We have been to Greens twice now. Both times we have been disappointed with the service - it is friendly and efficient but far too rushed. Within 40 minutes of arriving on a Saturday evening we had finished our starters and main course. This is acceptable for a lunchtime meal but not for a relaxed evening out.

The food itself is variable - on our last visit the starter of "black pudding" on toasted brioche was excellent but the spiced potato fritter reminded me of a Burger King spicy beanburger! A main couse of vegetable hash was similarly disappointing, consisting of layers of bland roast vegetables.

The pudding, a chocolate brownie, was sublime.

I would recommend the restaurant to others if only they could slow down the service - I suspect Greens has become a victim of its own success and they are trying to cram in too many covers in one night - a genuine shame.

Reviewer richard l has written 2 reviews

Reviews on the web suggested it would be essential to book and I'd agree with that. Staff were friendly and attentive and food was prompt. There are only two toilets leading to some queuing at peak times.

We were slightly disappointed to find there were only a couple of vegan options available in each course.

The possibilities for starters were the soup of the day, Roasted Tomato, Ginger and something I can't remember or Oyster mushrooms with Peking pancakes. We had the soup which was good, although a tad salty.

Main courses seemed uninspiring. A Lancashire Hotpot or a Bean and Mushroom Chilli (which doesn't seem to be on the web published menu) so we had one of each and pledged to swap plates half way.

After two bites of my chilli I decided that this was a mistake. The chilli had sounded so dull I wasn't really looking forward to it, but it was delicious, warmly and cleanly spiced with crunchy vegetables and a soothing Dirty Rice as a side.

By comparison the Hotpot was only fair. The vegetables were lost in too much sauce, the crispy potato topping a mere garnish so that overall it was meagre and unsatisfying. I was a bit surprised to find pickled cocktail onions in it too instead of fresh baby onions. The relish of pickled red cabbage tasted fine but it seemed to be entirely out of place. Our vegetarian companion had the sausage and mash and pronounced it good.

And so to pudding. Only one vegan option, a fruit crumble served with coconut cream. This predictable modern standard for vegan dessert was pretty nice and we enjoyed it. Our veggie friend had a Soft Centred Chocolate pudding and despite saying she wouldn't be able to finish it managed every mouthful so that must have been alright too.

The whole meal, 2 starters, 3 mains, 3 puddings, fizzy water, a bottle of wine and two coffees came to about £70 and we added a tip to this so it wasn't particularly cheap but it was worth it. A genuinely pleasant experience and a real joy for the vegan diner in this wicked world.

I would point out that the owner is not vegetarian and we were given some flyers for his other non veg*n venture which seemed a bit hopeful frankly but overall this was a welcome find.

Reviewer scilly B (Buckinghamshire) has written 4 reviews

Didsbury is now a very smart suburb of Manchester and Greens has had a revamp since I last visited, so it's all very swish. Polished wooden floor, linen napkins, chunky co-ordinating glassware and a stylish powder room.

My starter of fried mushrooms to replace duck with pancakes and the usual trimmings was as good as I remember. But my Lancashire hotpot was disappointing - the sauce was very rich and overpowered the delicate vegetables of carrot and celery. The portion was quite small and seven thin slices of potato on top did not dent my appetite much. A thimbleful of vegetable accompaniment was rather inadequate. At £10.95 for a main meal at lunchtime, I felt this a bit steep. It wasn't bad enough to complain about; but I don't think I'll be rushing back.

They are now licensed and serve spirits, wine and beers but also some interesting non alcoholic options such as ginger beer.

Reviewer Veggie Places

A small place with as many tables crammed in as they could fit, causing a rushed, bustling atmosphere. Portions a bit small, and they drench everything in a buttery dressing, even the vegan options, unless you make it clear you don't want this. Disappointing.

Reviewer Ronny W has written 9 reviews

I am a regular to Greens and is one of my favourite restaurants - I have the number saved on my mobile! Each time I go they have another inspiring menu. Vegetarian and vegans recipes from all round the globe. A relaxed atmopstphere with friendly staff, definitely a place for a special event, in fact for any day!! YUM YUM

Reviewer Darren H (Cheshire) has written 3 reviews

Greens has a classic style, a bold green (surprisingly) exterior makes way for a simple beige and khaki green interior. The dark timber floor is filled with tasteful bare wooden tables and chairs, in a small but comfortable dining room. Greens is not licensed, and adopts a "Bring Your Own" policy with no corkage charge.

Reviewer Marcus J (Lancashire) has written no other reviews

Nice little place near cosmopolitan Didsbury.

Visited Sunday lunch and had a really good meal including the best mushroom starter I've ever had! Served with Chinese pancakes and spring onions/cucumber. Who needs duck!

Reasonably priced and went down well with my non-veggie friends.

Would recommend!

Reviewer Paul R (Surrey) has written 20 reviews