Fun restaurants in Manchester

Fun restaurants in Manchester

From eclectic eateries inspired by hit TV shows to quirky spots that marry entertainment with gourmet fare, Manchester's restaurants are as fun as they are diverse and exciting. Whether you're looking for a lively spot with live music, a themed venue that transports you to another world, or a place where the food is as much a talking point as the atmosphere, you're in for a treat. Get ready for a great time with our guide to fun restaurants in Manchester.

In this guide
  1. Where to go for a fun meal in Manchester
    1. Peaky Blinders – Fun by order of the Peaky Blinders
    2. Sapporo Teppanyaki – Japanese dinner theatre
    3. Ducie Street Warehouse – Manchester's fun all-in-one
    4. The Blues Kitchen – Year-round Mardi Gras vibes
    5. Karen's Diner – The rudest restaurant in Manchester
    6. Three Little Words – A ginuinely fun experience
    7. Annyeong – Karaoke it up
    8. Mackie Mayor – Manchester's fun food hall
    9. Bunny Jackson's – Fun and lively Manchester dive bar
    10. Freight Island – Massive entertainment venue and food hall
    11. Six by Nico – A fun take on fine dining
    12. Albert's Schloss – Oktoberfest in the north
    13. Sandinista – Lively rock 'n' roll haunt
    14. Impossible – Impossible not to have fun here
    15. On The Hush – A party for your phone

Where to go for a fun meal in Manchester

The most fun restaurants in Manchester

Peaky Blinders

Fun by order of the Peaky Blinders

Drawing inspiration from the BBC's popular TV series, this 1920s-styled bar and restaurant plunges guests into the atmosphere of the show, complete with staff outfitted in the iconic flat caps and suspenders, period decor, and playful details like edible betting slips. Patrons can enjoy various dining options, from bottomless brunches and relaxed Sunday roasts to curated drinks packages, all enhanced with live music.

Sapporo Teppanyaki

Japanese dinner theatre

Sapporo Teppanyaki brings the unique experience of teppanyaki dining to Manchester. The chefs are not just skilled at cooking but are also entertainers, preparing your meal right before your eyes with flair and personality. This fun and lively establishment boasts a bright and inviting interior. You can choose from tasting menus or select from the à la carte options, which include noodles, sushi, tempura, and small plates. 

Ducie Street Warehouse

Manchester's fun all-in-one

Imagine a venue embodying the spirit of a one-person band, and you've got Ducie Street Warehouse, situated just at the fringe of Manchester's fashionable Northern Quarter. This lively spot caters to all tastes: it houses a restaurant dishing out delicious fare, complete with a standout Sunday roast and themed brunches, a café perfect for morning pastries and coffee, a cocktail bar featuring a DJ playing the latest tunes, as well as a mini cinema and private meeting rooms. Ducie Street Warehouse is a vibrant and entertaining social epicentre, offering a bit of everything.

The Blues Kitchen

Year-round Mardi Gras vibes

The Blues Kitchen draws its inspiration from the lively establishments of the Southeastern USA, where food nourishes the body and music feeds the soul. Live music is a key part of the fun dining experience here, with the house band playing soul, blues, funk, and rock 'n' roll throughout your visit. This musical backdrop is perfectly paired with authentic Cajun BBQ fare, featuring meats expertly cured and smoked in-house over American hickory for authentic flavour.

Karen's Diner

The rudest restaurant in Manchester

If you can take it as well as you can dish it out, head to Karen's Diner for a showdown with the sassy staff. This international group of 1950s American diners is famed for its rude service, with both the staff and patrons encouraged to engage in sharp jabs and banter. Get a group of mates together and head down for a fun dining experience, just don't expect a warm welcome or great service.

Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words
Three Little Words – Fun restaurants
Three Little Words

Three Little Words

A ginuinely fun experience

Three Little Words in Manchester combines the artistry of gin distilling with the allure of a high-end bar and restaurant, set in a renovated archway with a blend of industrial and modern design. It's a fun and vibrant spot, and you can pair your small plates and expertly-crafted cocktails with a tour of the adjoining gin distillery or a masterclass. The Sunday roasts here are especially entertaining as they include live music.

