REVIEW: Ouvra Indian Kitchen

Sale's vibrant restaurant scene has a new addition: Ouvra Indian Kitchen. The restaurant opened yesterday (19 June) on Cross Street and we went to see what it had to offer.  

Ouvra Indian Kitchen has opened on Cross Street in Sale © Life in Sale

Firstly, how great is it that another restaurant has opened in this part of Sale? For so long, The Perfect Match has been flying the flag alone, but now it has a welcome friend!

Inside Ouvra is a well-fitted interior that is inviting, with a modern, comfortable vibe. Upstairs is a superb space that seats 80; it’s bright, airy and well-thought-out. You wouldn’t know from downstairs that it is there, so it’s worth a look if you visit! I suspect it will be an excellent venue for private hire if you have a special occasion coming up. 

Ouvra Indian Kitchen is well-designed, with comfy booths perfect for larger groups © Life in Sale

Upstairs boasts a restaurant that seats 80 people © Life in Sale

Priya, Ouvra’s owner, has brought together a new team for this venture. On opening night, there were plenty of staff available, who were friendly and keen to help. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, willing to guide us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm.

Now, let's get to the star of the show: the food! Ouvra Indian Kitchen boasts a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, whether you're a seasoned Indian food enthusiast or a curious newcomer. We opted for some classic main dishes to get a real sense of their offering – and Ouvra did not disappoint.

Chicken tikka lababdar © Life in Sale

A highlight was the chicken tikka lababdar (£10.90); tender, succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a rich and flavoursome sauce with a hint of smokiness that stole the show. The sauce itself was creamy, with a beautiful balance of warm spices and a touch of tanginess that perfectly complemented the chicken. The creamy sauce was plentiful and I don’t mind admitting that I woke up thinking about how delicious it was the next morning. The paneer jalfrezi (£9.70) was nicely spiced and the cheese kept its shape, making it a tasty and hearty dish. 

Paneer jalfrezi © Life in Sale

Ouvra's menu is extensive and a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India. The dishes are crafted using recipes that have been passed down through the owner’s family, ensuring that every bite is infused with authentic flavours. The chefs at Ouvra are clearly not only skilled but also passionate about their craft, which is reflected in the excellent presentation of each dish.

The appetiser and starter sections offer a selection of South Indian, Indo-Chinese and Tandoor specialities. The Mumbai street food and Chapata chaat are perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant flavours of India in a single bite, while the platters offer hearty and satisfying options that are perfect for sharing.

We also opted for some fluffy naan (£2.50) to soak up the delicious sauce. The naan was light and airy, with a perfect char on the outside that added a delightful smokiness. It was the perfect accompaniment to our mains. 

No dining experience is complete without a drink or two, so we opted for a signature cocktail, ‘Ouvra Aura’. Sweet, but moreish with a hint of black pepper for heat. I was happy to see that the drinks menu isn’t small; there is something for everyone to enjoy.

It’s clear that Priya has invested significantly in getting the new restaurant open, and that is to be applauded. We’re so happy about Ouvra Indian Kitchen’s arrival in Sale; if opening night is anything to go by, the early signs suggest that it is going to be a fantastic addition to Sale's restaurant scene. Its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes with a modern twist, friendly service and a warm and inviting atmosphere made it a great dining experience. The biggest compliment I can give it is that we are already planning our next visit! 

You can enjoy 50% off food until 24 June 2024. To book, call 0161 383 6233, email info@ouvra.uk or DM via Instagram, @ouvra.manchester.

🕔 Open Monday 5-10pm | Wednesday and Thursday 5-10pm | Friday 5-11pm | Saturday 12-11pm | Sunday 12-10pm (closed Tuesday).

📍 Ouvra Indian Kitchen, 65 Cross Street, Sale M33 7HF

Psst: Ouvra Deli will open next week, located next door to the restaurant. Keep an eye out for that! 

Review by: Katy Ratican, editor Life in Sale.