Welcome to Manchester, where the restaurant scene is hotter than a jalapeño on a summer day! Manchester restaurants have never been more exciting, blending down-to-earth, seasonal cooking with a dash of the city’s diverse flair and some seriously innovative chefs. London’s big names are making a splash here too—think Caravan, which is now shaking things up in St John’s, Blacklock chophouse is strutting into Peter Street this autumn, and Flat Iron’s affordable steak is sizzling on Deansgate.
From mouthwatering bakeries to street food that could make a gourmet cry tears of joy, Manchester restaurants are making waves. And it’s no surprise—what with its dazzling array of UK’s best hotels, buzzing bars, and vegan bites that even herbivores will cheer about. The city’s streets are a feast for the eyes too, with historic architecture, contemporary art, and endless adventures. Dive into the scene and discover why Manchester restaurants are the talk of the town!
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Let’s Discover 16 Must-Try Dining Spots Among Best Manchester Restaurants!
The Edinburgh Castle: A Classic Gem in Manchester Restaurants
Welcome to The Edinburgh Castle, where Manchester restaurants meet Victorian charm with a side of sizzle! Nestled in Ancoats since 1811, this pub got a glorious revival in 2019, thanks to Nick and Hayley Muir, the dynamic duo behind the Northern Quarter’s LoT. Fast forward to 2022, and Shaun Moffat, fresh from the trendy kitchens of Berber & Q and Manteca, has taken the reins as executive chef.
Start your visit with a pint of Edinburgh Castle lager in the laid-back pub downstairs. Then, ascend to the cozy dining room, where parquet floors, cast iron radiators, tan leather chairs, navy walls, and massive gilt mirrors create an ambiance that’s equal parts posh and comfy.
Here, Manchester restaurants truly shine with their open grill steak specials. And if veggies are your thing, the cinderwood trombetta courgettes with nasturtiums will have you rethinking your side dish choices. Don’t skip dessert—fluffy madeleines by the dozen are a sweet ending to your Manchester dining adventure!
Erst: The Manchester Restaurant Where Sharing is a Myth
Welcome to Erst, the Manchester restaurant where “sharing plates” is more of a suggestion than a rule! This natural wine bar in Ancoats is the perfect spot to while away the evening, and trust us, you’ll want to linger. The sleek, understated decor features concrete floors, an open kitchen, and wine bottles as decor—ideal for pretending you’re an avant-garde critic.
The menu is small but mighty, with around 15 sharing plates that pack a punch. You’ll find yourself engaging in a not-so-friendly hand-swapping battle for the last mouthful of beetroot, ajo blanco, and green chili, or the final slice of grilled flatbread with beef fat and urfa chili. Pair your feast with a bottle of natural wine and enjoy a meal that turns every bite into a personal victory. At Erst, Manchester restaurants have never been so unapologetically delicious!
Medlock Canteen: Manchester Restaurants’ Go-To Spot for All-Day Dining Bliss
Welcome to Medlock Canteen, the Manchester restaurant that’s basically your culinary Swiss Army knife. Whether you’re treating the kids, impressing your parents, catching up with friends, or just grabbing a breakfast bap on your way to work, this Deansgate Square gem has got you covered.
With a vibe that’s equal parts American diner and Parisian bistro, Medlock Canteen boasts red leather banquettes, bar stools by the open kitchen, custard-yellow table-tops, and wooden panelled walls. It’s like someone threw a chic dinner party and forgot to mention the dress code.
Dive into generous mains like rotisserie chicken or turkey schnitzel with duck egg, caper, and salsa verde. And for dessert, get ready for indulgence with deep-fried cherry pie and miso custard or seasonal frangipane. At Medlock Canteen, Manchester restaurants are proving that great food and laid-back vibes are a match made in heaven.
Pollen Bakery: Manchester Restaurants’ Sweetest Revolution
Step aside, ordinary pastries—Pollen Bakery is here to shake up the Manchester restaurant scene with its next-gen treats! After years of devoted fans braving hour-long queues under a railway arch for their pastry fix, Pollen Bakery finally opened its first official spot in Ancoats. The star of the show? The cruffin. It’s like a croissant and muffin had a culinary love affair, resulting in a pastry so decadent it should come with a warning label.
But Pollen isn’t stopping there. They’ve expanded with a chic bakery and café in the Kampus neighborhood, proving that Manchester restaurants are all about leveling up their game. So, if you’re ready to indulge in a cruffin filled with curd or crème pâtissière, prepare to have your pastry world rocked. At Pollen Bakery, Manchester restaurants are redefining deliciousness, one flaky layer at a time.
Nell’s New York Pizza & Bar: Manchester Restaurants with a Conscience
When it comes to Manchester restaurants, Nell’s New York Pizza & Bar is like the superhero of pizza joints—saving the planet, one slice at a time. Launched in 2020 by the husband-and-wife duo Jonny and Charlotte Heyes, who brought you the beloved Northern Quarter spot Common, Nell’s has found a home in the trendy Kampus neighborhood.
