The best new restaurants in Manchester

Replacing the former Indian favourite Asha's at the Forty-Seven hotel, Tyga keeps the spotlight on Indian flavours but reimagines them with a sleek, modern sensibility. The space is dressed in rich materials and polished touches that create an elegant, high-end atmosphere, while the menu presents inventive reinterpretations of familiar dishes – think paneer lasagna florentine or a saffron tiramisu.

V.Goode Pies reimagines the classic British pie shop through a fresh, contemporary lens, courtesy of the team behind Winsome and Madre. The menu keeps things simple and satisfying, offering generously filled pies at wallet-friendly prices. Options range from comforting staples like meat and potato to inventive twists such as a lasagne-inspired pie packed with beef shin ragu, béchamel, pasta, and cheese. In the mornings, you'll find breakfast pies and barms too.

The team behind Higher Ground have launched a new seafood-focused listening bar in Manchester, debuting in late 2025. Here, guests can enjoy a menu of small plates and ocean-inspired dishes alongside carefully curated cocktails and craft beers, all set to a soundtrack played through a top-tier sound system. Highlights range from brioche with seaweed butter to steamed surf clams with bacon and sherry, plus an indulgent caviar selection.

Little Lotus is a modern British chain of sushi bars known for crafting fresh sushi every single day. Their chefs start early, preparing everything in-house with locally sourced ingredients to ensure quality. Alongside the sushi, the menu features a range of Japanese favourites like rice bowls and noodle pots, with options for takeaway and catering too.

The largest Korean barbecue restaurant in the UK, Bullgogi showcases a sleek, urban interior. The menu offers an array of authentic Korean small dishes, thoughtfully blended with hints of Western flavours, as well as large sharing platters designed for two. These platters come with a mix of meats and vegetables, which diners can grill themselves at the table BBQ, adding an interactive and entertaining twist to the meal.

Chotto Matte is a go-to destination for Nikkei fusion cuisine around the world. The Manchester branch offer the group's signature Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, presented with artistry and paired with masterfully crafted cocktails in a dynamic atmosphere. Situated within the St Michael's redevelopment, the restaurant showcases chic interiors, a rooftop terrace featuring a fire pit with panoramic city views, and numerous other touches that contribute to an immersive dining environment.

Already a much-loved institution in Manchester, Nell's Pizza specialises in giant New York-style pizzas as well as inventive and flavoursome cocktails, with pizzas available whole or by the slice. The group is expanding in 2025 with a new location in MediaCity, offering the same selection of pizzas with classic or creative toppings, as well as karaoke and a big terrace.

The second outpost of the fashionable Ancoats tapas bar, Maricarmen draws crowds with its wallet-friendly yet genuinely Spanish small plates. The lively, welcoming vibe sets the stage for dishes such as arroz negro, meatballs, grilled scallops, and croquettes. To round it off, there's a well-curated selection of Spanish wines, cold beers, refreshing sangria, and inventive cocktails.

Pizza Pilgrims is a rapidly growing pizzeria chain known for its classic Neapolitan pizzas and its “in crust we trust” motto. Using top-quality ingredients imported from Italy, their menu features everything from traditional margheritas to indulgent eight-cheese creations. Their flagship north-west site spans two floors and includes a dedicated space for pizza-making Masterclasses.

Big Mamma Group's standout Manchester venue, Circolo Popolare, offers an opulent Italian dining experience in a visually stunning setting. Drawing inspiration from Sicily, the restaurant is embellished with an extraordinary array of bottles and lush greenery. Indulgence takes centre stage, with a menu featuring timeless Italian favourites like pizza, pasta, and risotto. An extensive wine list adds the finishing touch.

Created by chef Teddy Lee, Maki & Ramen began in Edinburgh before branching out to Manchester. The restaurant is dedicated to serving flavourful, authentic dishes in a vibrant setting adorned with hanging flowers. Guests can indulge in a variety of options, from steaming ramen bowls and donburi to fried noodles, sushi, and small plates, with plenty of vegan-friendly choices. To round off the experience, Japanese desserts and inventive cocktails are also on offer.

