Wazuzhi (formerly Wasabi Sushi) is the card up my sleeve when I have friends or relatives visiting and need somewhere central to eat well, cheaply, and in a quirky setting.

In fact, why wait for visitors? I often pop in on weekday nights, at weekends in between films, gigs, shopping, or when cooking is too much effort. Wazuzhi’s many selling points include well-priced, convenient Japanese food served promptly in a cliched, but fun, setting. Watch sushi whizz by on conveyor belts against a backdrop of colourful decor and the latest J-pop.

The lunch and set menus are some great bargain options. For £ 12.50 you can have either six plates of sushi and miso soup or three plates of sushi and a traditional Japanese ramen, rice or noodle dish. The extensive a la carte menu offers over 40 starters and classics such as sashimi served in small wooden boats, tofu with bonito flakes, and gyoza.

Wazuzhi is one of the only places in Manchester to get Umeshu, or Japanese plum wine, by the glass. Bottles of sake are also on the menu for those who want to stay for longer and watch the sushi trundle by.

There are two branches of Wazuzhi – one at the Printworks and the original in Chinatown. Whichever one you hit, your pockets, friends, and stomach will thank you every time.