Al Waalis Restaurant in Manchester

Nice food .. service needs improvement. They need to keep the buffet counter a bit more tidy . But good food makes up for it

UPDATE March 2023: Went again, against my better judgement. Never again. As soon as I saw the minging carpet, and dirty tissues on the stairs we should have left. It was chaos when we entered, with no one to assist us so after waiting a few minutes went to a guy behind the til and eventually got a small table. On my first trip for food, many items were missing. Also, no one came to ask for drinks, so had to go myself and order. Eventually they came but no glasses. Had to go again, but no glasses available. Eventually they came but were soaking wet from the dishwasher. Had to go again and get tissues to wipe clean. When speaking to the staff, of which there were only 5 available, all talking turns to clean, serve, etc etc, I noticed few of them spoke English. It was also very hard to work out who the staff was because they did not wear uniforms. In fact one guy was wearing a woolly hat. The place looks like it's had a cheap makeover but the food is still average at best. On the flip side prices were a reasonable £15 per head, and parking is ample and free. Frankly, I personally wouldn't go again. UPDATE August 2021: Apparently the prices are now an eye-watering £14 per head (£15 on special occasions). So so not worth it. According to their website they are the "best buffet restaurant available in Manchester". Eerrrr...wrong. #deluded #laughable Review from April 2019. Al Walis is basically what it looks like; a poor man's Nawaabs. Needs modernisation in a big way, and they need someone to keep an eye on cleanliness too. The starters were the best thing, because to me the curries all tasted uniformly the same?! Desserts were decent - if you like ice cream, and drinks were overpriced as they always are in buffet places. I've also noticed that the price has crept up steadily from £7 (I think) to £12. It's basically at the point now where instead of just going, you think about the alternatives first. On the flip side, plenty of free parking available and friendly staff. I would go again, but only if someone else is paying!

Will definitely recommend to anyone who loves to eat in buffet. Food was very fresh and delicious.

I recently visited this buffet restaurant, and I have to say, it left me with mixed feelings. The variety of dishes was decent, but unfortunately, the freshness factor was a major letdown. It seemed like the food had been sitting out for a while, losing that just-made appeal. I'd give it a 2 out of 10. While the selection might tempt you, the lack of freshly prepared items takes away from the overall dining experience. If you're someone who values the taste of freshly cooked meals, this might not be the best pick. There's room for improvement, and I hope they take steps to enhance the quality of their offerings.

Food was great for the amount paid. Can't expect more for the price. But service could have been better. Soup bowls were not refilled as soon as it got over. Other than that overall it was good for the price.

Fish not cook properly. And sweet rice was not fresh and gajer halwa. Kheer tast so bad

Didn't like the food the meat dishes were smelly and sickly only nice thing or should I say was OK was fish and Chapli kebab and roast potatoes the rest big no for me secondly my kids came back hungry as the chicken was spicy and they had pizza and chips I paid £8 for each child just for normal pizza and chips deserts again poor just jelly and ice cream they had galab Jamon was OK keer from a tin nothing desi

I had dinner with my buddies lots of time ' the food is delicious ' the ambience is beautiful and peaceful , must come here and enjoy desi and grill food.

we went for food, their starter was amazing and the curries was very good, everything was very good, the staff was friendly . I suggest it’s a best place for family dinner special for child . because so many things special for child our child was so enjoying

Outstanding food and customer service was excellent. Everything was neat and clean. Many varieties of food available in reasonable price.

Food was very delicious. Excellent customer service and atmosphere.

Excellent lip-smacking food, huge variety in buffet with reasonable prices.

Appreciated the excellent customer service; though the food wasn't perfectly warm, it still delivered a decent taste overall.

We visited last day .Food was soo bad and tasteless lose of money .worst food ever been in my whole life .

Starters ok but all curries are no taste

Waste of money absolutely disgusting food. New management has messed up everything i would highly recommend every one not to waste their money please buy tesco meal for your kids

Went there for my birthday party and were able to get seated right away, the staff were excellent and always asked if we needed anything. The food options are great too and they have amazing sauces. Would go there again!

Nice entertainment and loads of Pakistani and Indian food variety.

I had the food yesterday with my family. It was my first experience there. To be honest food was nice. Everything was good and nice. It was good reasonable pkg there.

the food is so bad basically getting food from asda floors were sticky and the food was cold and when i asked for a drink they charged me 20 quid more dont recemoned this place

Honestly its not that bad as people say but some of the food had some problems like The chicken karahi was basically just chicken and there was barely any shora but overall its not that bad but i would still not go to this restaurant because there are many restaurants around it that are so much better

food is ok drink Taste is very bad.

