Café Aylanto

Visited today and tried a few dishes. The Lahori Chanay was really good — flavourful and well-cooked. The Nihari was decent, not the best I’ve had, but certainly not the worst either. The highlight of the meal was definitely the Karak Chai — perfectly brewed and probably the best I've had locally. However, I do feel the 10% service charge added automatically to the bill doesn’t quite match the overall experience or service level provided. It would be more appropriate if service was exceptional or at least optional. Food overall was enjoyable, but the mandatory service charge took a bit away from the experience.

A great, bright airy space with a full extensive menu. Something for everyone from breakfast to lunch to dinner. A good selection of desserts. Ideal for larger parties. A huge garden with outdoor seating which will be a huge hit in summer. Overall everything was tasty and can't fault the food.

We attended Café Aylanto on the Sunday 11th of July 2023, I called up ahead regarding booking a table, any onsite parking and regarding serving alcohol. The lovely lady on the phone they do have parking and we do not need to book a table due to it being quiet and also advised they do not sell alcohol (major plus for me). We arrived around 17:37 and I noticed they have camera in the car park which can read a registration plates, there was also a sign stating car parking is for patrons only (understandable are people may leave cars on their property and go elsewhere). As we entered, we were greeted by a lady, she asked if I parked in the establishments car park and to enter my reg on a screen to avoid getting a fine, she also asked if it was me on the phone earlier. She asked us where would we like to sit as we had bit of choice; we chose next to the window at table 12. First impressions of this establishment, super clean and I told my Mrs that I can tell the owner has spent some money on this business/property, the décor, the style, loved the Islamic calligraphy on the wall, the outside eating seating is very unique and they also have see-through igloos (see pictures attached to this view) which have quirky lights on them (guess for eating outside at night) I also noticed a bunch of Dyson heaters near the entrance to the front of the establishment (can’t remember how many exact) – I guess these are for eating outside. We were given menus and the lady (which we figured out is twin of the lady on front desk) came to us twice to see if we were ready to order, for some reason we took longer to place our order. We ordered: 1 x Papri Chaat (Vegetable) 1 x Sirlion Steak – Well Done 1 x Steak Cut Chips 1 x Chicken Steak – Well Done 1 x Pink Kashmiri Tea 2 x Water Bottles Total = £54.17 (including the service charge this was £60.23) First of the lady provided us with pink Kashmiri tea straight away before our mains, I requested for this to be given to us after our main course, never had tea before our main course, all the food came at once (which I prefer) and took around 15-20 minutes, my Mrs loved the Papri Chaat no issues with that, regarding the her chicken steak she did state it was hard to cut with the knife she had, I had the same issue with my sirlion steak was really hard to cut (my hand started to hurt) I should of requested steak knives! Also, I don’t think it was cooked well done as it was slight pinkish on the edge and a bit of red juice when trying to cut if but tasted fine and was able to chew it with no issues, steak cut chips were fine but my Mrs stated Kashmiri tea was okay didn’t have any nuts but a lot of sugar and she state she didn’t like the cup it was served it, I believe it was plastic made to look like glass. Water bottles were Nestle branded I was expecting some higher brand of water or maybe there own due to the rest of the experience of the restaurant (but in the end of the day water is water I guess). The price this is most we have spent on eating out at any restaurant even my Mrs stated this after leaving! (if it was in Central Manchester, I could understand but Rochdale I can’t defend these prices), I believe it is tad bit expensive and if you’re getting a steak usually you get vegetables or steak cut chips with them shouldn’t have to order them separate. Was I blown away with the all of the food? No but I guess you are paying for that special restaurant experience/feeling when eating here. Was I happy about the service charge? Yes, the staff we super friendly and helpful. Would I come visit again? Not in my current financial situation, cannot justify the cost compared to other restaurants in Rochdale. if I am in a better financial situation I would definitely visit again. 3.5 stars for the food, 2.5 stars for the price and 4.5 stars for customer experience overall I would say 3 stars! Lastly, I would like to say I do respect the owner for not serving alcohol, he/she could have chosen to sell this but instead chose not too and for that you will get additional star on my review!