First look inside Habbibi: the new Middle Eastern restaurant and shisha terrace opening in Spinningfields

Habbibi Manchester, which is set to open its doors on Saturday, 8 June 2024, is bringing a taste of ‘Middle Eastern flavours infused with European cuisine’ to Spinningfields. 

The brand-new restaurant situated in the XYZ building on Hardman Boulevard has undergone a £3 million renovation including hand-rendered walls and textures that represent those natural elements and opulence of the Middle East.

The interior is elegant and laid-back luxury with a natural colour palette and subtle fluid down-lighters. The decor captivates the senses with plush seating and decorative accents. This, they say, alongside their adorned shisha offering, allows all customers to savour flavour and style while enjoying the atmosphere. 

With a seated bar area, private dining room and outdoor shisha terrace, Habbibi has its sights set on attracting people not just from the districts of the city centre but from the across the city region.

“I’m really excited to officially open the doors on Saturday,” said general manager Simon Khan, who is no stranger to high end hospitality in Manchester with experience at Living Room and Neighbourhood when they were at peak popularity of their time as well as premium places in London where he’s originally from.

“The care and attention to detail from the interior right through to the kitchen is second to none but it’s the coming back to that old-school hospitable service that’s going to make this place work. We’ve all worked so hard these past few weeks and we’re eager to welcome the people of Manchester with open arms.”

So what’s on the menu?

You won’t be disappointed with the lamb tagine served in a proper terracotta pot with unbelievably tender lamb shoulder, Moroccan spices, apricots and sweet sultanas.

Lobster ravioli is also a stand-out dish with sautéed lobster claw meat and creamy spiced mascarpone sauce. 

The star of the show is the succulent selection of steak cooked in a Josper Grill. The Argentine Angus x Hereford ribeye steak genuinely stands up to any premium steak at any steak restaurant in the city. 

Using ‘locally sourced produce, premium meats and offering seasonal menus’, Habbibi’s dynamic dining experience is driven by Head Chef Djafar Yousfi. 

“There’s high level competition in the area,” says Chef Djafar, “but we’re not here to compete. We’re here to offer something different and be true to ourselves.

“Leaning into my heritage and palette of the Middle East, we’ve created a menu that isn’t just suitable for everyone to enjoy, but one that will transport diners on a journey.

“People can come use the space for a nice meal before heading off to a nearby event, or they can stay for the duration and enjoy shisha on the terrace.”

Habbibi Spinningfields also serves a extensive range of cocktails with some more extravagant than others such one which comes with a fake £50 note lit on fire.

Owned by Zack Issak from Dabangg Hospitality Group primarily based in Wakefield, the first Habbibi opened in Leeds in January and attracted celebrities from all over including celebrities such as heavyweight boxing superstar Tyson Fury and Geordie Shore’s Gaz Beadle.  

On this new concept, Zack said, “Habbibi is all about creating an incredible dining and customer experience. From the moment guests walk through the doors, to the minute they leave, they’ll be blown away by our stunning decor, unique cocktails, beautiful menu and high-end service.” 

There will be DJs, dancers, performers and a range of shisha flavours will also be available.

Habbibi is now open for bookings and you can book a table here.