Sink your teeth into a 22-inch, thin and crispy New York-style pizza that’s as big as your appetite. The “Whimsy” pizza is a quirky take on the Capricciosa, featuring mozzarella, smoked Lancashire cheese, mushrooms, artichokes, and a sprinkle of chives. Carnivores, meet your match with the “Do You ‘Roni Honey?”—a spicy, sweet delight topped with nduja, pepperoni, chilli honey, and parmesan.
Feel good about your indulgence too! Nell’s is committed to eco-friendly practices by minimizing waste, using less meat, and sourcing from responsible British suppliers. At Nell’s, Manchester restaurants prove you can have your pizza and save the planet too!
Higher Ground: Manchester Restaurants’ Love Letter to Local Ingredients
Welcome to Higher Ground, the Manchester restaurant where local ingredients get their well-deserved spotlight and your taste buds do a happy dance. This gem, the brainchild of the trio behind Ancoats’ Flawd—Joseph Otway, Richard Cossins, and Daniel Craig Martin—opened its doors in February 2023 after charming the city with pop-up magic.
Nestled on New York Street, between Piccadilly Gardens and Chinatown, Higher Ground is a 50-cover British bistro that proves local can be luxurious. With a menu that’s as changeable as British weather, you can expect daily surprises featuring top-notch seasonal produce and natural wine.
Start your meal with green pea and spring garlic fritters smothered in Isle of Mull cheddar—so good, you might start planning your next visit while still chewing. Larger plates like English organic asparagus with cured steelhead trout or Jane’s beef with woodhouse mushroom are equally impressive. At Higher Ground, Manchester restaurants show that exceptional food doesn’t have to come with a side of stuffiness. Relax and watch the chefs do their thing in the open kitchen while you savor every bite!
Mana: Manchester Restaurants’ Michelin-Starred Magic for Special Occasions
Looking for a special occasion dining experience that’s more thrilling than a surprise party? Enter Mana, Manchester’s Michelin-starred marvel in the heart of hip Ancoats. This culinary haven, led by Simon Martin, snagged Manchester’s first Michelin star in 42 years back in 2019, making it the reigning superstar of Manchester restaurants.
Be prepared to play the reservation game—tables in this 24-seat minimalist space are as coveted as concert tickets. Booking opens at noon on the 1st of each month, four months in advance. So, set a reminder and get ready to flex those fast fingers!
When you finally score a spot, you’ll be greeted with a hot broth and a fragrant bouquet featuring juniper, pine, and rosemary. Then, settle in to witness culinary wizardry in the open kitchen as chefs prepare a 12+ course tasting menu showcasing British produce with a seafood twist. Plates are not just food but playful works of art. At Mana, Manchester restaurants redefine special dining—one mouthwatering course at a time.
Bundobust: Manchester Restaurants’ Secret for Scorching Street Food
When it comes to Manchester restaurants that keep things sizzling and affordable, Bundobust is the basement gem you’ve been missing. Tucked away off Piccadilly Gardens, this unassuming spot might not scream luxury, but its Gujarati street food is anything but modest.
Founded by two Bradford lads with a passion for flavor and fun, Bundobust serves up a menu so consistent you’d think they were secretly plotting world domination. No dish breaks the bank—everything’s under £7.75, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to feast like a king (or a street food aficionado).
Indulge in bhel puri, chaat, and impossibly crisp okra fries, all served in paper tubs that are as eco-friendly as they are Instagrammable. Pair your meal with robust IPAs from their own brewery or local legends like Cloudwater and Track. And if you’re craving more, their shiny second location, Bundobust Brewery on Oxford Street, lets you dine next to brewing tanks under a glass atrium. Manchester restaurants like Bundobust prove that fantastic food and frugality go hand in hand.
Another Hand: Manchester Restaurants’ Secret for a Memorable Date Night
Looking for a date night spot that’s as charming as your pick-up lines? Say hello to Another Hand, the hidden treasure on Deansgate Mews, tucked away behind a rainbow-painted staircase. It’s like the secret speakeasy of Manchester restaurants, but instead of jazz, you’re greeted with a feast of flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
Once you’ve navigated your way up the staircase, you’ll be greeted by a team so passionate about their food, you might just believe they’re performing a culinary magic act. Their small plates showcase local ingredients with a flair that would make even your mum’s roast look basic. The hay-roasted hasselback potatoes with black garlic, buttermilk, and burnt butter are so crispy and delicious, they might just make you propose on the spot.
Each dish comes with a story—lion’s mane mushrooms from Altrincham and award-winning chocolate from Dormouse. Book ahead if you don’t want to miss out on this gem among Manchester restaurants.
Climat: The Manchester Restaurants with a View That’s Worth a Lift
Ready to elevate your dining game? Head to Climat, where the views are as stunning as the food is delicious. Nestled next to the River Irwell, but hidden behind the hustle of Deansgate, this rooftop gem is accessed by a lift that feels like your own personal VIP entrance to Manchester’s best-kept secret among Manchester restaurants.
