‘Try steak Tuesday at Wetherspoons’: Readers hit back at Man City star’s wife’s put down of Manchester food

A footballer’s wife this week sparked controversy for her scathing comments about Manchester’s restaurant scene – and ManchesterWorld readers were generally unimpressed with her views.

Sara Arfaoui, wife of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, said in response to a fan’s question on her Instagram stories that she has tried to find a decent restaurant in Manchester, but there is only “horrible food everywhere.”

She said: “I can’t find a good Italian or real sushi or just fresh food. Everything frozen.”

Hundreds of our readers have had lots to say about the 27-year-old Italian model’s remarks on our Facebook page.

Most were quick to defend Manchester’s culinary offerings, and some people pointed out that Sara’s comments seemed crass in the context of today’s cost of living crisis. Others recommended nice local restaurants for her to try instead.

Here is a selection of your views:

Reader Mike Heaney said: “She should maybe take a trip down to one of our many Manchester food banks, might remind her of how many families have to scrape by in these dreadful cash-strapped times.

“A night out in a fancy restaurant is only a dream for a hard working mum!”

Similarly, Gaynor Legge said: “She should be grateful she has someone to pay for her to swan off to expensive restaurants. Many are struggling to afford heating and food.

“Obviously no compassion.”

Reader Kenny Cowley made the point that good quality food does not have to be expensive.

He said: “What she means is the restaurants in Manchester don’t charge as extortionate prices as London so she feels the quality isn’t as good because of the price.

“These type of people feel the need to spend loads for quality but it’s not always the case.”

Inaam Thomas said: “She looks like she needs a good lesson in manners and to know that money doesn’t make statues nor being liked.”

ManchesterWorld readers also had plenty of recommendations of their own – including a host of much-loved local chippies, Littlerock Caribbean takeaway in Moss Side, Yadgar in the Northern Quarter and even steak Tuesday at Wetherspoons!

Dan Farnworth said that Manchester is “awash with brilliant restaurants.”

He suggested: “Noma, Rosso, Adam Reid at the French, Australasia, Mana, Tattu, The Ivy, Hawksmoor, gaucho.”

Manchester also has an abundance of Italian restaurants and readers were keen to suggest some of their favourites.

Salvi’s in the Northern Quarter and Exchange Square was among them, as well as San Carlo on King Street West and Vero in Salford.

One reader suggested Sul Lago in Daisy Nook – a favourite among footballers.

Sul Lago was booked out in May by Gundogan’s predecessor, former Man City captain Fernandinho, ahead of the team’s Premier League win against Aston Villa.

Around 90 footballers and Man City staff were in attendance at the restaurant, celebrating the end of the season and Fernandinho’s last at the club, the Oldham Times reported.

Another reader suggested Sara speak to “her husband’s boss,” City manager Pep Guardiola, who co-owns Catalan restaurant Tast on King Street.

Reader Andy Hamilton, on the other hand, had a particularly novel suggestion for Sara to experience British dining culture.

He said: “She needs to elevate her game and gate crash a good old function room party with a pineapple hedgehog and black forest gateaux then get absolutely leathered with uncle Bob and watch him do laps of the dance floor with his paisley tie tied round his head and shirt half untucked.”

Sara still has some time to prove herself wrong and explore the rich food and drink scene in Manchester before Gundogan’s contract ends next summer.

While it is reported that City are keen to keep him on, Barcelona have also expressed interest.

Maybe the food there will be more to her taste.