The best café breakfast in Manchester

The best café breakfast in Manchester

For a nice way to start off your day, breakfast in an appealing local café is a great option. If you're looking for somewhere in Manchester to enjoy freshly-prepared food, tasty hot drinks, and pleasant surroundings, you'll find lots of great options all over the city. Whether you prefer a fuss-free greasy spoon or a charming contemporary venue, we can help you find the ideal places to eat with this guide to the best café breakfast in Manchester.

Tamsin Spargo, Thatsup
Tamsin Spargo
  1. The best breakfast cafés in Manchester
    1. 1
      Caramello Inclusive breakfast place
    2. 2
      The Koffee Pot Breakfast in retro surroundings
    3. 3
      Idle Hands Compact and cosy
    4. 4
      Federal Popular breakfast and brunch destination
    5. 5
      Ezra & Gil Breakfast for all tastes
    6. 6
      19 Café Bar Bustling Northern Quarter venue
    7. 7
      Rowntree's Café Long-standing local café
    8. 8
      Bold Street Coffee Start the day with a breakfast sandwich
    9. 9
      Essy's Homey café surroundings
    10. 10
      Giovannis New York St Café Bustling city centre café
    11. 11
      Chorlton Metro Café Popular local greasy spoon
    12. 12
      Nibble Charming female-owned venue
    13. 13
      Oxford Road Café Breakfast served all day
    14. 14
      Feel Good Club Food to make you feel good
    15. 15
      Chai Latte Specialising in halal breakfasts
    16. 16
      Foundation Coffee House Modern breakfast venues
    17. 17
      Café North Homemade food in a spacious setting
    18. 18
      Fig + Sparrow Breakfast and artisan coffee
    19. 19
      Sugar Junction Vintage-inspired cosiness
    20. 20
      Hampton & Voúis Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine
    21. 21
      Tea Hive Homey venue in Chorlton-cum-Hardy
    22. 22
      Bus Stop Café Café with a fun theme
    23. 23
      Gemini Café Greasy spoon made modern
    24. 24
      The Vienna Coffee House European-style coffee house

The best breakfast cafés in Manchester

Caramello

Inclusive breakfast place

Located in Didsbury, Caramello is a popular local spot for breakfast and brunch. It's inclusive too, serving a completely halal menu. The chic and contemporary setting is an ideal backdrop for breakfast, but takeaways are on offer as well. Breakfast choices here include waffles, eggs on toast, breakfast muffins, and fried breakfasts.

The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Café breakfasts
The Koffee Pot

The Koffee Pot

Breakfast in retro surroundings

The Koffee Pot boasts a distinctive retro style that commands attention. The food here is impressive too, making it one of Manchester's most in-demand breakfast destinations. Breakfast and brunch is the speciality here, with several types of fry-up on offer in addition to muffins, bagels, and pancakes and waffles. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served too.

Idle Hands

Compact and cosy

A cosy and welcoming café in the city centre, Idle Hands is known for its fresh pies and cakes, but breakfast and all-day brunch recipes are available here as well. Meaty, vegetarian, and vegan fry-ups are served, as well as lighter options like overnight oats, breakfast baps, and mushrooms on toast. The venue is compact and often gets busy.

Federal Oxford Road Federal Deansgate Federal Northern Quarter
Federal Oxford Road
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Deansgate
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Northern Quarter
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Oxford Road Federal Deansgate Federal Northern Quarter

Popular breakfast and brunch destination

Popular coffee shop Federal proclaims itself as a master of brunch. These venues bring Antipodean-style dining to Manchester, with breakfast and brunch on offer every day. Light breakfast choices like porridge and eggs on toast are available in the morning, as well as more filling all-day brunch dishes. These cafés are cosy and comfortable spots for breakfast.

  • Circle Square, Oxford Rd, Manchester City Centre 194 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Federal Oxford Road
    Circle Square, Oxford Rd, Manchester City Centre
    Federal Deansgate
    194 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields
    Federal Northern Quarter
    9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
  • Federal Oxford Road
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Deansgate
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Northern Quarter
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Oxford Road
    016-197 466 10
    Federal Deansgate
    016-183 308 90
    Federal Northern Quarter
    016-142 509 74
  • Federal Oxford Road Federal Deansgate Federal Northern Quarter
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
ezraandgil.co.uk
Ezra & Gil Peter Street
ezraandgil.co.uk
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street

Breakfast for all tastes

Have a café breakfast in modern surroundings at Ezra & Gil. This place is a breakfast and brunch specialist, offering varied breakfast, brunch, and lunch options that suit a range of dietary needs. Daily and monthly specials are served here but you can always opt for pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and various cooked breakfasts.