Once you’ve reached the eighth floor, prepare to be wowed by panoramic views over Manchester’s rooftops. The team behind Chester’s Covino has brought their wine expertise to Climat, offering a selection so extensive, you’ll need a GPS to navigate it. Start your meal with their famous dill-infused hash browns topped with taramasalata—so good you’ll want to Instagram it before you devour it. Then, move on to dishes like turbot with turnip and sherry sauce or beef tartare with prawn crackers and Thai basil.
Climat isn’t just another stop on the Manchester restaurant scene; it’s a destination in itself.
Tast: Catalonia’s Culinary Royalty Takes Manchester by Storm
Craving a taste of Catalunya without booking a flight? Tast, the brainchild of Catalan chef Paco Pérez and backed by Manchester City’s finest, Pep Guardiola and Ferran Soriano, has you covered. Nestled on the chic King Street, this spot is a haven for those longing for the vibrant flavors of Spain’s coastal paradise.
From the moment you step in, you’ll be tempted by more than just the charcuterie and croquettes (although, let’s be honest, they’re pretty spectacular). Dive into the arròz del senyoret—rice with king prawns that’s baked to perfection. The edges get delightfully crisp and chewy, while the prawn juices add a rich, roasted depth that’s so good it might make you question all your previous risotto experiences.
For a more laid-back vibe, hit up the bar and terrace for “tastets”—small dishes that bring a bit of Barcelona’s bustling charm right to Manchester’s doorstep. Tast isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a delicious homage to Catalonia that Manchester didn’t know it needed.
10 Tib Lane: The Ultimate Hangout for Foodies and Friends
If you’re searching for a place where you can sip, savor, and stay all night, look no further than 10 Tib Lane. This laid-back gem, crafted by Manchester’s top venue maestros Ben Gretton, Sophie Robson, and Joe White, is your new favorite hangout spot. With a cocktail menu that’s as creative as a Picasso and a natural wine list that won’t leave you scratching your head, it’s got everything you need for a stellar evening with friends.
The vibe? Think urban chic meets cozy lounge: distressed plaster walls, exposed brick, and greenery that’s practically begging for an Instagram photo. The seasonal menu, though straightforward, packs a punch—like the confit spiced carrots with aubergine, garlic puree, and rose harissa that’ll make you want to skip the main course just to have another round.
And if you’re a meat lover, brace yourself for the lamb sweetbreads—rich, tender, and paired with guanciale, potato, chicken, and a white wine sauce that’s worth every calorie. 10 Tib Lane is where Manchester restaurants go from “just a meal” to “the highlight of your week.”
The Spärrows: Manchester’s Hidden Gem for Cozy Comfort Food
If you’re the type who believes comfort food should involve a bit of a scavenger hunt, then The Spärrows is your new culinary adventure. Tucked away behind a stealthy black door in Manchester’s Green Quarter, this cozy spot serves up comfort food so good you’ll want to book a table even if it’s just for a snack between trains at Victoria Station.
The star of the show? Spätzle—tiny, handmade noodles that come smothered in a sauce of your choice. It’s like a hug for your taste buds. Pair it with sauerkraut topped with pumpkin seeds, or a crisp green salad with a sprinkle of Alpine salt, and you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its reliable crowds and cozy vibe, don’t miss out on this gem among Manchester restaurants—book ahead and bring your appetite!
Hispi: Where Gutsy Bistro Cooking Steals the Show
Thank the culinary gods (and a devoted crowdfunding campaign) for bringing Hispi to life! Nestled among the best Manchester restaurants, this neighborhood gem by chef Gary Usher is anything but ordinary. With a menu that’s both great-value and full of seasonal surprises, Hispi is where you’ll find the unassuming featherblade beef transformed into a masterpiece that deserves its own fan club. Start with a sticky bacon belly salad or dive into crispy spiced carrot cakes that’ll have you rethinking your relationship with vegetables.
And if you’re wandering around the city center, don’t miss a visit to Usher’s Bistro Kala—because why stop at just one of Manchester’s best? Hispi isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reminder that neighborhood bistros can deliver bold, gutsy flavors that linger in your memory (and on your taste buds) long after you’ve left the table.
The Black Friar: Pub Grub with a Side of History
Nestled just over the Salford border, The Black Friar stands as a red-brick relic amidst the city’s gleaming high-rises—a true gem among Manchester restaurants. Step inside this historic pub, and you’re in for a treat: think burgers and pies so good, they’d make your grandmother weep with pride. But don’t just settle for the cozy pub classics; for a special occasion, snag a seat in their swanky glass room. Here, you can watch culinary magic unfold in the open kitchen, all while being cocooned by lush greenery.
The Black Friar isn’t just about filling your belly—it’s about indulging in the best pub grub Manchester restaurants have to offer, served with a side of history and a dash of charm. Whether you’re after a casual meal or something a bit more refined, this pub has you covered.
