If there is one thing that Manchester isn't short of, it's cool places to wine and dine. This trendy city was once the world's first-ever industrial city, meaning it's packed with old towering mills and warehouses, many of which have been transformed into some of Manchester's trendiest dining spots. The city is also increasingly focused on sustainability, with many places sourcing locally-grown British produce to craft menus chock full of dishes from around the world, perfectly reflecting Manchester's multicultural makeup. From plant-filled boltholes to stylish spots in railway arches, here are the coolest spots to grab a bite to eat in this bustling Northern city.
Cool restaurants in Manchester
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The coolest restaurants in Manchester
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1Where The Light Gets In Ever-evolving British dishes
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2Osma Scandi in the city
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3Gooey Cool and contemporary
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463 Degrees Parisian flair
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5Erst Where the cool kids hang out
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610 Tib Lane Seasonal sharing plates
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7Evelyn's Plant-filled haven
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8Climat Riverside rooftop vibes
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9Another Hand Sleek & snug
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10Dishoom A trip to Bombay
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11Mana Manchester's only Michelin-starred restaurant
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12Madre Mexican in Manchester
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13Hispi Bistro in a former bank
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14Kala Bistro A solid all-rounder
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15Siop Shop Doughnut heaven
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16Bundobust Indian street food and craft beer
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17Maray Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates
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18Rigatoni's A trendy pasta spot
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19Elnecot Modern British
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20Don Tacos Bright & casual
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21Higher Ground Wine & dine in style
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22Suki Suki Japanese and Southeast Asian fare
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The coolest restaurants in Manchester
Ever-evolving British dishes
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.
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7 Rostron Brow
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Website
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Where The Light Gets In
016-147 757 44 - Read more on Thatsup
Scandi in the city
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.
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132 Bury New Rd, Prestwich
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Website
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Osma
016-170 609 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Cool and contemporary
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.
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103 High St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
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Website
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Gooey Bakery + Café
073-997 751 96 - Read more on Thatsup
Parisian flair
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.
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104 High St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
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Website
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63 Degrees
016-183 254 38 - Read more on Thatsup
Where the cool kids hang out
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.
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9 Murray St, Ancoats, Ancoats
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Website
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Erst
016-154 736 83 - Read more on Thatsup
Seasonal sharing plates
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.
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10 Tib Lane, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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10 Tib Lane
016-183 310 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Plant-filled haven
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.
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44 Tib Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
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Website
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Evelyn's Café Bar
016-183 433 03 - Read more on Thatsup
Riverside rooftop vibes
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.
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Blackfriars House St Marys, Parsonage, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Climat
016-171 028 85 - Read more on Thatsup
Sleek & snug
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.
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253 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Another Hand
016-183 429 88 - Read more on Thatsup
A trip to Bombay
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.
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32 Bridge St, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields
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Website
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Dishoom Manchester
016-153 737 37 - Read more on Thatsup
Manchester's only Michelin-starred restaurant
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.
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42 Blossom Street, Ancoats
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- Read more on Thatsup
Mexican in Manchester
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.
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47 Chorlton St, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Madre
016-184 383 83 - Read more on Thatsup
Bistro in a former bank
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.
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1C School Ln, Didsbury, Didsbury
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Website
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Hispi
016-144 539 96 - Read more on Thatsup
A solid all-rounder
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.
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55 King Street, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Kala Bistro
016-183 930 30 - Read more on Thatsup
Doughnut heaven
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.
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53 Tib St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
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- Read more on Thatsup
Indian street food and craft beer
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.
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61 Piccadilly, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
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Website
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Bundobust Piccadilly
016-135 967 57 - Read more on Thatsup
Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates
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.
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14 Brazennose St, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Maray Manchester
0151-347 02 14 - Read more on Thatsup
A trendy pasta spot
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.
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22 Shaw's Rd, Altrincham
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Website
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Rigatoni's
016-192 977 06 - Read more on Thatsup
Modern British
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.
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Cutting Room Square, 41 Blossom St, Ancoats, Ancoats
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Website
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Elnecot
074-125 743 24 - Read more on Thatsup
Bright & casual
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.
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One Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Centre 61 Wilmslow RdDon Tacos Manchester Piccadilly
One Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City CentreDon Tacos Rusholme
61 Wilmslow Rd -
Don Tacos Manchester Piccadilly
dontacos.co.uk/homeDon Tacos Rusholme
dontacos.co.uk/homeDon Tacos Manchester Piccadilly
016-152 614 19Don Tacos Rusholme
016-163 764 64 -
Don Tacos Manchester Piccadilly Don Tacos Rusholme
Wine & dine in style
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.
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Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Higher Ground
016-123 629 31 - Read more on Thatsup
Japanese and Southeast Asian fare
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.
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227 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
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Website
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Suki Suki Street Food & Bar
016-183 413 91 - Read more on Thatsup
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