Absolutely atrocious, the service was terrible and the floor was sticky surprised my shoes didn't get stuck to the floor and come off my feet. The food was not fresh the only nice thing was the seekh kebab. The coke was warm and the mains were not eatable. It is not worth the price at all and for a weekend it was terrible.

Came today with my full family. As soon as I walked in, the floor was sticky and felt like it’s never been cleaned before. Food was mediocre , also lacked a selection of food. Desserts were absolutely inedible and tasted of cardboard. Didn’t have much of a selection of ice cream and didn’t even have vanilla!!!!! Toilets are disgusting. No hygiene whatsoever. Also flies on our table. Disappointed

I always love to enjoy food in alwali restaurant and that's why I bring my mother and my brother in law and my family on alwali restaurant but the taste of the food really disappointed me and my family. Food was cold and not fresh at all. It seem that I wasted all my money.

This is my 5th time I visited Alwallis with my family. In my last I really enjoyed the food. But this time I am very disappointed because the food was not fresh and food is cold. Fish and grilled wings are good. And all other food is cold, no taste. Even icecream taste was not good. It's really important to fucus on quality and taste of food.

Went in on a Saturday night and it was dead no customers only 3 there. Still gave it a try and was very bad. Naan was absolutely rock solid. Pilau tasted off aswell as the Currys. The atmosphere was very bad. The place was very dirty the floors and Chairs and plates were very sticky. Would never recommend. £80 went down the drain. My kids didn't eat at all. STAY AWAY!!

Being very generous with one star, the food was atrocious and off. The floors all sticky and the plates and cutlery wasn't very clean. The children didn't eat and even when I told the management they didn't even give a discount. Paid alot of money and came back still very hungry. Definitely don't recommend this place unless you have money to waste! The naan bread was hard and tasteless as were all the Currys. The fish pakora had grit in it and I had to spit it out in the napkin. I thought I would give it a try but regret my decision and really wish I hadn't gone there. Please avoid if you like to eat.

I went in Saturday night and the starters were atrocious except the nann was stale , biryani was nasty before we got dessert,this cost me £80

Worst buffet I have ever attended. Sticky atmosphere & horrible food. No flavour, grit in fish pakora & didn't listen to complaints. AVOID.

Just been to Buffett - excellent food , great choice and different selection than usual tika massala and korma - staff very friendly - would highly recommend it

We invited our daughter inlaws on the dinner everything was fresh flavour of the food was gr8 and atmosphere and customer service was splendid. I must recommend that buffet resturant

I love trying new places etc but really wish I read the reviews before trying this place. I viewed the menu before going which was a waste of time as they didn't even have half the curry's they show on it (or boiled rice). They don't keep the food refilled, we had to ask and when they did it was only luke warm. Desserts ain't the best (No cakes whatsoever) even the Pepsi tasted cheap. 100% not worth the amount they charge. No wheelchair access, it's a tall flight of stairs upto the restaurant for those needing to know, there is a carpark at the side which hasn't got much lighting at night.

Please don’t waist your valuable time. Absolutely disgusting food chicken nuggets it’s look like blood inside not cooked properly but outside is crunchy and the floor was so dirty and sticky I couldn’t pull my feet off. One request to the staff please keep clean the floor.

Service was quite good but food was average..and reasonable selection of dishes. I expected a better selection for the price

Place has been refurbished under new management flower walls and nice entrance. The dishes are pretty decent with good variety corn soup, starters, mains and desserts firni and suji halwa was fab

We booked them for small event about 150 guests ant they provided marvellous service, delicious food, multiple dishes for all age of people. Good quality of service and cheaper and affordable prices 👌 our guests were happy with their services too. Cooperation was wonderful as we needed any extra support. We will highly recommend Al Waalis restaurant for book your events or even their buffet menu is wonderful 😋

worst food ever...food seemed like it was old and reheated and was very dry apart from the fish pakora.The rice was hard and crunchy...very bad experience in the toilet aswell theres only cold water running! but the dessert was decent and was the best part of the dinner

I visited this restaurant on Sunday evening, it was a buffet the food was not nice at all, other than the Sikh kebabs and the lamb karahi and other things as well Very bad experience

very good delicious food and very reasonable prices fantastic buffet service and quality food recommended to visit again and again

Been in for first the time literally I had the best food ever. High quality food with a good price Friendly, staff good service, clean place the toilet was in a good condition as well Everything was organised well I had kebab , chicken tekka, veg samosa, veg pakura, egg rice, chips and some more all was delicious and amazing the food wasn't not very spicy that's a good point for me . Recommended for vegetarians people. AAAAA+ The decorations was amazing 😍 There is a part doe big group separately of small groups like 2/4/6 people Couldn't take any pics I was busy in eating hahaha

