Where: Central Manchester

Features: Classier joints with better food but higher prices.

Places to go: A dead heat between Akbar's, brash newcomer which is almost always crammed full, and Shimla Pinks, old hand awaiting new venue for re-launch.

Do say: What would you recommend?

Don't say: I prefer Rusholme.

Reviewed: Akbar's, EastzEast (Blackfriars), Karims, Lights Of India, Shimla Pinks

Not yet reviewed: EastzEast (Princess Street), Hanaan v2 (if still open), Rajdoot

No longer with us: Gaylord, Spice

Where: Rusholme

Features: Lots of restaurant choice, neon heaven, quality on the decline, food hygiene and fraud controversies.

Places to go: Al Bilal and Lal Haweli are old favourites that don't seem to have gone downhill too much.

Do say: I love the smell of Rusholme in the morning.

Don't say: The Curry Mile is old hat these days.

Reviewed: Al Bilal, Hanaan, Lal Qila, Lal Haweli, Royal Naz, Sangam, Shahenshah, Shezan, Spicy Hut

Not yet reviewed: To be confirmed

No longer with us: King Cobra, Shaandaar, Zaika

Reviews welcome.