Zamarud restaurant — Restaurant in Manchester

If you’re looking for authentic Afghan food in Manchester, Zamarud is a must-visit!

We tried the Kabuli Pilau, Chapli Kebab, and Chicken Tikka in naan — and every dish captured the true flavours of Afghanistan. The Kabuli Pilau was the star of the meal: beautifully spiced with tender meat that fell off the bone effortlessly. It tasted just like traditional Afghan home-cooking. The Chapli Kebabs were excellent — unlike many places where they're overly oily, here they were cooked to perfection without being greasy, full of flavour and texture. The Chicken Tikka was juicy, generously portioned, and a big hit with the kids too.

The restaurant itself has a warm, authentic Afghan feel, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The service was fantastic — friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting genuine Afghan cuisine in Manchester — we’ll definitely...

This place has only been open about 2 weeks.

This is my native food and I have tried the OG’s like Abaseen, Shinwari and My Peshawar, so I know the standard to expect.

Food was good but nothing that blew my mind.

Uzbek Pilau (Qabli Pilau) - lacked depth in flavour 6/10

Chapli Kebab - nicely spiced but the meat felt over mixed and not as authentic as it should be 7/10

Chicken Karahi - This was a winner, as expected it was the right smoky/buttery flavour. It only comes as 1KG option 9/10

Staff were attentive and polite

Some feedback - the young girl does need to smile more and especially when asked questions about the menu.

Naans are big and customers need to be warned about size and numbers especially when it comes with dishes or kebabs.

Great decor and vibe (love the floor seating option)

I will visit again to try other things and hope things approve.

Really pray this place does well...

Absolutely incredible food and service! My sister and I made the trip all the way from Birmingham just to try this place, and it was so worth it. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff were not only friendly but genuinely attentive, especially the gentleman at the till, who went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. A true star!

The food itself? Outstanding. Hands down the best Afghan cuisine I’ve ever had. The rice was fluffy, fragrant, and cooked to absolute perfection. Every bite was bursting with flavor. The grilled meats were tender and juicy, and the spices were beautifully balanced. And don’t even get me started on the mango lassi, it was rich, creamy, and honestly out of this world.

This place sets a new standard. If you’re even remotely nearby, make the trip. You won’t regret it....