy-wheat-mayonnaise-free dishes – with the majority of options below the 500 calorie mark. There's little chance to sin here (pop over to Leftbank Kitchens for that), and Itsu even give out free bananas when you order coffee or tea. While the menu changes seasonally, fresh and fishy lunchboxes from the fridge seems like a solid options for those on a clean-eating kick. For hot dishes, go for the chicken teriyaki, with brown rice for more of a fill. The breakfast menu is a welcome surprise, with eggs benedict and eggs florentine on offer.
WHEN TO GO?: Come 1pm and Spinningfields turns ravenous, so lunchtimes will be Itsu's most popular and busiest feeding time. So perhaps start the day with one of Itsu's smoothies/breakfasts or return for a late-lunch to avoid the rush.
WHAT ELSE?: Itsu are official sponsors of the UK Volleyball Beach Tour, and to further play-up their sexy, healthy credentials have plastered images of sun-kissed bikini-clad volleyballers all over the restaurant for inspiration. Bit mean in January that.
WHERE IS IT?: 1 Hardman Boulevard, Manchester, M3 3AQ
WHEN IS IT OPEN? Opens Wednesday 27 January, Monday to Friday 7am - 6:30pm, closed weekends.
FIND OUT MORE: Itsu website
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