The Cut & Craft is a sophisticated upscale steakhouse concept initially launched in York City Centre. The Manchester branch is situated in a Grade II-listed former bank in the heart of the city. The all-day menu showcases steaks of the highest quality, sustainable seafood, seasonal sides, and more, catering to various dietary needs. Additionally, the restaurant offers an array of events, including masterclasses, bottomless brunches, and supper clubs.

Occupying the former home of Sunset by Australasia, Ocasa is a vibrant Mexican fusion gem from the same team. Blending sleek design choices with natural textures, warm lighting, and an inviting atmosphere – complete with alfresco seating – the restaurant offers a menu that marries Mexican flavours with Asian twists, such as yaki-tacos, which feature tacos wrapped around a yakitori skewer. At the bar, tequila takes centre stage, with an extensive selection forming the backbone of Ocasa's drinks menu.

Housed within Stockport's striking glass pyramid, Royal Nawaab is a spacious Indian restaurant offering a lively dining experience. Alongside its main hall, the venue boasts elegant banqueting suites, perfect for hosting memorable events and special gatherings. Guests can savour traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes, rich in authentic flavours and prepared with care in the fully halal kitchen.

Lina Stores, a well-known name across London, has made its first move beyond the capital with this new UK location. Originally an iconic Italian delicatessen in Soho, the restaurant now offers an array of fresh, handmade pasta dishes, featuring options like stracciatella ravioli or tagliolini with black truffles. For a true taste of la dolce vita, you can finish your meal with traditional Italian desserts and aperitivos.

Forbici is deeply committed to the art of Neapolitan pizza, with a strong focus on its dough, proclaimed “the world's most powerful pizza dough”. Crafted from premium Italian ingredients and cooked in an authentic Italian pizza oven, each pizza is served with a pair of scissors, inviting diners to slice it themselves. A selection of Italian craft beers complements the experience perfectly.

Pip is a venue from acclaimed chef Mary-Ellen McTague. In a contemporary space with natural materials and botanicals, food is served throughout the day. Expect British recipes made with quality local produce, focusing on seasonality and minimising waste. Hyper-seasonal cocktails and low-intervention wines are served too.

Led by renowned chef Shaun Moffat, whose experience includes London's Manteca and Hix, as well as Manchester's Lamb of Tartary, Winsome is a modern restaurant celebrating thoughtful British cuisine. Set in a welcoming space, it embodies the warmth and generosity of Northern hospitality.

Locates in Salford, Kallos boasts a stylish blue-and-white interior inspired by Greek island architecture. At the relaxed café and wine bar you can pick from an assortment of fine Mediterranean wines and Medi-inspired mezze, charcuterie, salads, and other small plates. They also serve classic brunch dishes with creative Mediterranean twists here.

Mélange at the Red Hall Hotel blends Mediterranean flavours with British influences in a stylish, nature-inspired setting. The menu features dishes like seafood risotto and the signature tapenade, offering the best of two worlds. Set in Bury, the restaurant brings a touch of the Mediterranean to a rustic location.

Meatworks is a modern haven for meat lovers, offering premium steaks and burgers in a stripped-back, industrial setting, with the menu features a mix of hearty mains and diverse small plates. Fully halal, the restaurant serves no alcohol, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

Doug's Hamburgers, a popular Norwegian burger chain, has debuted its first UK restaurant in Manchester's Circle Square. The menu boasts an array of burgers, alongside buttermilk fried chicken, plant-based alternatives, and all-day breakfast buns. With its lively and contemporary setting, the venue exudes a youthful and dynamic energy.

If eggs, all-day breakfast vibes, and stacked sandwiches are your personal holy trinity, Eggslut is the place to be. This US-born spot dishes up rich, egg-forward comfort food with a playful streak. Its line-up centres on soft brioche buns filled with options like cheeseburger-style patties, steak, or mushroom and truffle pâté, finished with a generous serving of silky scrambled eggs.

Shake Shack originated in the United States as a relaxed, fast-casual spot celebrated for its signature burgers, golden fries, and hand-spun milkshakes. Each burger is crafted with high-quality Angus beef and made to order, ensuring a tender, juicy bite with plenty of flavour. Interiors lean toward clean, modern design with a laid-back feel, and the company also showcases its commitment to environmental responsibility by integrating recycled and repurposed materials across its locations.