Looking for what to eat in Manchester? Manchester is frequently called "the new London" and its thriving and diverse food scene only supports this further. Whether you fancy fine dining, affordable eats, or a specific cuisine like Indian or vegetarian, Manchester is famous for its incredible restaurants that cater to every taste. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you're sure to find the best restaurant in Manchester thanks to our list of the very best Manchester restaurants that suit every taste.

What To Know About Manchester's Restaurants

What's the Food Scene like in Manchester?

Manchester's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. The city offers a blend of international cuisines, traditional British fare, and innovative dining experiences. With a mix of cosy cafes, fancy restaurants, and vibrant bistros, there's always something new to discover in this dynamic city. The emphasis on creativity and quality ingredients ensures that diners experience the freshest and most exciting flavours.

Are there any Famous Foods from Manchester?

a chip butty from one of the best restaurants in manchester
Manchester is renowned for its local specialities like:

  • The Manchester tart: A cake with layers of jam, custard and coconut
  • Parched peas: especially loved in winter
  • Eccles cakes: Flaky puff pasty packed with currants
  • The iconic chip butty: Chips with tomato sauce in a sandwich - you either love it or you hate it!

Manchester's rich industrial history has also influenced its food culture, leading to a blend of hearty traditional dishes and modern culinary innovations.

The 11 Best Manchester Restaurants

1. Six by Nico Manchester

six by nico manchester is one of the best manchester restaurants for fine dining
Category: Fine Dining
Address: 60 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ
Vibes: Innovative and dynamic
Average Price: £35-£50 per person
Must-Try: The Six-Course Tasting Menu
First on our list of the best Manchester restaurants is Six by Nico Manchester, a much-loved UK restaurant chain thanks to its ever-changing six-course tasting menu. Each themed menu changes every six weeks, providing a fresh and innovative dining experience with every visit. Highlights include the "Trust" experience, where diners receive a blank menu and rely on the chefs to curate a surprise meal, inviting guests to guess the dishes using their senses. The restaurant offers optional wine pairings, curated cocktails, and snacks to enhance the experience. Through their partnership with TAN&NS, they source only the highest quality wines that complement the unique flavours of each dish. Six by Nico Manchester is perfect for those looking to indulge in a sophisticated and creative meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Yard and Coop Manchester

Yard and Coop Manchester serve the best fried chicken in manchester
Category: Affordable
Address: 23-37 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW
Vibes: Casual and fun
Average Price: £10-£20 per person
Must-Try: The Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Second on our list of the best places to eat in Manchester on a budget is Yard and Coop Manchester, the go-to restaurant in Manchester for delicious buttermilk fried chicken, fun events, and unbeatable deals including:

  • Con-Grad-uations: To celebrate your achievement, they offer FREE bubbly with your graduation meal. Whether you’re celebrating a degree or a diploma, come to Yard & Coop and let us toast to your success!
  • FREE Sides with email sign-ups: With any main!
  • FREE meal on your birthday: When you sign up for their newsletter.
  • Kids Eat Free: At Yard and Coop Manchester, they love to see the whole family enjoying a meal together. That’s why we offer a free kids’ meal with every main adult meal ordered. Bring the little ones along for a fun and tasty dining experience—kids eat free when you order a main dish!
  • Eat for £8: From Monday to Thursday, 12-4 pm, you can enjoy a delicious meal for just £8. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a quick bite, Yard and Coop has you covered with tasty and cheap options to satisfy your lunchtime cravings.

Having tested countless marinades and sauces, Yard & Coop perfected their secret Chicken recipe to serve up the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken around. The venue is all about great food, with tasty sides, classic cocktails, and craft beers, all in a vibrant and fun atmosphere making it one of the best cheap restaurants in Manchester.


