The best restaurants at Manchester Airport

The best restaurants at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is one of the UK's busiest and most prominent international airports. It boasts three passenger terminals and a vast range of facilities, including a plethora of shops, restaurants, and lounges to cater to the diverse needs of its travellers. Known for its efficient service and modern amenities, it serves as a major hub for both business and leisure travel. Whatever your reason for going to Manchester Airport, you'll find a diverse choice of eateries both airside and landside here, making sure you won't go hungry as you wait for your flight. Discover where to eat at Manchester Airport with our guide to the airport's best restaurants.

In this guide
  1. Terminal 1
    1. Bar MCR – After security
    2. Burger King – After security
    3. Café Balzar – After security
    4. Giraffe – After security
    5. Greggs – Before security
    6. PizzaLuxe – After security
    7. Pret A Manger – Before and after security
    8. Starbucks – After security
    9. The Grain Loft – After security
    10. Upper Crust Manchester Airport – After security
  2. Terminal 2
    1. Amber Alehouse – After security
    2. Apiary – After security
    3. Archie's – After security
    4. Barburrito – After security
    5. The Bridgewater Exchange – After security
    6. Costa Coffee – After security
    7. Evergreen – After security
    8. Pot Kettle Black – After security
    9. Pret A Manger – Before and after security
    10. San Carlo – After security
    11. Starbucks – Before security
    12. Wagamama – After security
  3. Terminal 3
    1. Caffè Nero – Before security
    2. Costa Coffee – After security
    3. Pork & Pickle – After security
    4. The Lion and Antelope – After security
    5. Trattoria Milano – After security

Terminal 1

Where to eat at Manchester Airport Terminal 1

Bar MCR

After security

Bar MCR is a fashionable bar and restaurant situated in Manchester Airport's Terminal 1. This establishment offers a variety of expertly-mixed cocktails, craft beers, fine wines, and other premium beverages. Additionally, it features an all-day dining menu that includes full English breakfasts, small plates, burgers, and traditional British dishes like bangers and mash.

Burger King

After security

Burger King is a globally recognised fast-food chain known for its flame-grilled burgers made from 100% beef. Their classic burger is the Whopper, and there are various other options and variants to choose from as well – you can enjoy their full menu at the Manchester Airport Terminal 1 branch. Round off your meal with sides, desserts, and soft drinks.

Café Balzar

After security

Café Balzar serves a variety of classic cocktails, top-tier French spirits, and a wide-ranging wine list all day. The menu features classic French fare like omelettes, croques, baguettes, and boulangerie items, alongside salads, steak frites, and other lunchtime selections. There's also a dedicated children's menu. The café's contemporary and stylish atmosphere is accentuated by striking design features, such as a blue mosaic-clad pillar.

Giraffe

After security

Giraffe offers welcoming, family-friendly dining in Manchester Airport Terminal 1. This contemporary restaurant is adorned with striking giraffe statues. With a menu inspired by global cuisine, Giraffe caters to a wide range of tastes, including numerous child-friendly choices. Whether you're starting your day with a hearty breakfast plate or opting for international classics like burgers, tacos, and rice bowls, Giraffe is dedicated to providing swift service within ten minutes.

Greggs

Before security

Purveyors of the nation's favourite sausage roll and other assorted baked goods Greggs have a branch located landside at Manchester Airport Terminal 1. The no-frills modern café and bakery is open 24 hours a day and offers sandwiches, hot drinks, juices, and other classic Greggs snacks. A Click + Collect service is available, too, for those who'd prefer not to be left at the mercy of aeroplane food.

PizzaLuxe

After security

Starting as a small stall in London's lively Brick Lane, PizzaLuxe has evolved into a thriving chain, maintaining its commitment to crafting exceptional pizzas with fresh ingredients. At their chic pizzeria in Manchester Airport Terminal 1, they prepare their slow-proven dough with premium organic flour, presenting a range of classic pizzas and creative breakfast choices, including a full English breakfast served in a pizza dough bowl.

Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside
Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside
pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/ramp-road-south/10519
Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside
pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/t1-outwood-lane/10576
Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside

Before and after security

Pret A Manger is a ubiquitous UK sandwich shop franchise, and its many outposts around the country include several outposts at 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 1.

  • Manchester Airport, Terminal 1 Manchester Airport, Terminal 1
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside
    Manchester Airport, Terminal 1
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside
    Manchester Airport, Terminal 1
  • Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside
    pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/ramp-road-south/10519
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside
    pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/t1-outwood-lane/10576
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside
    016-143 734 53
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside
    016-143 769 67
  • Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Airside Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Landside

Starbucks

After security

Located airside at Terminal 1, 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.

The Grain Loft

After security

The Grain Loft is an unusual venue even by airport standards, much less by conventional restaurant criteria. Not only does the airport eatery serve an all-day menu that brings together comfort-food favourites such as burgers, kebabs, and pub grub, but it's also equipped with booths with sound pods so you can enjoy your own tunes as you dine. Major sports events are also shown here, and there's a dedicated kids' menu, too.

Upper Crust Manchester Airport

After security

Combining the concepts of a baguette and a pizza, Upper Crust's freshly baked sandwiches offer a speedy and satisfying option for travellers in a hurry. These sandwiches come with various toppings and can be accompanied by hot or cold drinks, pastries, and similar snacks. You can locate the Upper Crust kiosk airside in Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport.

Terminal 2

Where to eat at Manchester Airport Terminal 2

Amber Alehouse

After security

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 beer bar boasts a dimly-lit atmosphere, contemporary furnishings, and a non-stop rock soundtrack.

Apiary

After security

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 bar and restaurant 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

After security

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

After security

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

After security

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 36 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

After security

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.

Evergreen

After security

Located in the departure lounge of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport, 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 establishment is spacious and adorned with floral decorations, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Pot Kettle Black

After security

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 easygoing spot in Manchester Airport's Terminal 2.

Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside
Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside
pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/atlanta-avenue/10784
Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside
pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/atlanta-ave/10783
Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside

Before and after security

Pret A Manger is a ubiquitous UK sandwich shop franchise, and its many outposts around the country include several outposts at 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.

  • Manchester Airport, Terminal 2 Manchester Airport, Terminal 2
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside
    Manchester Airport, Terminal 2
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside
    Manchester Airport, Terminal 2
  • Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside
    pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/atlanta-avenue/10784
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside
    pret.co.uk/en-gb/shop-finder/l/manchester/atlanta-ave/10783
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside
    016-143 728 04
    Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside
    016-143 781 75
  • Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Landside Pret A Manger Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Airside

San Carlo

After security

San Carlo, known for its elegant yet cosy ambience 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 restaurant.

Starbucks

Before security

Located 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.

Wagamama

After security

Wagamama, well-known for its casual Japanese dining, can be found in many locations throughout the country. This modern, easy-going eatery is characterised by its communal tables, inviting guests to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine at any time of the day, breakfast included. The menu boasts a wide range of options, including numerous plant-based dishes, alongside a diverse array of refreshing beverages to suit all tastes. The Manchester Airport branch is located on the first floor in Terminal 2.

Terminal 3

Where to eat at Manchester Airport Terminal 3

Caffè Nero

Before security

If you fancy premium coffee and tasty hot or cold snacks, head to Caffè Nero, located landside in Manchester Airport's Terminal 3. Renowned for its Italian-inspired atmosphere, this café chain provides a cosy setting. Their all-day dining includes an array of pastries, paninis, focaccia sandwiches, salads, and more. Additionally, a selection of cakes is available, ideal for pairing with their extensive variety of coffee drinks.

Costa Coffee

After security

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.

Pork & Pickle

After security

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.

The Lion and Antelope

After security

Located airside in Manchester Airport Terminal 3, The Lion and Antelope offers a modern take on classic British pub fare. You can enjoy quintessential English dishes like hand-battered fish and chips, accompanied by an assortment of Manchester's best real ales, in this contemporary airport pub setting.

Trattoria Milano

After security

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.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.