The best restaurants in Piccadilly Manchester

The Bulls Head, dating back to the 18th century, stands as one of Manchester's oldest pubs, offering not just drinks but also food and accommodation. While it has undergone various renovations over the years, it has maintained its authentic Victorian charm and is conveniently situated across the street from Manchester Piccadilly Station. If you're feeling peckish, the lively establishment serves classic British and European pub fare.

Bundobust is a must-visit for tasty Indian street eats and craft beers in a dynamic setting. This vibrant Piccadilly restaurant features communal tables, an abundant beer selection at the bar, and industrial decor. The menu offers a range of options from light snacks like parathas to more substantial fare such as dhal and vada pav, as well as combos of flavourful dishes, all perfect to pair with your beer.

Moose Coffee is a family-run venture aiming to share the founders' passion for hearty North American breakfasts. Adorned with moose-themed decor, the modern café on Piccadilly Station Approach serves an extensive menu of sizeable breakfast plates throughout the day, including eggs benedict, a variety of sandwiches, stacks of pancakes and waffles, and more. This is one of the top spots for brunch in the area.

Enjoy a meal in the strikingly pink ambience of Archie's, a contemporary and highly photogenic dining spot with several locations across Manchester, including next to Piccadilly Station. The eatery offers a completely halal menu crafted using locally sourced ingredients. Patrons frequent Archie's for their burgers, chicken, and fries, alongside indulgent desserts such as waffles and shakes.

Bullgogi combines a slick, city-inspired look with a lively, hands-on way of eating. The menu at this Piccadilly restaurant spans classic Korean small dishes given a contemporary twist, as well as generous sharing feasts designed for two. Expect an assortment of meats and vegetables brought to the table raw, ready to be grilled over your own barbecue, turning the meal into an interactive, sociable affair rather than just a way to refuel.

The Chip Shop, busy throughout the day, is perfectly situated for commuters looking for a quick takeaway, but it also features an indoor window counter and outdoor seating. This modern, minimalistic spot serves a variety of affordable battered treats, from traditional fish and chips to sausages and chicken nuggets, alongside sides and condiments like sriracha mayo. They also offer a selection of pies.

Freight Island is a large food and entertainment complex just south of Piccadilly Station, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces. This destination encompasses a variety of areas ranging from shared dining halls to more intimate lounge spots, suitable for gatherings of any scale. Visitors can indulge in a wide selection of street food and beverages. Additionally, Freight Island's eclectic event schedule includes concerts, live DJ sets, fireworks displays, and much more.

At the Shoryu Ramen restaurant in Piccadilly Gardens, you can enjoy bowls of warm, creamy, and comforting ramen. This laid-back restaurant specialises in authentic dishes featuring pork broth that's been simmered for 12 hours, along with a vegan alternative. Alongside the main dishes, there's an array of side dishes, as well as a vast selection of sake and cocktails. It's also a good location for family dining, complete with an exclusive children's set menu.

Having helped pioneer birria tacos in the UK, Don Tacos is a creative restaurant in Piccadilly Gardens offering authentic, halal-friendly Mexican dishes and vegan options. Adorned with vibrant murals, the restaurant has a lively atmosphere. Its menu encompasses a concise selection of starters alongside beloved Mexican classics such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

Chez Mal, located at the Malmaison hotel just up the road from Piccadilly Station, is renowned for its expertise in grilling. The interior features luxurious leather banquettes accentuated by splashes of red. Focusing primarily on grilled steaks and inventive cocktails, the menu also encompasses a variety of other dishes like braised ox cheek and vegetarian ravioli. Kids' meals, breakfast, and afternoon tea are available at this restaurant too.

When Bunsik opened in London in 2021, it sparked a craze for Korean corndogs, leading to its expansion to several locations, including this prominent spot in the heart of Manchester. The main attraction at Bunsik are the Instagrammable battered corndogs, but the Piccadilly Gardens restaurant also serves up a variety of other tempting street-food delights, such as Korean fried chicken, ddukbokki rice cakes, Korean chicken burgers, and more.

Tucked away just off of Piccadilly, the retro Café Marhaba may appear modest, but it offers some of the most sought-after Pakistani and North Indian cuisine in Manchester. This unpretentious spot is known for its affordable homemade dishes and straightforward approach. With over 20 traditional curries on the menu, many available as part of a “rice and three” option, expect to be greeted with bold, intense flavours.

Featuring a polished, vintage industrial ambience, Store Street Exchange at the DoubleTree hotel in Manchester Piccadilly elevates simple culinary creations with inventive touches, resulting in signature dishes like the Goosnargh rotisserie chicken and flavourful steaks. To complement the food, their craft bar showcases a selection of Manchester's finest local ales and an array of captivating cocktails. An outdoor terrace is available as well.

Head to Madre for flavourful Mexican food and a strong drinks list to match. Warm and welcoming, the Piccadilly restaurant is designed for relaxed dining, while the cooking draws inspiration from journeys across different regions of Mexico. You'll find everything from à la carte tacos and ceviche to set menus and options for groups, with vegan dishes and even a Mexican-style Sunday roast in the mix.

Great North Pie Co began life as a small home project, honing their all-butter pastry and even designing their own pie tins before taking their bakes to local farmers' markets. A commitment to top-tier ingredients and imaginative fillings soon set them apart, earning a string of accolades at the British Pie Awards. At their snug Piccadilly outpost with outdoor seating, you can pick up seasonal pies and locally sourced drinks.