The best new restaurants in Manchester

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.

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 Clarence Street, offering the same selection of pizzas with classic or creative toppings.

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 easygoing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Head to Blackbird Brewhouse & Kitchen in Stockport to sample local and global draft and craft beers as well as hearty British cuisine. There are bar snacks like ox cheek nuggets and sausage rolls plus more filling meals like sandwiches and award-winning pies. This friendly venue welcomes dogs and regularly has live music on.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gastropub The Lamb of Tartary is based in a Grade II listed building in the Northern Quarter, previously the location of Cottonopolis. This place combines heritage and modernity, with a spacious interior that's cosy and contemporary. Brunch, Sunday lunch, and an all-day menu of refined British dishes are served here, plus there's regular entertainment from DJs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

Opened at the end of 2023, Fez Tajine is a new halal-friendly destination for steak, grilled meat, and Moroccan specialities. This stylish venue is packed with authentic touches and has a friendly and welcoming ambience. You can get a steak wrapped in 24 karat gold for an authentic meal or try classic dishes like tagines or chicken pastilla.

Compact and cosy eatery Wow Banh Mi is the place to go for authentic Vietnamese dishes. This venue is low-key with a richly-decorated interior. Banh mi sandwiches are on the menu or you can try out pho, rice dishes, and Korean hot dogs. Bubble teas, including cheese tea and salted egg yolk tea, are also served here.

Fine dining is fun and imaginative at Six by Nico. The restaurant serves unique tasting menus built around a theme like Hanoi or the funfair. The menu changes every six weeks to bring diners a fresh new experience. The restaurant decor also changes regularly, adapting to fit the menu theme and create an immersive dining experience.

From the team behind Tattu, Fenix is arguably one of the buzziest new openings of 2023. This Greek and Mediterranean venue is detailed and immersive, with opulent design and well-considered food and drinks that create a unique dining experience. A variety of Med-inspired menus are on offer here, including selections of dishes to share.

Following on from its successful Mackie Mayor location, New Wave Ramen has opened in the city centre. Lauded as some of the best ramen in the city, everything is prepared in-house with sustainable local ingredients, including the noodles. Small plates, grilled dishes, and those ramen bowls are on the menu, with food served in a modern and sleek environment.

Manchester's diners head to Sexy Fish for a glamorous meal in Spinningfields. The impressive venue is packed with dramatic aquatic decor that really sets the tone. Upmarket Japanese and Asian dishes are served here – think sushi, tempura, and cocktails served in lavish surroundings with weekly live music. This restaurant also has private dining facilities.

House of Fu is a must-visit destination for ramen, cocktails, and karaoke. A simple Japanese-inspired menu is served at this vibrant venue, as well as original cocktails. This contemporary and colourful space is decorated with neon and has a basement cocktail bar in addition to three private karaoke rooms that can fit up to 22 people.

Maki & Ramen started out in Edinburgh but opened its first English venue in Manchester in 2023. The restaurant is bright and charming, with elegant flowers hanging from the ceiling. Authentic Japanese food is served here including small plates, noodles, sushi, and donburi. Desserts and original cocktails are also available.

Only Yu joined the Chinatown food scene in 2023, serving authentic Chinese cooking with modern flair. The venue is smart and bustling with large round tables, white walls, and traditional decor. On the menu you'll see a varied selection of Chinese recipes, including dim sum and plenty of veggie-friendly choices. Set menus are also available.

Located in Chinatown, Kaya Malaysian Restaurant serves traditional Malaysian cuisine. This family-run restaurant serves classic dishes, including plenty with heat. Malaysian drinks are served to complete the experience. The venue has a straightforward and stripped-back appearance.

Lucky Cat is a restaurant from Gordon Ramsay and serves upmarket Asian-inspired cuisine. The dining space is grand and opulent but there are also private dining rooms available. Try small plates, sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled dishes here, with group sharing menus and intimate omakase experiences also available. Asian-inspired cocktails are served too.

At Madre you can make yourself at home whilst savouring Mexican cuisine and cocktails. The venue is relaxed and comfortable whilst the food is inspired by travels throughout Mexico. A number of different menus are on offer here, plus there's a creative Mexican Sunday roast. Wash the food down with Mexican spirits and cocktails.

4 of Us is a local farm-to-table restaurant and wine bar located in Didsbury. The restaurant is housed in a quaint whitewashed building whilst inside there's a rustic and contemporary look. This place serves seasonal dishes, with a particular emphasis on grilling. Sunday lunch is served here too and wines are available by the glass or bottle.