  • 20 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 49 Peter St, Manchester City Centre
    Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
    20 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Ezra & Gil Peter Street
    49 Peter St, Manchester City Centre
  • Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
    ezraandgil.co.uk
    Ezra & Gil Peter Street
    ezraandgil.co.uk
  • Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street

19 Café Bar

Bustling Northern Quarter venue

Inspired by New York, 19 Café Bar is a renowned breakfast and brunch destination in the Northern Quarter. This bustling venue has framed art on the walls and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. There's a comprehensive range of dishes available for breakfast, going from bagels and brioche sandwiches to Benedicts and fried breakfasts.

Rowntree's Café

Long-standing local café

Having been open for over 25 years, Rowntree's Café is a classic café for breakfast in Manchester. It's bright and friendly with retro decor. Fresh and affordable British dishes are served at this straightforward eatery, and you can enjoy breakfast all day. The options include omelettes, toasted sandwiches, and full English breakfasts.

Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
Bold Street Coffee University Green
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/university-green
Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/cross-street-manchester
Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/spinningfields
Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields

Start the day with a breakfast sandwich

Starting out in Liverpool before expanding to Manchester, Bold Street Coffee is a sleek and modern venue for coffee, breakfast, and brunch. In comfortable modern surroundings, guests can sample fried breakfasts, health-conscious bowls like granola or porridge, and the café's signature breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs, cheese, and other tasty ingredients.

  • 140 Oxford Rd 53 Cross St, Manchester City Centre
    Bold Street Coffee University Green
    140 Oxford Rd
    Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
    53 Cross St, Manchester City Centre
  • Bold Street Coffee University Green
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/university-green
    Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/cross-street-manchester
    Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/spinningfields
  • Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
Essy's First Street Essy's Cheadle Essy's King Street West
Essy's First Street
essys.uk
Essy's Cheadle
essys.uk
Essy's King Street West
essys.uk
Essy's First Street Essy's Cheadle Essy's King Street West

Homey café surroundings

Have your breakfast in a bright café that's homey and comfortable when you visit one of Essy's locations around Manchester. Breakfast is served all day here, with the menu including several types of fried breakfast, breakfast wraps, and French toast. Vegetarian and halal options are on the menu here as well.

  • 11 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester City Centre 1 Chapel St 31-33 King St W, Manchester City Centre
    Essy's First Street
    11 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester City Centre
    Essy's Cheadle
    1 Chapel St
    Essy's King Street West
    31-33 King St W, Manchester City Centre
  • Essy's First Street
    essys.uk
    Essy's Cheadle
    essys.uk
    Essy's King Street West
    essys.uk
    Essy's First Street
    016-152 655 79
    Essy's Cheadle
    016-142 859 47
    Essy's King Street West
    016-183 246 35
  • Essy's First Street Essy's Cheadle Essy's King Street West

Giovannis New York St Café

Bustling city centre café

Based in the heart of the city, Giovannis New York St Café is bright and spacious, and often gets busy with hungry diners. Satisfying breakfasts are served all day here, including fry-ups, breakfast sandwiches, toasties, and a breakfast for kids. A wide range of hot and cold drinks are available too. This venue also serves salads and baked potatoes.

Chorlton Metro Café

Popular local greasy spoon

You'll find Chorlton Metro Café in a convenient location next to the local tram stop. This popular greasy spoon is comfortable and has tiled walls. It's a popular destination in the area for a cooked breakfast, with various types of fry-up available, including veggie and halal versions. Breakfast sandwiches, cheese toasties, and affordable traditional meals are served here. 

Nibble

Charming female-owned venue

Nibble in the Northern Quarter is a popular female-owned café. This charming and vibrant spot has indoor and outdoor seating and is best-known for cakes, breakfast, and brunch. Catering is also available. Breakfast is served here all day, with a range of cooked breakfasts, pancakes, and toasties to choose from.

Oxford Road Café

Breakfast served all day

Try Oxford Road Café for a satisfying breakfast in Altrincham. This down-to-earth local eatery serves classic British dishes and has indoor and outdoor seating available. Diners can sample a diverse range of breakfast favourites including omelettes, breakfast barms, pancakes, and fried breakfasts. The menu includes options catering to dietary requirements.

Feel Good Club

Food to make you feel good

Feel Good Club has a positive atmosphere, enhanced with food, drinks, and community-minded events. This café in the Northern Quarter has an industrial style complemented by leafy green plants and wood panelling. Breakfast is served every day – choose from pastries and fresh bakes for a light start or opt for breakfast sandwiches, bagels, or a fry-up.

