Sara Arfaoui Gündogan, the wife of Manchester City footballer Ilkay Gündogan, has caused controversy with her criticism of restaurants in Manchester. The Italian model, 27, who married the City captain earlier this year, complained about the quality of food in the city during an Instagram Q&A.
When asked for her favourite restaurant in Manchester, Arfaoui responded: 'Sorry I’m sad to be honest but nothing. I tried so bad to find a good restaurant but .. horrible food everywhere. Can't find a real Italian or good sushi or just fresh food .. everything frozen. Restaurants here are focused on making money with drinks and shots like night clubs not quality food. Maybe in London but in Manchester nothing. I'm sorry.'
The comments drew backlash from food critic Jay Rayner, who told The Sun: 'This is a ludicrous point of view. Manchester’s packed full of brilliant, independent restaurants. It’s an absolute gem of a place to eat and comments like this during difficult economic times are not helpful to businesses struggling to make ends meet.' A local restaurant owner also criticised Arfaoui, suggesting she should be grateful for her lifestyle rather than 'slagging restaurants'.
Arfaoui doubled down on her stance, replying: 'So because we are successful people we can't give an honest opinion? I tried all the best restaurants here but for me it's a no. I can’t lie.' She added that she is 'used to Italy' and finds it hard to compare, but maintained that Manchester is 'a great city, great people but not for restaurants.'