Annyeong

Karaoke it up

Annyeong, a modern Korean eatery, is adorned with ambient lighting and plush leather seats. The stylish restaurant offers a wide array of traditional Korean cuisine, encompassing hotpots, tabletop BBQ, banchan sides, and more. Diners can complement their meals with a selection of cocktails, Korean wines, and various other beverages. Karaoke is available here as well.

Mackie Mayor

Manchester's fun food hall

This bustling food hall in the Northern Quarter is always a good choice for a fun meal with your friends. The atmosphere here is loud and lively and there are loads of different cuisines to try, ranging from gourmet cheeses to creative street eats. Drinks are served as well. It's the sort of place where everyone can have a good time, regardless of whether you're in the mood for food or socialising.

Bunny Jackson's

Fun and lively Manchester dive bar

Bunny Jackson's is a true-blue American dive bar through and through. Nestled near the University of Manchester and open daily until late, this boisterous spot sports a fridge stacked with American beer and whisky, screens NFL matches, has a pool table, and frequently runs “buy one get one free'” specials. It's renowned for its budget-friendly food, notably the wings, which are a steal at just pennies each.

Freight Island

Massive entertainment venue and food hall

Freight Island, a sprawling food hall and entertainment complex next to Mayfield Park, encompasses extensive indoor and outdoor spaces. It boasts a variety of areas ranging from shared dining halls to more intimate lounges, catering to groups of all sizes. This venue offers a wide selection of street food and beverages. Its eclectic events schedule includes concerts, live DJ sets, fireworks displays, and other entertainment.

Six by Nico Deansgate Six by Nico Spring Gardens
Six by Nico Deansgate
sixbynico.co.uk/deansgate
Six by Nico Spring Gardens
sixbynico.co.uk/manchester
Six by Nico Deansgate Six by Nico Spring Gardens

A fun take on fine dining

Fine dining isn't usually associated with straight-out fun, but Six by Nico might change your mind. Offering a dynamic approach to fine dining with its inventive tasting menus, the restaurant group makes gourmet experiences more approachable. The changing tasting menu focuses on a unique theme – from the streets of Hanoi to the excitement of a funfair, or even a gourmet interpretation of fast food – with the restaurant's decor following suit.

  • 2 John Dalton St, Manchester City Centre 60 Spring Gardens, Manchester City Centre
    Six by Nico Deansgate
    2 John Dalton St, Manchester City Centre
    Six by Nico Spring Gardens
    60 Spring Gardens, Manchester City Centre
  • Six by Nico Deansgate
    sixbynico.co.uk/deansgate
    Six by Nico Spring Gardens
    sixbynico.co.uk/manchester
    Six by Nico Deansgate
    016-187 056 66
    Six by Nico Spring Gardens
    016-183 218 15
  • Six by Nico Deansgate Six by Nico Spring Gardens

Albert's Schloss

Oktoberfest in the north

For a taste of the fun that goes down each year in Munich in October, head to Albert's Schloss. Immerse yourself in live music and entertainment while enjoying a selection of German beers, Alpine dishes, and oven-fresh treats. The atmosphere here is both warm and vibrant, characterised by glowing fires and a lively crowd. A diverse range of events ensures that there's always something captivating for guests to experience.

Sandinista

Lively rock 'n' roll haunt

Sandinista offers a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere in the centre, serving up an array of Latin- and Mexican-flavoured drinks and dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite like nachos or heartier fare such as bean chilli, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, there's something to suit any appetite. The venue has a unique historical charm with its wooden panelling and furniture, drawing inspiration from The Clash's album of the same title for its rock 'n' roll-themed decor.

Impossible

Impossible not to have fun here

Impossible is a vibrant spot for fun in Manchester's centre, ideal for dining, socialising over drinks, or an exhilarating night out. This buzzing location blends rustic charm with modern decor, featuring its own theatre for immersive entertainment. It offers a variety of entertaining events like themed bottomless brunches, desi nights, cabaret shows, and more. The menu features popular dishes including steaks, curries, and fish and chips, all complemented by a wide selection of beverages.

On The Hush

A party for your phone

Located in the heart of Manchester, On The Hush doesn't just let you have fun, it lets others see how much fun you're having, too. This fashionable café bar is adorned with eye-catching scenes and backdrops, perfect for racking up the likes and followers. Pop in for a vibrant bottomless brunch, a sumptuous Sunday roast, or simply to enjoy a few drinks with friends in the evening.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.