The best new restaurants in Manchester

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.

A modern tribute to the chophouses of days gone by, the Manchester branch of Blacklock is the first outside of London. Housed in a Grade II-listed warehouse, the venue is an escape from the bustle of Peter Street. The menu centres on locally-sourced grass-fed meat at affordable prices, with cocktails also being a speciality.

Steak is accessible at Flat Iron. This restaurant specialises in prime steak that doesn't break the bank, offering a simple menu of meat and sides so you can create your ideal meal. All of the food is made with carefully-sourced ingredients. The venue has a smart and sleek appearance but still feels welcoming and easy-going.

Grilling is the speciality at Malmaison Bar & Grill in Deansgate. This hotel restaurant is vibrant and comfortable, with plush banquettes and bright bursts of colour. Grilled steaks and original cocktails are popular here, but other options include braised ox cheek or pumpkin ravioli. Breakfast, kids' meals, and Sunday lunch are also available here.

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.

Bruco is a chic and contemporary Italian eatery in Ancoats, offering all-day dining. The menu boasts a variety of small plates perfect for sharing, including indulgent breakfast pastries. For lunch, grab one of their panuozzo pizza sandwiches with a range of fillings. Traditional Italian cocktails and an excellent selection of fine wines set the tone for a lively atmosphere. In the warmer months, outdoor seating adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to the experience.

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.

Located in Spinningfields, Louis brings authentic Italian-American dining to Manchester. Hearty comfort food is on the menu here, plus a curated selection of classic American cocktails. As well as delicious food and drinks, diners can enjoy the talents of live performers covering an array of music genres.

Onda Pasta Bar has been around a while, having operated out of a number of different sites. In 2024 it arrived at Circle Square, serving up generous portions of fresh and seasonal pasta recipes. From traditional favourites to inventive new recipes, the varied menu offers something from everyone. It's a bustling and in-demand spot so be prepared to queue.

Cibo has a few glamorous and grand Italian restaurants in Manchester and Cheshire, with the latest opening being in Spring Gardens. The space features marble tables, striking portraits, and an elegant style, plus there's a private dining room. Expect a menu of Italian favourites such as pizza, pasta and risotto, and meat from the grill.

Lucky Mama's began in Eccles before opening a permanent site in Chorlton. Now it's returning home with a second restaurant in Monton Road. This modern Italian eatery is bold and colourful, popular for eating-in and takeaways. Pasta is freshly made on-site and the place is also known for its Roman-style square pizza. Gluten-free, halal, and vegan dishes are available.

Gino D'Acampo is a recognisable TV chef, and he has an eponymous restaurant in Manchester. The space is elegant and full of botanicals, plus floor-to-ceiling windows let plenty of light in. Italian dishes from all over the country are served, with something for everyone on the menu. Italian wines and cocktails are served, including the signature “If My Grandmother Had Wheels”.

Rigatoni's burst onto the food scene in early 2024, serving rustic and filling Italian dishes. There's a real passion for pasta here, with rigatoni with sauces being a key part of the menu. Added to that, there are indulgent bites like focaccia toasts and an oozing deep-fried mozzarella sandwich.

Rudy's Pizza Napoletana is well-established as a big name in pizza in Manchester, as well as further afield in places like London, Liverpool, and Birmingham. Now the authentic flavours are coming to Prestwich. These pizzas are topped with traditional ingredients and give you a true taste of Naples, including changing specials. The setting is cool and relaxed.

Detroit Slims launched their distinctive Detroit-style pizzas in the heart of the city in 2024. These square pan pizzas come topped with creative options like Cheese Burger and Barbecue Meat Feast, and are complemented by a selection of milkshakes, chicken tenders, and other treats. While designed with the grab-and-go crowd in mind, the establishment also provides seating for those who prefer to dine in.

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 2024 with a new location in Altrincham, offering the same selection of pizzas with classic or creative toppings.

Following the success of the city centre restaurant, deep-dish pizza specialists American Pies have now expanded to Ancoats. This spot is modern and buzzy, all about decadent deep-dish pizza loaded with cheese and tasty toppings. Other indulgent dishes are served as well like garlic bread, dough balls, and loaded tater tots.

Ranked in 2023 as the best pizzeria in the country, Chorlton's Double Zero is opening a new location in the city centre. This relaxed and friendly spot serves authentic Neapolitan pizza, with dough fermented for 48 hours before being cooked for just 90 seconds. A wide range of pizzas are on the menu, including options for vegan and gluten-free diners.

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.

Based at the Stock Exchange Hotel, Tender is a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating. This British brasserie serves gourmet dishes for everyday dining, with a choice of different menus on offer including afternoon tea and Sunday lunch. Ideal for any occasion, the restaurant also has a private dining room for up to 12 people.

Headed up by Tom Barnes, Skof presents a fresh new dining experience. Seasonal tasting menus are served here, prepared with local ingredients. This place is free from pretensions and aims to remove the seriousness often associated with fine dining, instead offering a relaxed experience that's full of surprises.

An exclusive luxury bar and restaurant at the AO Arena, The Mezz is a members-only venue that promises the height of hospitality. This contemporary spot offers fab views of the arena, and membership gets you premium seats for shows as well as all-inclusive food and drinks. Sophisticated British dishes are on the menu but you can also visit just for drinks before or after a show.