3. AKBARS Manchester

butter chicken at Akbars Manchester one of the best Indian restaurants in Manchester
Category: Halaal
Address: 73-83 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ
Vibes: Vibrant and welcoming
Average Price: £15-£25 per person
Must-Try: The Mixed Grill
AKBARS Manchester is one of the best Indian restaurants in Manchester and is a fantastic option for those seeking Halaal dining. This vibrant restaurant serves up mouthwatering authentic Indian dishes with the Mixed Grill being a standout. rounded by Shabir Hussain, whose passion for authentic South Asian food is evident in every dish, AKBARS serves up classic Indian food like the Mixed Grill, butter chicken, and seekh kebab. Guests rave about the rich flavours and friendly service whether you're a fan of classic Indian fare or exploring Pakistani cuisine, AKBARS delivers a feast for the senses and a true taste of culinary excellence.

What Diners Are Saying about AKBARS Manchester :

  • “Without a doubt one of the finest restaurants if you are looking for Indian food in Manchester. They have a lot of varieties and are priced very moderately. If you are craving Indian food, definitely give it a try.”
  • “AKBARS is a fantastic destination for authentic Pakistani cuisine! From the moment we arrived, we were seated quickly and greeted by an attentive and friendly waiter, which set the tone for a delightful dining experience.”
  • “The butter chicken was absolutely amazing, rich, creamy, and bursting with flavour. The seekh kebab was perfectly spiced and cooked to perfection, a true highlight of our meal. The naan bread was fresh, huge, and complemented the dishes beautifully.”
  • “The environment at AKBARS is clean and elegant, providing a comfortable and pleasant dining atmosphere. Despite getting busy, the service remained top-notch, and the nearby easy parking added to the convenience.”

4. Greens Restaurant

eat tabbouleh salad at greens restaurant manchester
Category: Vegetarian
Address: Unit 14-16 Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7WZ
Vibes: Cozy and inviting
Average Price: £15-£30 per person
Must-Try: The Tofu and Vegetable Tempura
For vegetarians, Greens Restaurant is a Manchester vegetarian restaurant that boasts a funky bar with creative cocktails, a relaxing roof garden for private events, and a cozy street terrace for casual dining. The vibrant atmosphere and innovative menu highlight dishes like the standout Mushroom Wellington, which impresses with its rich flavours. While the tabbouleh salad offers a delightful lentil twist on a classic, the sausage and mushroom Wellington features a generous portion of mashed potatoes that might overshadow the sausages. Overall, Greens is celebrated for its exceptional vegetarian cuisine and inviting ambience.

5. Mowgli Street Food

Category: Indian
Address: 16 Corn Exchange, Manchester M4 3TR
Vibes: Authentic and bustling
Average Price: £10-£20 per person
Must-Try: The Temple Dahl

Mowgli Street Food brings the vibrant flavours of Indian street food to Manchester. Located in the Corn Exchange, this bustling spot is perfect for enjoying authentic Indian dishes like the must-try Temple Dahl, an aromatic lentil curry. Mowgli was born from Nisha Katona's obsession to feed the raw need Indians have for tiffins full of fresh, bright, intense flavour. Her journey started in 2014 when she left a 20-year career as a Barrister to create an eatery that serves the kind of food Indians eat at home and on their streets. Her first Mowgli opened on Liverpool’s Bold Street, with the Manchester location following less than a year later. Mowgli's food is about the smash-and-grab zing of healthy, light, virtuosic herbs and spices. The menu features Indian street market dishes that come out as and when they are ready, ensuring an authentic dining experience. For an extra treat, you can enjoy a glass of bubbles with your meal.

 

6. Tattu Manchester

Tattu Manchester is one of the best chinese restaurants in manchester
Category: Chinese
Address: 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, Manchester M3 3EB
Vibes: Elegant and modern
Average Price: £30-£50 per person
Must-Try: The Chinese Barbecue
Tattu Manchester offers a modern take on Chinese cuisine in a stunning, elegant setting. Known for its beautifully presented dishes, Tattu is the ideal spot for a special night out, with the Chinese Barbecue being a highlight. Known for its beautifully presented dishes, Tattu is the ideal spot for a special night out, with the Chinese Barbecue being a highlight. This was the first Chinese restaurant passionately designed to take guests on a sensory journey from East to West. The concept is visually inspired by body art and its travels from its origins in the East, across the oceans through trade, to find its place in today’s modern world. The cherry blossom, symbolizing good luck and life, and anchors, representing the brand's birthplace, inspire everything from colourful Chinese-inspired cuisine to carefully crafted cocktails.

