Places to Eat
Manchester’s restaurant scene is thriving, with an exciting variety of eateries at every turn. Food is high on the list of priorities for Mancunians, and there’s always a new pop-up to try.
The city’s line-up of independent coffee shops will leave you spoilt for choice, while by night you’ll find drinking establishments to suit everyone – think trendy bars, live music venues and contemporary pubs.
Manchester is also big on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, with new plant-based restaurants popping up across the city with dishes that would tempt the hardiest of carnivores.
Thanks to the eclectic mix of food stops at the buzzing Corn Exchange, you’ll return time and again. And at the city’s bohemian Northern Quarter, you’ll find a lively bar scene alongside some fantastic restaurants and cafés – the perfect location to combine delicious food, good drinks and a spot of people watching.
Described as one of the ‘Top 25 cool places to eat in the UK’ by The Times, Common is the place to be seen. The brunch menu offers all the egg-based classics you can think of, and lunch is just as impressive with sandwiches, burgers and more. If it’s an afternoon drink you’re after, you’ll find a well-stocked wine bar and no less than 15 beer lines. Be sure to check out the gallery space while you’re there.
39-41 EDGE STREET, NORTHERN QUARTER, M4 1HW
A popular place with locals, this vibrant, bustling space - actually the restored Smithfield’s Grade II listed 1858 market – is the place to be seen. Mackie Mayor is a hive of high-end food and drinks producers, serving brilliant food – and the menu changes all the time. Sit at one of the long refectory tables and muse over the feast on offer.
1 EAGLE STREET, NORTHERN QUARTER, M4 5BU
Fancy a bit of Japanese food? Tempted by teriyaki, or a supper of sushi? This place, situated in the Deansgate area – and just round the corner from the Museum of Science and Industry – offers an array of great dishes in relaxed surroundings. The chefs create an exciting experience with their skill and fire, and are thoroughly entertaining. A great place to go as a group.
91-93 LIVERPOOL ROAD, M3 4JN
With a reputation made good in nearby Stockport, The Allotment is one of the newest restaurants on the block. Serving award-winning vegan and gluten-free dishes – check out the 10-course taster menu – you can experience the flavour of local ingredients alongside vegan craft beer and wine. The chef uses the best of the season’s harvest from local producers where possible – and customers are raving about it.
18-22 LLOYD STREET, M2 5WA
You can guarantee you’ll receive a warm welcome at this stylish café. Opened in 2015 in a former clothing showroom, Ezra means ‘Helper’ while Gil means ‘happiness’. The all-day brunch, flatbreads and salads will certainly boost your happy hormones, while the neighbourhood shop offering everyday items such as fruit, vegetables and bread is handy when stocks at home are running low.
20 HILTON STREET, NORTHERN QUARTER, M1 1FR
If you’re looking for a dining experience with a difference, you’re in for a treat at the Peter Street Kitchen. Embracing the art of shared dining in the heart of Manchester, this sophisticated restaurant serves exquisite Japanese and Mexican small plates, alongside Japanese inspired cocktails, fine wines and sake. Highlights include crispy rice with spicy salmon, blanched spinach and hazelnut salad with goma dressing, and chilli-lemon-roasted baby chicken served on the signature bincho grill. What’s not to like?
FREE TRADE HALL, PETER STREET, M2 5GP
For a relaxing meal à deux, at the end of a busy week, TNQ is the place to be. A modern food-lover’s paradise, this funky, laid back restaurant keeps things simple with contemporary British cuisine, but expertly done. Together with simple, flavoursome food, it boasts an inviting wine menu and hand-picked ales, all served in a relaxed and stylish dining room.
108 HIGH STREET, NORTHERN QUARTER, M4 1HQ
This popular, award-winning eatery styles itself as ‘The King of Curry’ – and with branches in 10 other locations, who can argue? Just a few minutes’ walk from Potato Wharf, it’s the perfect place to pop out for a late night ruby – and, wow, the food is impressive.
73-83 LIVERPOOL ROAD, MANCHESTER, M3 4NQ
Open seven days a week and serving modern British classics, The Ivy is the ideal place for a spot of top-notch dining. Treat yourself to smoked haddock fishcakes in the beautiful brasserie or head upstairs the The Ivy Asia for some upmarket, Far Eastern fare – we love the idea of the Wagyu beef with truffle sauce.
THE PAVILION, BYROM STREET, SPINNINGFIELDS M3 3HG
A lovely, canalside pub less than half a mile from Potato Wharf, The Wharf has something for everyone. Nooks and crannies for cosy chats, bigger spaces for buzzy groups and a restaurant upstairs, plus a great range of craft beers and real ales.
6 SLATE WHARF, CASTLEFIELD, M15 4ST
