Cool restaurants in Manchester

Where The Light Gets In offers a classy space to wine and dine just outside of the city centre in Stockport. They collaborate with farmers and fishermen nationwide to craft seasonal British menus focused on premium produce. Set in a former coffee warehouse, the restaurant's open-plan dining room is a trendy place to enjoy a bite; it's bright, contemporary and stylish. 

Osma introduces a touch of Scandinavia to Manchester with its neighbourhood restaurant and bar vibe. This laid-back eatery is located in the suburban Prestwich village and offers a weekly menu of global seasonal dishes inspired by Scandinavian cooking traditions. It was recognised by the Michelin guide shortly after opening and boasts a weekly changing menu from chef and co-owner Danielle. A modern and atmospheric interior sets the mood. While a set lunch option is available, dinner is all about sharing plates. Refined cocktails and a selection of international wines complement the food.

Gooey Bakery + Café is a must-visit destination in Manchester for those who live for dessert. It's also fab for coffee lovers looking for a cosy spot to chow down on cakes and coffee. With its chic décor and Gen Z-style vibe, it's the ideal spot to satisfy cravings for sweet treats and enjoy artisanal brews. From brownies to light and airy pastries, Gooey Bakery + Café offers a variety of photogenic sweet treats that are great for your grid while not compromising on taste.

63 Degrees is named after the temperature at which chef Eric Moreau cooks his poultry at the restaurant, claiming it results in the perfect flavour and texture. It brings a touch of Parisian style and sophistication to the heart of the Northern Quarter with an intimate, cosy, stylish vibe, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a chic gathering with friends. The food here is, of course, French, featuring standouts like soufflés and succulent cooked meats.

Erst, located on Murray Street in Ancoats, is a natural wine bar and restaurant renowned for its seasonal small plates. The vibe is modern and elegant but also uber-cool, characterised by minimalist decor and soft lighting. Embracing the ethos of seasonality and local sourcing, Erst's menu showcases artisanal dishes and small plates that prioritise simplicity and quality ingredients.

10 Tib Lane offers seasonal dishes made with the finest produce for sharing. Their diverse menu includes vegetarian options, and on Sundays, guests can enjoy a classic roast with four choices, including a vegetarian Wellington. The vibe is intimate, with weathered walls, potted plants and ambient lighting. It's a cool spot to wine and dine. You can enjoy your meal with classic cocktails and natural wine.

Evelyn's Café Bar, a local favourite in the Northern Quarter, serves Middle Eastern and Pan-Asian cuisine. During the day, tuck into brunch classics; at night, enjoy small plates cooked over a charcoal Inka grill. The cosy yet chic setting is decorated with foliage and dim candlelight, creating a chilled, intimate vibe. Below, The Daisy, a Parisian Pigalle-inspired bar, offers a sultry spot to enjoy a late-night tipple, with local DJs spinning tunes every weekend.

Climat, the second restaurant from the team behind Covino in Chester, has garnered a regional and national reputation for its dynamic wine-led concept and ever-evolving menus. Executive Chef Luke Richardson's cooking style, influenced by his time in Paris, is described as food you want to eat. With a cellar boasting over 400 wines, Climat specialises in wine made in the Burgundy region of eastern France, while also offering a diverse selection of global wines, from small producers to iconic vignerons. Plus, you get to hang out on a cool rooftop with river views here.

Another Hand offers a cosy dining experience with only 24 seats, ideal for intimate gatherings. Their veg-focused sharing plates, crafted from fine local produce, are perfect for sharing. The sleek yet snug interior sets the stage for regularly changing menus, complemented by a selection of cocktails and natural wines. The restaurant is also available for private events.

Dishoom is a chic destination for Indian cuisine, with sophisticated, old Bombay café-inspired design and standout stained-glass windows. Walk-ins are the name of the game here, but be prepared to queue, as everyone wants a slice of Dishoom. The menu offers upscale interpretations of beloved Indian street food classics, including iconic dishes like bacon naans for breakfast and the signature black daal. The restaurant is a sensory experience decorated with Bombay memorabilia and with an eclectic playlist that covers all sorts, including vintage Bollywood classics.

