The best restaurants in Manchester

Spinningfields restaurant 20 Stories was voted the best restaurant in Manchester in 2023. Its 19th-floor location means you get sweeping views of the city. The place has large windows and a sophisticated style, with private dining space also available. Seasonal British menus are available here, paired with wines from regions around the world.

Seasonal small plates and natural wine are served at Erst in Ancoats. Dishes are prepared with local ingredients and combine simplicity with good quality. The food is made for sharing, and the knowledgeable staff can recommend the ideal wine pairing. The restaurant's decor is elegant and minimalist, enhanced by soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere.

Award-winning restaurant The Allotment is ranked as one of the best vegan eateries in the world. It's contemporary and rustic with a Mediterranean feel and views of Manchester Cathedral. Colourful and creative vegan dishes from around the world are served here, as well as afternoon tea. Guests can also sample a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Specialising in central European cuisine, The Spärrows is recognised as a great restaurant in Manchester. The speciality here is spätzle, served with your choice of sauce. Gnocchi, Polish and Russian dumplings, and fresh pasta are also on the menu, as are dishes to share. Tucked away into a railway arch, it has a friendly atmosphere and indoor and outdoor seating.

Open since 2024, Medlock Canteen quickly became a big hit on Manchester's food scene. This relaxed and friendly venue serves hearty international dishes all day as well as hot drinks, cocktails, and a concise wine list. The venue has a retro style and offers indoor and outdoor seating, plus there's live music to keep diners entertained.

Higher Ground in New York Street is a popular bistro and wine bar. This sleek venue serves seasonal dishes with low-intervention wines and local beers. The space has an industrial design, shelves full of bottles, and a buzzy atmosphere. Choose from à la carte or set-sharing menus, with an emphasis on seasonal veggies and whole-animal butchery.

There are only 24 seats at Another Hand, creating an intimate dining experience. Fine produce from around the North West is used to craft veg-led sharing plates that are fab for social meals. The menu changes regularly and is served with cocktails and natural wine. The interior is homey and contemporary with a casual vibe.

A leading local restaurant in Chorlton, Bar San Juan is considered one of the city's best tapas spots. Traditional tapas are served alongside some twists on the classics. Imported drinks, including beers, sherries, and Spanish wines, are also served. The venue is packed with personality, decorated with tiles, framed pictures, and lots of eclectic touches.

Osma serves international dishes inspired by Scandinavian cooking traditions. The menu is seasonal and changes weekly, with a set lunch menu and sharing plates for dinner. Cocktails and wines are also available. This neighbourhood venue in Prestwich is modern and atmospheric, featuring a moodily lit interior.

Family-run 63 Degrees brings Parisian elegance to the Northern Quarter. Classic French dishes are served here, with special seasonal tasting menus available on Tuesdays. French wines and champagne are also available. The venue has an intimate and refined feel and is a popular dining destination for all occasions.

Seasonal sharing dishes, all made with quality produce, are on offer at 10 Tib Lane. The diverse menu changes regularly, plus a classic Sunday roast is available every weekend—four different options are served. Pair your food with classic cocktails or natural wine. The venue has a stripped-back and intimate feel with weathered walls.

Independent restaurant and bar TNQ is one of the best restaurants in the Northern Quarter. This neighbourhood venue serves British dishes made solely with ingredients sourced from around the British Isles. The seasonal menus change regularly to bring diners fresh flavours. This place has a welcoming atmosphere and a smart contemporary style.

Based in what was once a bank, Hispi is an intimate and award-winning bistro in Didsbury. Seasonal global dishes are on the menu here, with the food being sophisticated but without being pretentious. A choice of menus is available, including options for children and dietary needs. Sunday roasts are also served here. This top Manchester restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere.

One of the best restaurants in Manchester for Indian cuisine is Dishoom. This trendy spot in Spinningfields serves up an elevated take on street food, including the signature black daal, bacon naans for breakfast, and location-specific specials. The restaurant looks refined, with a smart interior and stained glass windows.

The Black Friar sits on the border between Manchester and Salford and is a renowned gastropub. The setting is packed with history but has contemporary touches as well. As well as being a good spot for drinks, this place is known for its elevated takes on pub grub. The venue is trendy and relaxed, ideal for any occasion.

Another nice restaurant in Manchester is La Bandera, which opened in 2014. It's ranked as one of the best Spanish restaurants in the country. The venue is smart and welcoming, with vibrant yellow furniture and loads of natural light flooding in. Tapas and rice dishes are available, and a number of menus are offered, including bottomless brunch and pre-theatre.

