The best restaurants in the Northern Quarter

The UK's first grilled cheese restaurant, Northern Soul is all about unapologetic, cheese-laden comfort food, turning the humble toastie into a fully loaded affair built on golden sourdough and a rich three-cheese blend. Not exactly a light option, this stand-out Northern Quarter restaurant is firmly aimed at fans of indulgence rather than restraint. Alongside customisable and pre-designed grilled cheese sandwiches, the bright yellow, always-busy spot also dishes up mac 'n' cheese, wings, loaded fries, cocktails, and milkshakes.

Trof is an iconic bar and restaurant in the Northern Quarter, celebrated for its hearty portions of comfort food and chic vibe. Housed within a historic building, it's kitted out with exposed brick walls, vintage touches, and snug seating nooks. The menu is a fusion of timeless British dishes with a contemporary twist, made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. And to wash it all down, Trof offers a selection of beers, cocktails, and coffee.

Evelyn's Café Bar is a popular café and restaurant in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Their eclectic menu draws inspiration from Middle Eastern and Pan-Asian food, offering brunch classics by day and small plates by night, all cooked over a charcoal Inka grill and live fire. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with lush foliage, intimate candlelight evenings, and chic yet rustic furniture. Below, The Daisy, their snug Parisian Pigalle-inspired bar where local DJs spin tunes every weekend, awaits.

This & That is a cherished family-run curry house in the Northern Quarter that's supposedly where the classic “rice and three” was invented. Here, every dish is homemade and prepared with care, bursting with the rich smells of freshly-ground spices. Though small, the menu offers a wide selection of daily specials, from the classic chicken tikka masala to comforting lamb and spinach, along with mixed vegetable options.

Evuna in Manchester is a standout Spanish tapas joint renowned for its authentic cuisine and superb wine selection. With locations peppered across the city, including the Northern Quarter, satisfying your tapas cravings has never been easier. From tapas dishes to hearty paellas and succulent grilled meats, each bite is made with top-notch ingredients and traditional recipes. And let's not forget their curated wine collection, spotlighting the finest Spanish labels.

Bab is a hip independent restaurant in the Northern Quarter, renowned for its creative approach to Middle Eastern fare. The menu is chock-full of flavour, featuring mouth-watering dishes like shawarma wraps, mezze platters, and desserts. Blending traditional Middle Eastern tastes with contemporary touches, Bab has earned a reputation as a beloved haunt for NQ locals and visitors alike.

The Northern Quarter Restaurant aka TNQ showcases the best of British cuisine, priding itself on sourcing ingredients exclusively from the British Isles, ensuring freshness and quality in every dish prepared daily. With a commitment to seasonal fare, their menus evolve every three months, offering starters, mains, and sides that celebrate the richness of British produce.

Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter is the epitome of cool, housed in a historic market hall, the only remaining fully intact building from the former Smithfield market. This chic food hall brings together an assortment of local vendors, offering everything from artisanal cheese to gourmet street food. Mackie Mayor is the ultimate hangout spot for those in search of chilled-out eats and equally relaxed vibes in the Northern Quarter.

Ramona in the Northern Quarter is, first and foremost, a hip cocktail bar that blends creative mixology with retro charm. However, they also serve a menu of loaded Detroit-style pizzas to complement the drinks. Expect hand-shaken cocktails with a focus on margaritas, as well as craft beers and fine wines. 

The Foundry Project is located in a converted warehouse oozing heaps of industrial charm. Its relaxed yet stylish vibe establishes it as the go-to destination for those in the know in the NQ. They serve a menu of trendy cocktails and dishes as visually pleasing as they are tasty, from hand-stretched pizzas and light bites to more substantial meals.

Yard & Coop is a lively and contemporary restaurant with a chic interior, specialising in mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken. They cater to diverse dietary preferences, from their halal-certified meat options to vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Choose from various fried chicken burgers and plates accompanied by an extensive selection of sauces.

Almost Famous is a go-to Northern Quarter spot for over-the-top burgers, celebrated for its playful, mismatched interiors filled with modern furnishings and striking artwork. The menu revolves around generously stacked beef and chicken burgers dressed up with premium toppings, alongside decadent sides built for sharing, making it a crowd-pleaser for families, friends, and larger groups alike.

Bundobust is a must-visit restaurant in the Northern Quarter if you're after punchy flavours paired with excellent beer in a buzzing atmosphere. Bringing together Indian street food and a strong line-up of craft brews, the space is lively and informal, with long shared tables, a well-stocked bar, and a raw, industrial look. Tip: the mixed platters are ideal for sharing alongside a pint or two.

Ramenshop is a small, much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant that's generally considered to serve some of the best ramen in Manchester – accompanied by some of the best hip-hop tunes to boot. The walk-in-only place has a pared-back interior with playful details like sticker-covered pillars for a bit of character, while the focused menu keeps things simple with a selection of ramen bowls, a few sides, and drinks.

Quickly climbing up the ranks of Manchester pizzerias, Nell's Pizza has several outposts across the city and is known for big-flavoured pizzas with a thin, crackly base. You can go all in with a 14- or 22-inch pie or keep it casual with a single slice, choosing from a mix of well-executed classics, inventive combinations, and meat-free options. Their Northern Quarter restaurant is especially lively, pairing a modern, energetic feel with colourful art prints on the brick walls.