For years, Manchester's only Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana by chef-owner Simon Martin, has resided in a spacious, cathedral-like contemporary setting in Ancoats, with every diner able to enjoy a view of the kitchen. Employing innovative techniques like fermentation and live-fire cooking, the contemporary British menu showcases dishes across a series of beautifully presented plates. Set menus are paired with a curated selection of both new and old-world wines, along with cocktails and soft drinks.

Head to Madre for modern Mexican cuisine and cocktails. With its welcoming atmosphere and cosy interior, guests feel right at home. The menu draws inspiration from travels across Mexico, offering various options such as set menus and à la carte selections like tacos and ceviche. Vegan options and a Mexican Sunday roast are also available, as well as a selection of cocktails and authentic Mexican spirits.

Hispi is an intimate bistro in Didsbury, set in an atmospheric former bank. They've racked up two Rosettes for their tasty, sophisticated fare made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. There are various menus for different dietary needs and separate children's menus. Sunday roasts are a highlight, and the restaurant welcomes large groups. The space is modern and stylish, with an open window overlooking the chefs working their magic in the kitchen.

Kala Bistro on King Street is a fancy but relaxed bistro serving a simple, straightforward menu that evolves with the seasons. There are double-height windows looking out to the bustling King Street, and the restaurant is modern with a navy palette paired with wood, creating a warm vibe. Although the menu changes, dishes include things like goat's cheese on charred sourdough, spiced carrot cakes, and confit duck leg. There are separate menus for children and various dietary preferences.

If you're passionate about baked goods, make sure to add Siop Shop on Tib Street in Manchester to your must-visit list. Their doughnuts have garnered a devoted following, featuring a variety of creative flavours alongside beloved classics like jam and custard. In addition to their moreish doughnuts, Siop Shop serves buns, savoury snacks, and coffee.

Bundobust is the original Indian street food and craft beer hall, serving Indian street food with artisanal brews. Communal tables, a well-stocked bar, and an industrial-style decor make this an epic spot to settle down and enjoy a bite and brew. Whether you're craving small snacks like parathas or larger bites like dhal or vada pav, or looking for a combo of tasty dishes, Bundobust offers plenty of tasty options to pair with your beer.

Maray is the place to go for Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, cocktails, and wine, so it is already pretty cool by default. Colourful dishes are paired with bold cocktails and wines, and the restaurant's bright and contemporary setting features tiled floors, ample natural light, and private dining options. While menus change regularly, expect tasty options such as lamb kofta and falafel, along with a dedicated vegan menu.

Rigatoni's is a must-visit for pasta fiends. This carb-filled hotspot is operated by a team passionate about pasta and pays homage to the art of traditional Italian cooking. The menu occasionally changes, including classic spaghetti carbonara, hearty lasagna, and sides like garlic and rosemary sourdough. There's often a queue, but it's well worth the wait.

Elnecot is an Ancoats favourite, serving modern British cuisine with a creative flair. This neighbourhood bar and restaurant is led by a dedicated team and serves a menu of British-inspired food made with locally-sourced ingredients. Elnecot offers guests a taste of British hospitality and cuisine in the heart of the city and is open every day. It's super stylish, with plenty of wood, huge windows and raw brickwork.

Don Tacos has made a name for being the Mexican restaurant credited with introducing birria tacos to the UK. The restaurant is pared back and casual but decorated with vibrant, bright murals, adding to its lively and dynamic atmosphere. The menu features a selection of starters alongside beloved Mexican classics such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. There are also plenty of vegan options.

Higher Ground, a celebrated bistro and wine bar in the city centre, serves seasonal dishes and low-intervention wines. Originally a pop-up in 2020, it found a permanent home on New York Street in 2023. It has an industrial-chic vibe and features a curated wine selection and contemporary dishes. The menu emphasises locally-sourced ingredients and changes daily, showcasing the best of modern British cuisine. The wine list focuses on small-scale, low-intervention producers from Europe.

Suki Suki in Manchester perfectly pairs Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine, serving a variety of sushi, ramen, and Thai-inspired dishes. Located centrally, the restaurant is relaxed yet lively at the right level, with contemporary decor and upbeat tunes. Whether diners crave sushi rolls or something a little richer like curry, Suki Suki has something for everyone.