Housed in an impressive glass pyramid in Stockport, Royal Nawaab is a big and vibrant restaurant that serves Indian and Pakistani cuisine. In addition to the main dining room, there are elegant banqueting suites for private parties here. Classic recipes full of authentic flavours are served here, plus the food is halal-friendly.

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.

Rolled is an Australian hand roll sushi concept, and this is its inaugural location in the UK. The stall at the Trafford Centre serves the brand's well-loved hand rolls with a range of fillings. These include traditional sushi options like spicy tuna, as well as inventive Australian twists such as shrimp on the barbie. The ease of enjoying the hand rolls makes them an ideal option for a quick bite while on the move.

A new restaurant in Altrincham, Pho You is a buzzy modern spot for fresh Asian cooking. Homey dishes like curry rice, noodle soup, and desserts are served here, alongside children's meals, set menus, and a comprehensive drinks range. The setting is contemporary and crisp with plenty of Asian touches.

Located in Ancoats, Lucky is a modern Asian fusion spot with a hip style. The interiors are slick and low-lit. The menu puts creative twists on pan-Asian favourites like ramen, sushi, and bao buns, plus there's a fun pan-Asian brunch. Cocktails, beer, and wine are available here too. The restaurant is walk-ins only.

Visit Hachi for pan-Asian cuisine. This place is vibrant and modern, even having robots that'll make bubble tea or candy floss for you. This colourful and lively eatery also serves dumplings with a choice of fillings, noodle soup, and dishes served with rice like chicken katsu curry or roast duck. A set lunch menu is also available here.

Stow, located in the Northern Quarter, comes from the team behind Manchester favourite Trof. This live-fire restaurant offers a focused menu of perfectly grilled dishes, cooked over a bespoke wood and charcoal grill. Guests can enjoy their meals alongside expertly crafted cocktails and an impressive selection of fine wines. The venue exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with its snug seating arrangements and friendly, approachable staff adding to the charm.

A trendy and multi-facted venue in the city centre, Junction offers something for every time of day. This place is a café, bar, and restaurant with space for co-working. Visit by day for coffee and food, whilst in the evening the venue serves up small plates and cocktails. The venue strives to bring people together.

Located in Spinningfields, Habbibi is a glamorous eatery that takes inspiration from restaurants in Dubai. This slick and upmarket spot also does shisha and has space for private dining. The menu features dishes from around the world, plus there's a convenient set lunch offering. Desserts and cocktails are available too.

Bustling bistro Medlock Canteen is located in the heart of the city. This venue caters to any occasion with its warm ambience, tasty food and drinks, and music and entertainment. Indoor and outdoor tables are available. Food is served all day, including comforting favourites and some pretty serious sandwiches.

Enjoy an idyllic canalside meal at Maya, a contemporary venue set across three storeys. This elegant brasserie has a number of distinct areas that each have their own character. Each space has its own menu too, but modern European cuisine is the overarching theme. Diners can enjoy a range of experiences all under one roof here.

A venture form the team behind top Deansgate restaurant Another Hand, Jaan is described as a Persian bread kitchen. The speciality here is flatbreads topped off with tempting ingredients and seasonal produce, as well as larger plates. Expect exciting flavour combinations like whipped butter bean with charred onion chutney and sumac.

Originating in Lancashire, Ottoman Bar & Grill is an independent and family-run restaurant for authentic Turkish cuisine. Classic dishes are served here, with the shish kebab platters being a particularly popular choice. The restaurant's interior is glitzy and glamorous, full of eye-catching contemporary decor.

The Bury New Road branch of Popeyes is the US fast food giant's second Manchester restaurant and its first drive-thru location in the region. There are indoor and outdoor seats at this casual spot. Louisiana fried chicken is the speciality here - the menu features burgers and wraps, wings, tenders, and pieces, plus sides, shakes, and meals for children.

There's a real buzz around Burgerism, with a new location opening in Denton. This award-winning modern eatery is casual, specialising in burgers. The food is completely halal and made with local ingredients. Beef, chicken, and plant-based burgers are available, ranging from simple options to towering stacks of patties.

At Boogalú you'll get Mexican street food, tasty drinks, and music from DJs throughout the week, all in a vibrant and bustling setting. This spot is inspired by global travels, offering almost 200 types of rum and tequila behind the bar, as well as cocktails, wine, and beer. Tacos and nachos are the speciality here, with meat-free options available, but the place is known for its lamb birria.

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.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese flame-cooking techniques, the chefs at Kaji serve dishes directly from the fire to your table. Diners can enjoy a variety of small plates, alongside freshly made sushi and sashimi. This sophisticated restaurant also features a tasting menu and a unique tuna-cutting experience, where chefs reveal the secrets of sushi-making while expertly preparing a bluefin tuna right before your eyes.

Hakkapo brings a contemporary Japanese izakaya to Mancunians. This trendy space is bustling and modern with an easygoing atmosphere and outdoor seating. Guests can visit for drinks including sake and cocktails or try out the varied small plates and ramen bowls on offer here, including a smoke sausage bao bun.

The family-run Porta tapas group comes to Didsbury, taking over the former Greens site. You can try Spanish and Portuguese tapas here, with a whole host of traditional small plates to choose from – cheeses, Padron peppers, tortillas, seafood, and more. You can also treat yourself to an authentic dessert or a glass of sherry, cava, or fine Spanish wines.

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.