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 has it all!

In this blog, we've put together our expert picks for the very best Manchester restaurants covering the best:

So that 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. But first, let's delve into what makes Manchester's food scene so unique.

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 15 Best Manchester Restaurants

Six by Nico Manchester

six by nico 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. This fancy Manchester 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.

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.

The Best Halaal Restaurants in Manchester

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.”

Greens Restaurant

eat tabbouleh salad at greens restaurant manchester
Category: Vegetarian
Address: Unit 14-16 Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7WZ
Vibes: Cosy 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 cosy 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.

The Best Indian Restaurants in Manchester

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. Set 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'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 Indian dining experience in the heart of Manchester.

Nawaab Restaurant in Manchester

Category: Pakistan-Indian
Address: 1008 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WN
Vibes: Hearty portions and a lively atmosphere
Average Price: £10-£20 per person
Must-Try: Lamp Chops
Nawaab restaurant in Manchester is another one of the best Indian restaurants in the city and you won't go hungry at their daily buffet serving up delicious Pakistani-Indian cuisine along with world-class service. Tuck into starters like chicken chapli kebab, succulent chicken tikki and flavoured chicken wings and mains like biryani, chicken karahi and payas. If you've got a special event, you'll be happy to know that they cater to weddings, graduations, engagements and wedding parties.

EastZEast Restaurant in Manchester

Category: Punjabi
Address: 16 Corn Exchange, Manchester M4 3TR
Vibes: Authentic and bustling
Average Price: £10-£20 per person
Must-Try:  The Butter Chicken
East is East restaurant in Manchester is a stylish Punjabi restaurant serving traditional dishes, plus cocktails and mocktails. The owners of the restaurant have been in the restaurant industry since the 70's and pride themselves on their fresh, quality ingredients that have kept the Manchester locals coming back year after year.

The Best Chinese Restaurants in Manchester

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. 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.

Rice Bowl Restaurant Manchester

Category: Chinese
Address:33A Cross St, Manchester M2 1NL
Vibes: Buzzing and modern
Average Price: £20-£30 per person
Must-Try: Dim sum
This could easily come under the best veggie restaurants in Manchester as well as the best Chinese restaurants. The Rice Bowl Restaurant is typically packed, serving up all the Chinese favourites like Chicken gyozas, egg fried rice and crispy duck. Guests love the attentive service and generous portions.

Visit at lunch to enjoy reduced prices.

The Best Steak Restaurant in Manchester

EAT MEAT Steakhouse

EATMEAT Manchester is one of the best steak restaurants in Manchester
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.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Manchester

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.

Giovannis

eat lasagne at one of the best manchester restaurants for italian food
Category: Italian
Address: 1 Peter House, Oxford Street
Vibes: Authentic Italian
Average Price: £40-£50 per person
Must-Try: The lasagne

Said to be a great date-night location in Italy, you can enjoy delicious Italian while a live DJ plays. Previous guests have loved the atmosphere and incredible staff who always pull out all the stops for special occasions hosted at the restaurant.

The Best Thai Restaurants in Manchester

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 great for scoffing down Pad Thai or taking advantage of their bottomless brunch on weekends. On a night out? Make use of their Cocktail Club special offers where you can enjoy 2 for £12 drinks from Sunday to Thursday. Trying to save money? Visit on weekdays for their very reasonable lunch specials.

The Best British Restaurants in Manchester

Hawksmoor Manchester

Hawksmoor Manchester is one of the best british restaurants in Manchester for classic english food
Category: BritishAddress: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WBVibes: Classic and refinedAverage Price: £30-£50 per personMust-Try: The Roast BeefAnother one 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.For a more intimate dining experience, you can also book 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.

Don't miss out on their award-winning cocktails which you can sip as you await your table.

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Manchester

Mackie Mayor

one of the best dog friendly restaurants manchester is mackie mayor
Category: Various/ Dog friendly
Address: Eagle Street, Northern Quarter Manchester, Greater Manchester M4 5BU
Vibes: Laid back and social
Average Price: £10-£20 per person
Must-Try: The fried chicken with buffalo sauce

Want to eat out in Manchester with your dog? Not a problem, Manchester is famously dog friendly and has tons of dog friendly restaurants to please the doggies and owners alike. Mackie Mayor is great for big groups as its a venue with a communal space surrounded by different food stalls for you to mix and match your meal. Dogs are more than welcome here but be aware it can be crowded - something to consider if you have a more anxious pup.

Will You Eat at one of the Best Restaurants in Manchester?

some of the best 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 for even the pickiest eaters.

Looking For Experience Gift Cards For Every Occasion?

experience gift vouchers uk for the best manchester restaurants
Stuck on what to gift for that special occasion? Imagine giving the gift of unforgettable experiences, allowing your loved ones to explore a world of adventures tailored to their tastes. Personalised gift cards from Experiencegift are the ultimate solution for every gifting occasion, offering far more than your average experience gift card. They empower your loved ones to savour the wonders of Manchester and beyond.

Why Choose Experiencegift?

  • Our experience gift cards are the epitome of versatility. They can be used worldwide for a variety of experiences, from first-class flights, Interrail passes, adventurous activities and relaxing hotel stays.
  • Our experience gift vouchers can be easily customised by adding a photo and a message.
  • Need a last-minute gift? Choose an eGift or PDF voucher that can be delivered in less than 5 minutes.
  • Our luxury gift vouchers are printed on high-quality cards and delivered for free worldwide.
  • Birthdays, anniversaries, thank-yous, graduations—our experience gift certificates are perfect for any celebration. Their personalisation options make them suitable for everyone, from friends and family to colleagues and clients.

Choose From Three Experience Gifts Cards:

So when you're in need of a unique gift for any occasion, Experiencegift should be your first choice! Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply want to show someone you care, our personalised gift cards offer an unparalleled level of flexibility and choice, making them the best personalised gift card for any occasion.