The best restaurants at Manchester Airport

Amber Alehouse, in partnership with the Mancunian craft beer brewery Seven Bro7thers, features a selection of premium microbrews and a wide array of comforting dishes and signature recipes. This includes everything from hearty breakfast stacks to standout burgers and traditional pub fare. Located airside in Manchester Airport's Terminal 2, this fashionable airport pub boasts a dimly-lit atmosphere, contemporary furnishings, and a non-stop rock soundtrack.

Situated in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport, Apiary presents an enticing array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, focusing on seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. This visually striking airport restaurant and bar is adorned with stylish decor and offers impressive views of the airfield, providing the perfect backdrop to enjoy a skilfully crafted cocktail while awaiting your flight departure.

Archie's, with its striking, Instagrammable interiors, offers a contemporary dining experience at several locations in Manchester, including the airport. Committed to using local ingredients, Archie's provides a completely halal menu, drawing diners in with burgers and fries, as well as indulgent desserts like waffles and shakes. Breakfast options are available too.

Barburrito, pioneering as the UK's first burrito bar, debuted in Manchester in 2005 and has since grown to numerous locations across the country. This relaxed eatery allows patrons to personalise their meals, offering a variety of wraps and bowls with a selection of proteins, sauces, and vegetables. The Manchester Airport branch of Barburrito is conveniently located airside in Terminal 2.

The Bridgewater Exchange provides a genuine pub ambience with an innovative touch, ideal for kicking off your holiday with a cheeky pint in a laid-back setting. As the UK's first airside microbrewery, it offers an exclusive Bridgewater Ale, a variety of keg beers, real ales, and an assortment of other drinks, complemented by a menu of traditional pub dishes. The pleasant interior pays tribute to Manchester's history and the legacy of the Joseph Holt Brewery.

Costa Coffee, an international coffeehouse chain, is widely available throughout the UK. Renowned for its Italian-style coffee and an array of hot drinks, the café also provides a range of hot and cold sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and various quick snack options, available for both takeaway and dine-in. The Costa Coffee outlet at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 can be found airside.

Located in the departure lounge of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport, The Evergreen Bar & Brasserie is a premium airport dining and drinking concept. It prides itself on offering artisanal produce sourced locally, with a menu ranging from freshly brewed coffee to sharing boards and select fine wines. The restaurant is spacious and adorned with floral decorations, creating an inviting atmosphere.

For family-friendly dining at Manchester Airport Terminal 2, head to the colourful Giraffe restaurant – you can't miss the striking giraffe statues. The restaurant chain serves a globally-inspired menu, from breakfast plates  in the morning to timeless international favourites such as tacos, burgers, and rice bowls. The airport restaurant strives to ensure speedy service – you'll receive your dish within ten minutes.

The Great Northern Market is a pioneering airport food hall concept offering a diverse range of global cuisines across six street-food kitchens. The menu caters to all tastes with affordable options ranging from Neapolitan pizzas and American burgers to Greek wraps, Asian noodles, burritos, and more. The venue provides a relaxed and convenient setting that emphasises quality and efficiency before a flight.

If you're after a lighter airport meal, Joe & the Juice offers fresh juices, nutritious shakes, and quick bites you can enjoy in the café or on the go. Their extensive menu features choices like crisp salad bowls and a variety of signature sandwiches, along with bakes and other treats,. A dedicated selection of fruity vegan shakes means there's something for plant-based diners as well.

Originally a prominent London-based delivery service, Pasta Evangelists has expanded into physical locations, including an outpost within Manchester Airport's Terminal 2. The brand is known for its artisanal interpretations of classic Italian dishes, such as beef ragu and cacio e pepe, crafted with high-quality ingredients. Their airport restaurant is the first to introduce a dedicated breakfast menu alongside its signature pastas.

Pot Kettle Black, based in Manchester, operates a series of cafés inspired by Antipodean-style brunch spots, offering a varied menu throughout the day. The kitchen serves up dishes like avocado toast, Turkish eggs, and smoothie bowls alongside lighter lunch options and freshly baked goods. Speciality coffee and various other drinks are also available at this easy-going Manchester Airport restaurant.

Pret A Manger is a ubiquitous UK sandwich shop franchise, and its many outposts around the country include Manchester Airport. Pick up ready-to-go sandwiches, wraps, salads, and other light snacks here, with coffee, juices, soft drinks, and other beverages to wash them down. You'll find Pret A Manger both landside and airside at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2.

San Carlo, known for its elegant yet cosy ambiance featuring light colour palettes and extensive Italian marble, brings its unique dining experience to Manchester Airport. This esteemed Italian restaurant group specialises in contemporary cicchetti – an array of exquisite small plates perfect for sharing or individual enjoyment, paired ideally with beer or wine. A full menu of traditional Italian cuisine is also available at this Terminal 2 airport restaurant.

Located both airside and landside at Terminal 2, Starbucks, recognised worldwide as a leading coffee shop brand, is celebrated for its broad selection of sweetened coffee beverages, frequently infused with various syrups or spices, with the pumpkin spice latte a particular seasonal highlight. Beyond their iconic coffee offerings, Starbucks also provides an assortment of teas, along with a range of snacks like sandwiches and pastries, and they even offer coffee beans for sale.

Wrapchic is an Indian fast-food chain located in the Arrivals hall of Manchester Airport's Terminal 2, specialising in a unique fusion of Mumbai-inspired flavours and Mexican formats. Their signature Indian burrito combines aromatic spices with the convenience of a classic tortilla wrap, alongside other creative hybrids such as curry pots, bowls, and nachos.

Costa Coffee, an international coffeehouse chain, is widely available throughout the UK. Renowned for its Italian-style coffee and an array of hot drinks, the café also provides a range of hot and cold sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and various quick snack options, available for both takeaway and dine-in. The Costa Coffee outlet at Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 can be found airside.

Situated in Manchester Airport Terminal 3, Pork & Pickle offers an array of classic British deli delights such as pastries, bread, and local favourites like pork pies and sausages, all sourced from regional producers. They also serve Fairtrade coffee alongside freshly-made sandwiches, yoghurts, and salads, perfect for both on-the-go snacking and leisurely dining in their comfortable seating area before flying.

For a swift and satisfying Italian meal before your flight, visit Trattoria Milano. Their menu boasts a variety of choices, from traditional pasta dishes and stone-baked pizzas to creative selections like the calzone Kyiv. They also offer breakfast and lighter lunch options, including sandwiches and soups. If you're short on time, this airside restaurant also provides a rapid 15-minute menu.