Elegant but easygoing meals are served in a buzzy environment at Kala Bistro. Menus are seasonal and include choices for children, larger groups, and various dietary requirements. Sophisticated yet honest dishes are served, such as goat's curd on charred sourdough and confit duck leg. The venue is spacious, modern, and stylish, a great option whenever you want a nice meal in Manchester.

James Martin Manchester is a venture from the TV chef, located in the historic Great Northern Warehouse. If you're looking for a good British restaurant in Manchester, this one fits the bill. Seasonal and creative dishes made with quality produce are served here, including a traditional Sunday lunch. The refined venue combines vintage fabrics, original art, and industrial design.

Opened in 2011, Australasia is a top restaurant in Spinningfields. This stylish spot gives off a quiet luxury vibe, with interiors featuring natural colours and materials. An eclectic range of DJs enhance the atmosphere. There's a modern Australian menu with Japanese and Indonesian influences, with dishes like sushi, tempura, and salads. Wines from Australia and New Zealand are also available.

Ancoats gastropub The Edinburgh Castle has been in operation since 1811 and is today a top place to eat in Manchester. Downstairs, it's a traditional pub environment full of dark wood, while upstairs, there's a smart dining room. A concise food menu of sophisticated and satisfying British dishes is served, and the drinks include a broad selection of whiskeys.

At Maray, you get vibrant food and a warm and hospitable atmosphere. The dishes are inspired by Middle Eastern flavours, with lots of colourful small plates for sharing. The menus change regularly but include options like chicken wings and falafel, plus there's a dedicated vegan menu. The bright and contemporary venue is full of light and has space for private dining.

Founded by Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle, Asha's is an Indian restaurant housed in a Grade II-listed former shipping warehouse. In surroundings that showcase bold and lavish design, you can try dishes intended for sharing that have modern and traditional influences. Breakfast is served on weekends, and you can also try cocktails and mocktails here.

Inspired by the age of exploration, Grand Pacific is a grand and modern venue that's full of atmosphere. Expect an original menu of English classics with exotic twists, including an indulgent afternoon tea. Lunch, dinner, and bar snacks are also available, including exciting fusion options like Asian-spiced duck cottage pie.

Elnecot in Ancoats serves modern British dishes with creative twists. Favourite dishes are reimagined and prepared with local ingredients, served in a slick and contemporary setting with indoor and outdoor tables. Food is served all day, and there are a variety of menus available, including a weekend brunch and a traditional Sunday roast.

Try Giovanni's for great Italian food in Manchester. It's the oldest independent Italian restaurant in the city and is also considered one of the most romantic. Carefully chosen ingredients are used to craft fresh and seasonal dishes, including steaks and crowd-pleasing pizza, pasta, and risotto. The setting is upscale and modern, with large windows, crisp tablecloths, and leather furniture.

The Ivy Spinningfields is the Manchester outpost of The Ivy Collection, combining two inspiring venues into one. Enjoy modern British cooking all day in the stylish brasserie or visit the late-night Asian-inspired bar for cocktails and plates to share. There are menus for every need here, including afternoon tea, brunch, and a frequently changing set menu.

Top restaurant Tast Catala brings the flavours of Barcelona to Mancunians. The venue includes a restaurant, bar, terrace, and private dining space. It's a contemporary setting with plants, plenty of light, and a casual atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available, too. Visit to try tapas, grilled meat, and rice dishes, with charcoal cooking being the speciality.

At The Refuge, you'll find a refined and relaxed venue encompassing several spaces ideal for drinks or dining. The surroundings are elegant and sophisticated, with Art Deco details. The small plates are great if you want something light, plus a diverse array of global flavours are on offer. Imaginative original cocktails are also available.

One of the most popular tapas restaurants in Manchester is El Gato Negro Tapas. This award-winning eatery is set across three floors in an attractive townhouse, featuring several distinct areas, a roof terrace, and large windows for great city views. Seasonal tapas dishes made with local ingredients are available here, showcasing modern and traditional flavours and techniques. 

Manchester's pizza fans can't stay away from Double Zero – this restaurant was ranked the best pizzeria in the UK in 2023. It's a relaxed and contemporary spot with indoor and outdoor tables. Diners are welcome to bring their own alcohol to go with the food menu of authentic pizzas with a diverse variety of toppings.

Yuzu Japanese Tapas is a top Japanese restaurant located in Chinatown. This venue serves authentic dishes made from scratch, offering up a simple menu of small and large plates like tempura, agedashi tofu, yaki udon, and noodle soup. The dining space is calm and minimalist with wood panelling and wooden furniture.