Food was awful. Very spicy on everything even the starters. I asked for my bill and the guy charged me additional drinks which I only ordered a bottle of water. He was questioning me and said we know what you ordered. The waiter who served me came up to me as I was distressed about my bill and confirm only ordered 1 bottle of water. Very poor service. The toilets had mould growing and very unhygienic. This place will need a review on food hygiene. First and last time I ever come here with a ridiculous parking space next to the shop. £15 per head. Over 40 dishes as it said on the website. Only 20 dishes was available. Mis sold advertising. Never again sorry

The food was brilliant also the seating is good but

Terrible customer service, extremely misbehaved with customers by one of stupid waiters, ruin all event. ‘ll never visit and recommend this restaurant because “one dirty fish spoils the whole pond” and Shehroz waiter is one of that dirty fish 🤢🤮

Conjust and not too much choices.

we reserved it online then when we came in we got told that we cant eat there because its full

Everything was fabulous! The Iftar was awesome

The restaurant is now under new management and the quality of food has dropped significantly. The starters, mains and desserts are not the same as before, recipe has changed and the food is not tasty, just tasteless. Will not be coming back to Al Waalis ever again.

Went here last week with a group of work colleagues was disappointed at the fact that the meat curry dishes which once upon a time we're boneless are now on a bone.. otherwise ok

Really worth for money.The taste of food is awesome.I prefer this buffet restaurant than any other in Manchester

Food is tasty, people are good and service is grate.

First time visit to Al WAALIS. And tbh it wasn't bad. Don't expect a nice aesthetic, tables and chairs are basic, and the floor could do with a good scrub. But the food was good. Went to nawab the week before and I preferred the food at Al WAALIS although there isn't as much choice. But what there was was fine esp the starters. The gajrela with ice-cream was amazing. Lots of families in there and big groups. We were a group of 15. Took a while to get us seated and then they wanted us out as there was a big group waiting. So we were barely there...1.5 hours including the waiting around which I don't think is good enough. There's not much customer service but for £16 pp it is is what it is. It def needs a makeover though. There's no atmosphere either. But I was with friends and it didn't matter so much, but the place needs some tlc.

We came back after a number of years as we heard it's under new management. Nice selection of mains and starters, not much choice in the desserts section. Used to have cakes before. Gulab jaman was not nice. Gajrela and ice cream were nice. They don't provide tap water like in other restaurants. I gave low stars because of the bad management. The staff and management are rude. Booked a table a couple of hours before for 16 people, which wasn't even ready. Then we got told to hurry up as other people were waiting. The delay was caused due to the staff not sorting our table. The manager asked me to pay like I was going to walk off. Won't be coming back any time soon and wouldn't recommend due to the bad service. Was really embarrassed in front of my family and friends as I had suggested going there!

Although the service was slow, we managed to get our food before 2 hours and it's worth the wait.

Dirty plates, bad service, waste of money

I visited yesterday but its dirty plates, cracks in the plates , its like 3rd world . Food was rubbished , every where is dirty look , totally waste of money,

Always fresh and tasty food and the service is always good... I would definitely recommend it.

Car park was dark and I feel over then my friend and me got inside to find out there was a flight of stairs which we were not told about as we are both disabled after struggling with the stairs my friend grabbed the rail witch came away and she feel over hurting her leg the staff were not very helpful and the food was not good was not offered a discount or anything for being hurt will not be going there again

Worst place u can ever come to park my car in the car park where there is no lighting as my mum came out she had fell on the floor as she can’t walk because of her illness and can’t see any steps as there is no lighting out side so as we walk through the door and my mum holds the handle bar and got about half wait the handle bar fell of and my mum slipped as there was no lifts in this premises and luckily my brother was standing behind otherwise she could of ended up on the floor and no staff member came out to help we had to call them and we had some people who was are witness and see it happened and manger has came out and said u should of told us before coming when there is no sigh or note saying call before walking up and very rude tone of voice and they should make sure all bars are strong to hold as they weren’t and argues with us trying to tell us we are wrong even tho this didn’t only happen to us we won’t be coming back here again worst place to come to

Nice food Atmosphere ok but could be better Very cramped tables But food tasty

We visited 1st time but Our Experience was V Bad Food Quality 10/0 Reheated and Hard Food Totally Wast of time and Money

It was my first time trying this place. The food was lovely. The only thing I didn't like was that I asked for a glass of water and was told we have to buy the water. I didn't like that because a glass of tap water should be free. Overall 3 stars.

Tasty food. Lots of options 😃 Family sitting. Staff is very friendly. Service is 5 star ⭐️

I visited this restaurant last evening, the food was not nice at all, other than the Sikh kebabs and the lamb karahi. I rate the food as 2 out of 10 The waiter service was 1 out of 10. The plates and tables were unclean, their waiters looked half a sleep and not willing to clean up our used plates The music was so loud, we could not hear each other on our table, it was like being in a nightclub. When I asked the music be turned down, I was told this was not possible I most certainly not return to this place nor would I recommend it to others

Place, staff, service and food - good nothing spectacular. Group of 17 of us. The excellent company made it a fantastic night out.

