I have a secret.

A secret sushi restaurant I’ve been keeping from you for months, for no better reason than to want to selfishly keep it all to myself for a mere precious moment. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but sometimes it’s just so swell thinking the tiny, “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” hole in the wall is just yours and yours alone, a place where there’s always a table with a platter of nigiri waiting just for you – even on the busiest Saturday night.

But because it’s you, I’ll risk never again being able to saunter in without having a reservation, to gift you some of the most exquisite sushi Manchester has to offer, all in the name of friendship.

My friend Christy (the doctor) expressed her urge for good sushi one evening, and I, the shameless people pleaser was ecstatic to have a reason to share with her my go-to failsafe for delectable soosh. Ring Sushi Bar is nestled in the row of eclectic eateries, found on Barlow Moor Road in Chorlton. Overshadowed by the constant buzz from Double 00 Zero, Ring goes almost criminally unnoticed. It’s a no frills, cash-only, still-has-Christmas-stickers-on-the-wall kinda place – and you know what? It makes me love it all the more.

Ring doesn’t feel the need to impress you with clean, cream furnishings, low-lit-hues or an extensive cocktail menu. What you see is what you get, and just you wait to see what you get.

We ordered up a storm, just a little something from each section of the menu, all in the name of research (and our hungry bellies).

First, the Salmon and Avocado Maki (with a side of Edamame because I will take any opportunity to mis-pronounce the word “Edamame”).

We made our way through plump mouthfuls of salmon, smothered in expertly drizzled sweet seafood sauce with soy, when our next round of fun arrived.

The 18 pcs Sushi Platter

A veritable feast and a delight of an option if you want to try a little of everything. Weeny  fresh bites of Hosomaki, more impossibly sumptuous California Maki, with the added crunch of flaked tempura wrapped within. Melt-in-the-mouth Nigiri and the welcomed addition of a spicy tuna roll.

Fresh af.

We topped off our experience the mother of all comfort food, the Chicken Katsu Curry.

The chicken still crackling with its fresh crisp skin straight from the fryer, soft-but-sticky rice and a dollop of tangy and exquisitely naughty curry sauce.

We devoured the lot, discovering new ways to exclaim joy with every mouthful.

If you hadn’t already guessed, I thoroughly recommend a trip to Ring Sushi. My guilt over keeping this place to myself is far too much to bear, and it really does deserve to be shared.

Try it, udon* know what you’re missing.

*Aware no udon was consumed, but if I have to choose between integrity and puns, puns always win – just how I roll.