Beginning in Ancoats before expanding around Manchester and beyond, Rudy's Pizza Napoletana is one of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Manchester. Neapolitan pizza is the speciality, served with a range of authentic toppings. Cocktails and wine are available to enhance the experience. The restaurants are laid-back and trendy.

Bundobust brews its own beers and serves some of the best Indian street food in Manchester. The venue is lively, with communal tables and industrial touches. Of course there's plenty of beer, but the food is also in-demand, from light bites like okra fries to filling options such as paneer tikka. Grab a few dishes to immerse yourself in the flavours.

Tucked away in the Northern Quarter is This & That, an in-demand family-run curry house that's been open since 1984. Considered one of the top restaurants in Manchester for Indian cuisine, everything on the concise menu is homemade using authentic spices. A daily-changing choice of curries, including veggie dishes, are served here in a no-frills setting.

Based in Ashton, Lily's Indian Vegetarian Cuisine is an award-winning spot that serves some of the best vegetarian food in Manchester. This family-run eatery serves a 100% veggie menu that includes street food, curries, and sweets and desserts. The venue is spacious with an informal atmosphere and tempting desserts displayed at the counter. 

Habesha Restaurant looks unassuming from outside but is serving some of the best Ethiopian food in Manchester – in fact, it was the city's first Ethiopian restaurant when it opened in 2006. The red walls are vibrant and enhanced with traditional decor. A concise choice of vegetarian and meat dishes are available, served traditionally on injera bread.

Chinatown restaurant I Am Pho is a straightforward and affordable place for Vietnamese meals. The whitewashed dining space is simple and enhanced with floral decor. Traditional pho is on the menu but other options include banh mi, rice dishes, salads, and spring rolls. Try a Vietnamese beer as the ideal accompaniment to the food here.

Mughli Charcoal Pit is a top Manchester restaurant in the Curry Mile – even Ed Sheeran has enjoyed a meal here. This popular spot specialises in Indian street food, serving food tapas-style. Expect the likes of lamb chops, daal, and creative plates like Punjabi poutine and a Bombay toasted sandwich. The spacious setting is decorated with Indian posters and natural tones.

Located at the Corn Exchange, Mowgli Street Food is a top restaurant in Manchester for Indian cuisine. The menu includes street eats, food roulette tiffin boxes, and curries, plus kids' meals and set menus. Original cocktails and mocktails are also on offer. The interiors are stylish, decorated with wood, trees and leaves, and picturesque rope swing seats. 

Touted as some of the best ramen in Manchester, New Wave Ramen started out at Mackie Mayor but has since expanded. Everything, including the noodles, is made in-house with local and sustainable ingredients. Small plates, grilled dishes, and ramen bowls are served here. These eateries are laid-back, modern, and bustling.

Don't miss Mana if you're looking for one of the top restaurants in Manchester—it's the only one in the city to hold a Michelin star. Every table gets a view of the kitchen, where you can watch the chefs craft contemporary British menus that combine distinctive flavours and textures into unique dishes. The menus are accompanied by wine and cocktails.

Homegrown chef Adam Reid's eponymous restaurant, Adam Reid at The French, has won numerous awards and accolades, making it one of Manchester's best dining destinations. This luxurious spot is housed in a Grade II-listed building and has a lavish interior. Explore modern British cooking here through sophisticated and seasonal tasting menus.

Diners in Stockport visit Where The Light Gets In for sophisticated meals. Produce is central to the menus here—the restaurant works with farmers and fishermen around the country to develop creative, seasonal menus that are always evolving. Housed in a former coffee warehouse, the open-plan restaurant is contemporary and bright.

A restaurant from Gordon Ramsay, Lucky Cat is an upscale Asian-inspired venue. In grand surroundings with multiple private dining spaces available, diners can try small plates, sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled dishes. An intimate omakase experience is also available, plus there are special menus for groups. Asian-inspired original cocktails are also available here.

Chinese cuisine is served in a lavish environment at Tattu. Botanicals, atmospheric lighting, and sophisticated design add to the opulent style. An à la carte menu is available, but you can also choose from tasting menus or a set lunch option. Dishes are seasonal, and creative signature cocktails are also available.

Upscale Greek restaurant Fenix comes from the team behind Tattu. It opened in 2023 to much acclaim. Elevated versions of Greek and Mediterranean recipes with some inventive Asian influences are on the menu, but it's not only the food that makes this venue stand out. The elaborate and carefully-designed interiors add to the entire experience.

Maya opened by the canal in the Gay Village early in 2024 and quickly commanded attention. This venue is set over three floors, encompassing unique areas that each have their own distinct vibe. This elegant bistro serves modern European dishes, with a different menu available in each area. This place provides a number of idyllic experiences under one roof.