7. EAT MEAT Steakhouse

EATMEAT Manchester is one of the best steak restaurants
Category: Steak
Address: 127-129 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7DY
Vibes: Classic and hearty
Average Price: £25-£40 per person
Must-Try: The Ribeye Steak

EAT MEAT Steakhouse is the go-to spot for steak lovers in Manchester. Offering a selection of prime cuts, this top Manchester restaurant promises a carnivore's delight with expertly cooked steaks that melt in your mouth. Since opening its doors in 2017, EAT MEAT Steakhouse has quickly become the sector’s leader, known for its top-quality Halal steaks and boutique concept. EAT MEAT Steakhouse brought extra flair to the steakhouse culture with its unique options for meat lovers. The restaurant has been an indispensable location for its guests since its inception, consistently providing rich food offerings, a warm atmosphere, and top-notch service.

 

8. San Carlo Cicchetti

Category: Italian
Address: House of Fraser, 98-116 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2QG
Vibes: Stylish and vibrant
Average Price: £20-£35 per person
Must-Try: The Lobster Ravioli

San Carlo Cicchetti, an award-winning Italian restaurant in Manchester and bar located on King Street West and accessible from House of Fraser, offers a chic and vibrant dining experience in the heart of Manchester city centre. Open from noon until late seven days a week, Cicchetti serves medium-sized Italian dishes perfect for sharing. Enjoy authentic regional Italian cuisine with a menu that evolves to embrace the best seasonal ingredients. With sophisticated interiors featuring light grey Italian marble, it’s the perfect spot for a stylish meal, whether you take a table or seat at the bar. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are available from noon onwards.

9. Thaikhun Manchester

Thaikhun is one of the best Thai restaurants in Manchester
Category: Thai
Address: 3 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3HF
Vibes: Exotic and lively
Average Price: £15-£30 per person
Must-Try: The Pad Thai

Next on our list of the best restaurants in Manchester is Thaikhun Manchester, an exotic and lively escape with its open kitchen and bar area. With a menu featuring classic Thai dishes, vegan options, and modern twists, it's the perfect venue to relax and unwind. Don't miss the must-try Pad Thai, and take advantage of their bottomless brunch on weekends, Cocktail Club with 2 for £12 drinks Sunday to Thursday, and lunch specials available Monday to Friday. Transport yourself from Manchester's busy streets to the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok at Thaikhun.

10. Hawksmoor Manchester

Hawksmoor Manchester is one of the best restaurants in Manchester for british food
Category: British
Address: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
Vibes: Classic and refined
Average Price: £30-£50 per person
Must-Try: The Roast Beef

Rounding off our list of the best Manchester restaurants is Hawksmoor Manchester, a top choice for traditional British fare. Located in a late Victorian courthouse on Deansgate, next door to Spinningfields, Hawksmoor offers an upmarket dining experience that showcases the best of British cuisine. Known for its exceptional roast beef and hearty sides, the menu features the very best dry-aged beef, sustainable seafood, and seasonal farm produce from the UK. Don't miss out on their award-winning cocktails and nibbles in the bar, which include The Hawksmoor Burger and British Jersey Rock oysters prepared three ways.
For a more intimate dining experience, there is a private dining room that seats 10-14 and a semi-private area for up to 30 guests. Enjoy £5 corkage every Monday and the Observer Food Monthly’s ‘Best Sunday Lunch in the UK’ every Sunday. A set menu is also available for those seeking a respite from shopping or a post-museum pick-me-up, available lunch and early evenings Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday. Hawksmoor Manchester is the place to enjoy classic, refined British dining in Manchester.

Which Manchester restaurant will you choose?

restaurants in the northern quarter manchester
We hope our list of the best Manchester restaurants has inspired you to explore this UK city's diverse culinary scene. Whether you're craving a fine dining experience, an exotic curry, or a hearty British meal, Manchester has something to satisfy every taste. So gather your friends, make a reservation, and embark on a culinary adventure in this vibrant city!

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