Chai Latte

Specialising in halal breakfasts

Inclusive breakfast café Chai Latte claims to have pioneered the now-popular halal breakfast in Manchester. This contemporary café is easygoing and offers indoor and outdoor seats. Needless to say, breakfast is a speciality here, with a big choice of dishes available and the option to create your dream fry-up with all your favourite bits.

Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate

Modern breakfast venues

There are several branches of Foundation Coffee House around Manchester. These coffee shops have a bright and modern industrial look. They're ideal for quickly grabbing a coffee but are also popular for breakfast and brunch. Try a signature breakfast sandwich, a breakfast bowl, or lighter choices like pastries, crumpets, or porridge. Food for kids is served too.

  • 21 Aspin Ln 48-50 Whitworth St, Manchester City Centre Lever Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 11 Portland Street, Manchester City Centre 247 Chapel St, Salford 125 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
    21 Aspin Ln
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    48-50 Whitworth St, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    Lever Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
    11 Portland Street, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
    247 Chapel St, Salford
    Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
    125 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
  • Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    016-123 886 33
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    016-123 886 33
  • Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate

Café North

Homemade food in a spacious setting

Located at the edge of the Northern Quarter, Café North is a spacious coffee shop that's modern and comfortable. This independent business serves homemade food including fried breakfasts, omelettes, and pancakes that are a great way to begin your day. You can also get a wide range of hot and cold drinks here, including alcohol.

Fig + Sparrow

Breakfast and artisan coffee

Fig + Sparrow is a cosy spot for breakfast or brunch, with artisan coffee also being a speciality. The menu features global breakfast options like shakshuka, Turkish eggs, and a classic fry-up, plus toast with various toppings. The setting is bustling and contemporary, decked out with natural colours and materials and enhanced by large windows.

Sugar Junction

Vintage-inspired cosiness

If you're looking for cosiness in café form, Sugar Junction is the one for you. The vintage-inspired setting is full of personality, and makes it a comfortable spot for coffee, food, or afternoon tea. Breakfast and brunch dishes are served all day, including several types of French toast. Breakfast sandwiches and various cooked breakfasts are also served.

Hampton & Voúis Princess Street Hampton & Voúis High Street
Hampton & Voúis Princess Street
hamptonandvouis.co.uk
Hampton & Voúis High Street
hamptonandvouis.co.uk
Hampton & Voúis Princess Street Hampton & Voúis High Street

Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine

Hampton & Voúis draws inspiration from Mediterranean cooking, and specialising in serving coffee and brunch. This café offers plenty of tempting breakfast dishes like granola, French toast, pancakes, and grilled sandwiches, as well as more filling brunch plates. This bright venue is cosy and contemporary, offering plenty of food to suit dietary needs.

  • 31 Princess St, Manchester City Centre 78-88 High St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Hampton & Voúis Princess Street
    31 Princess St, Manchester City Centre
    Hampton & Voúis High Street
    78-88 High St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
  • Hampton & Voúis Princess Street
    hamptonandvouis.co.uk
    Hampton & Voúis High Street
    hamptonandvouis.co.uk
  • Hampton & Voúis Princess Street Hampton & Voúis High Street

Tea Hive

Homey venue in Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Family-run café Tea Hive is a cosy local venue in Chorlton. This homey spot offers indoor and outdoor seating and serves freshly-prepared food. Start the day here with a fried breakfast or try an all-day brunch dish like a bagel or banana bread. Sandwiches, afternoon tea, and meals for children are also all available, plus a wide range of hot drinks.

Bus Stop Café

Café with a fun theme

Bus Stop Café in Urmston is quirky eatery inspired by buses. The theme is strong at breakfast time, with the cooked breakfasts all being named after types of bus ticket – they're much tastier than your usual Mega-Rider. There are indulgent breakfasts as well as more health-conscious options, all served in a welcoming and homey environment.

Gemini Café

Greasy spoon made modern

Gemini Café offers Manchester's diners a modern take on a classic greasy spoon. This popular café is known for affordable homemade food, including breakfasts that are served all day, from hearty fry-ups to light beans on toast. Omelettes are also available on this straightforward menu. The café is fuss-free with utilitarian design.

The Vienna Coffee House

European-style coffee house

The Vienna Coffee House takes inspiration from classic European brasseries. This city centre venue is comfortable and is decorated with work by a local photographer. The café serves its signature blend of artisan coffee in addition to fresh food. Breakfast is available here all day and includes fry-ups, Turkish eggs, porridge, and pancakes.

Café breakfasts – About the guide

Café breakfast - Our guide to the best café breakfast in Manchester is updated regularly. If you know of a great café serving breakfast in Manchester that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the best cafés for breakfast in Manchester. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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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.