The Spärrows scoops highly coveted Michelin award for ‘exceptionally high-quality cuisine and great value’

The Sparrows, probably the best restaurant you’ve (probably) never heard of, has won a highly coveted award which comes just two months after the restaurant was listed in the Michelin Guide.

The Michelin Bib Gourmand award acknowledges restaurants that offer exceptional and high-quality cuisine while also providing good value to customers. Typically, these establishments are more reasonably priced than those awarded Michelin stars.

The European pasta and dumplings restaurant is one of only 20 establishments in the UK and Ireland to receive the recognition, which Michelin describes as “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.”

The Spärrows, located in the Green Quarter of Manchester, has quickly become a local favourite since opening in 2019, with its continental pasta and dumplings, European wine list, and sake collection. Its signature dish, spätzle, a rustic fresh egg pasta, has earned it a loyal following.

Upon its launch in 2019, The Sparrows received glowing reviews from both local and national critics despite being situated in a small venue that could only accommodate 12 guests at a time.

The restaurant’s move to a bigger home in Manchester’s disused railway arches has allowed it to increase its covers and expand its following.

Its inclusion in the Michelin Guide in January was hailed by local and national critics alike.

Speaking to I Love Manchester, they said: “Ever so proud to be among some fabulous UK restaurants chosen by Michelin Guide inspectors as favourites of 2023.

“Surely this wouldn’t be possible without our amazing guests, who kept Spärrows hard working team on their toes since February 2019.

“Without linen table cloths, flower garnishes or fancy decor, it feels truly fantastic to be appreciated for our contribution to comfort cooking, service and to represent some superb artisan makers from Central Europe.”

The Bib Gourmand is another feather in the cap of The Spärrows and reflects its dedication to serving quality food at reasonable prices.

With a focus on Eastern European cuisine, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that has captured the hearts and stomachs of Manchester’s food lovers.

Here’s what Michelin have to say about the restaurant: “Nestled under the railway arches in Manchester’s Green Quarter is a restaurant whose name is (almost) the English translation of the word ‘spätzle’ – which gives some clue as to the style of food on offer here.

“The dumplings and assorted pasta dishes are all made in-house and include excellent pierogi.

“The focus on Eastern Europe carries through to the wine list, which has a leaning towards Polish wines.”