The best lunch in the Northern Quarter

In the heart of Manchester, in both Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, lies Just Between Friends, a local favourite renowned for its excellent coffee and snacks. This isn't the sort of place you'd come to if you're starving, but if you're after a bagel or a baked treat, they've got you covered. Need a midday pick-me-up? It's the coffee that steals the show here, sourced all the way from London's Assembly. Though space may be limited, a few cosy seats indoors and a couple of intimate tables outside do the job just fine.

Mackie Mayor stands as the pinnacle of cool in Manchester, residing within a historic market hall—the sole surviving fully intact structure from the former Smithfield market. This hip food hall plays host to a variety of local vendors, serving everything from artisanal cheese to gourmet street food. Its overall industrial-chic decor and edgy vibe make it more than just a place to grab a bite to eat.

If you're more of a sandwich-for-lunch sort of person, then Rustica in Hilton Street is the place to be. This small takeaway shop specialises in fully loaded sandwiches and delicious breakfast dishes, served simply from a hatch in the wall. Choose from classics like the tuna melt or opt for something a bit more out there, such as the Moroccan lamb with mint yoghurt and hummus.

Ezra & Gil, a cornerstone of the Manchester cafe scene, has branches in Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, and boasts a curated menu of dishes perfect for a quick bite or sit-down meal. Yet, it's the coffee that's unmissable, whether opting for a rich espresso or the daily batch brew. The menu changes monthly but includes things like wild mushroom risotto, Brussel sprouts on toast, and dippy eggs and soldiers.

Having risen from Manchester's bustling pop-up scene, Salt & Pepper has now established its first permanent residence—a chic, compact spot with cosy booths and stylish tiled floors. Their fusion of East-meets-West cuisine hits the spot come lunchtime, from tasty Chinese kebabs to fully-loaded wraps and hearty mains, topped off by house-made sauces and sides like the zesty Szechuan chilli mayo or the salt & pepper hash browns. 

From the iconic banh mi to steaming bowls of pho, every dish on Viet Shack's menu is ideal for when you crave Asian cuisine for lunch. Owned and operated by lifelong friends Nelson and Leo, Viet Shack is a testament to their shared passion for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, inviting guests to head on a culinary journey inspired by their deep-rooted connection to the flavours of their homeland.

If you're looking for somewhere a little healthier to grab lunch, hit up The Green Lab in Dale Street. Founded by Manchester sisters Nikita and Kanika, The Green Lab is a wellness hub prioritising sustainability. They serve things like nutrition bowls and homemade juices. Decorated with fairy lights, plants, and local art, it's the perfect place to refuel after taking one of their workout classes in the fitness studio downstairs.

Yard & Coop is a must-visit for fried chicken lovers in Manchester. This modern restaurant boasts a stylish interior with quirky accents and is renowned for its speciality in buttermilk fried chicken. Catering to various dietary needs, their halal-certified meat, vegetarian options, and gluten-free options ensure everyone can enjoy something for lunch here.

Evelyn's Café Bar is a beloved neighbourhood hotspot in the Northern Quarter. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and Pan-Asian cuisines, their menu boasts brunch classics during the day and tempting small plates by night, all prepared on a charcoal Inka grill and over live fire. The vibe is both cosy and chic, decorated with lush foliage and soft candlelight in the evenings and finished off with simple yet rustic furnishings.

Yadgar Café in the Northern Quarter offers authentic Kurdish cuisine made simply. Renowned for its succulent kebabs, rice specialities, and mezze assortments, it holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists and makes for a fab takeaway lunch. It's very relaxed and pared-back, so don't expect anything too fancy, but do expect good food.

You'll find Café Marhaba tucked down a graffiti-clad alleyway in the Northern Quarter, where they're serving some of Manchester's most sought-after Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. Affordable and unpretentious, this spot offers over 20 traditional halal curries, many of which can be enjoyed as a hearty rice and three. It's perfect for when you're peckish at lunchtime and want something quick and unpretentious.

If your love for a piping hot plate of pasta knows no bounds, The Pasta Factory needs to be on your Northern Quarter lunch list. As Manchester's premier authentic pastificio, it prides itself on crafting fresh pasta by hand daily. Swing by and enjoy your lunch within its cosy, stylish dining space, or grab a plate to takeaway. They also have deli products to use in your own cooking, and they host pasta masterclasses so you can learn to create your favourite dishes at home.

Federal is one of Manchester's favourite cafés, with multiple venues across the city, including the Northern Quarter. This Aussie-inspired café boasts a menu of brunch classics like smashed avocado on sourdough, French toast, and Turkish eggs, as well as excellent speciality coffee and cocktails. They also sell Australian treats like Tim Tams, among other goodies.