Nice family friendly place, the food quality was good. Parking the car was a problem, no private carpark so had to park the car on one of the side streets. Other than that would recommend.

They have approx. 10 starter... 6 of those chicken or meat ones and others for vegetarian options. Main course has approx 10 dishes... small dessert area with limited options. Free parking on ground floor, this restaurant is on first floor.

Absolutely horrible , mould growing on the corridor on the way to the bathroom. Baby changing rooms was a storage room , couldn’t even reach the table had to change my baby on a few chairs on the side near the bathroom , sticky floors , not good for kids as most food a very spicy , toilets smelly and dirty decent ice cream tho .

Everything that you can think you'll find in the buffet

Buffet is really good with a number of delicious dishes. However, they have a police commissioner deputed on desserts who wouldn’t give anyone more than a teaspoon.

Friendly staff ,good atmosphere and reasonable price for a best buffet around Manchester.

Sheraz gave my table good customer service

Never had food that’s worst than this. Came today, at first glance the food was old and seems as though it has been reheated multiple times and served. Would never go there again.

We have been here 3 years before. It took us a while to find this restaurant as we forgot the name however ah words cannot explain the taste of food we had. Buffet full of lovely dishes and everything was superb with perfect blend of spices. Our stomachs are full but mouth still greedy, to sum up our feelings after food. A must try if you are visiting Manchester.

We went to the buffet restaurant with my kids to al waalis and we went on the basis of the price being £13.99 which I checked on their website beforehand and they charged me £16 per head saying it was on their website when they had clearly written £13.99. They are just a scam to customers and they were not understanding of this situation.

Now under new management, rude and also bad quality food never visit again

7 of us went to Al-Waalis after a good few years! We couldn't fault the food or service. The roast chicken and fish were delicious. The chicken karahi tasted absolutely fantastic!! The decor is a little dated but the food and service make up for it! We will be back again!!

They have a buffey system where both vegetarian and non vegatarian food are served. The food taste is really exceptional and good.

Lovely decor uplifted great dishes plenty of variety and always good value for money

Very nice open buffet restaurant, I highly recommend it 💝

Service was excellent, but the food was okay not really have that desi taste. From all the food the roast had the best taste

Visited Friday night 6th May with 20 people. Food was fresh and very tasty. Service was brilliant. Any items that had finished were promptly refilled for us. The place has been renovated and looks great. Highly recommend. The Nihari was exceptional.

Worst place to eat people don’t ever come here if you’re a food lover. Food was cold and they never toped up. Taste was so bad that you never wana come here again. It was my first and last time here.

Dirty tables very slow service not good food

Went for iftar. It was great, not too noisy like nawabs

I came here and it was nice because the food was really nice, the cost will not count on the food, and there this ice cream etc. I recommend you to go to this place.

Not much variety. The chairs were very worn. They were very short staffed, however the staff members who were there were polite and were working very hard

Terrible service asked for 1.5 lite bottle of coke and was served then waiter came back and said sorry only jug and took the bottle back shocking behaviour and pathetic staff who make you look stupid and argue of rules when im the customer

Very nice 👍 food, great verity, beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff. I would recommend.

Came here for Iftar with friends.Great experience with a variety of tasty dishes and desserts.good value for money too

The food was okay but not the best. But regarding the service it was not so great because staff has asked me why I got so much food even tho it is a buffet. Which I found very rude.

Food was OK but it needs a bit of decor

Good place to dine in with family. Food average. I love kabab & wings.

Really like Al waalis, very tasty food and decent variety. Price has gone up significantly though so was a little disappointed in that but still, it used to be super cheap, now i guess its probably just standard price, much cheaper than Nawaab up the road though and better food in my opinion. Could do with a re vamp inside, but its clean and the staff are pleasant.

Very good and good desserts and fresh food

Variety of mouth watering food in a buffet.

Excellent caring staff. Food good taste , good variety , namkeen lamb / nihari best. Can’t compare with nawab but very reasonable price if going frequently or friends get together. Only negative thing was stairs and no lift , so not ideal for wheel chair dependants.

Plenty of free parking, and friendly staff. However, the establishment is in need of modernisation. A varied menu, but I found the meat dishes to be overcooked. An overall average experience. There are much better buffet places in Manchester, though I wouldn't mind going again if I was invited by family/friends.

Vomiting all night, I was fine before I had the food, please check your food hygiene, your staff needs a food hygiene course.

Nice menus, good taste I loved it 👌