The best restaurants in Manchester

Launched in 2024, Skof quickly shook up Manchester's dining scene with its focus on seasonal produce and elegant tasting menus. It didn't take long for word to spread: bookings filled up months ahead, and the restaurant soon became only the second in the city to earn a Michelin Guide star. Led by chef Tom Barnes, the vibe is refreshingly relaxed  – no dress codes or stiff white tablecloths here. Expect thoughtful multi-course menus (including a shorter lunch option), modern British cooking at its best and drinks pairings that make the whole experience sing.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Don't miss Mana if you're looking for one of the top restaurants in Manchester – it's the first 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.

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.

Tucked away near the River Irwell, Climat is one of Manchester's coolest rooftop dining spots. The entrance is low-key, but once inside you'll find big city views and a buzzing, wine-led menu that's earned the restaurant plenty of fans. French flavours anchor the cooking, but the kitchen happily pulls inspiration from across the globe, turning out a steady stream of inventive small plates. Come for a bottle (or two), stay for the sunset and snack your way through one of the city's most stylish dinner spots.

Backed by the team behind Manchester favourite Trof, Stow keeps things simple — and very tasty. The Northern Quarter restaurant centres everything around a custom-built wood and charcoal grill, with a tight menu of dishes cooked over open flames. Think expertly charred meats, smoky veg and plates built for sharing. Add in well-made cocktails, a thoughtful wine list and a cosy, come-as-you-are atmosphere (helped along by friendly, chatty staff), and you've got a spot that feels instantly welcoming.

Set in Ancoats, Bruco has turned the former Trove site into a sleek but laid-back Italian hangout. The menu runs from morning to night, starting with sweet breakfast bites before moving into a mix of small plates made for sharing. One highlight: the panuozzo — a stuffed pizza sandwich that makes an excellent lunch. There's a strong line-up of Italian wines and classic cocktails to keep the table lively, and when the sun shows up, the outdoor seating brings a little Mediterranean energy to Manchester.