The Best Restaurants in Manchester

Manchester’s dining scene has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting culinary destinations. From Michelin-starred establishments to hidden gems tucked away in the Northern Quarter, the city offers an impressive array of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a casual night out, or simply exploring Manchester’s vibrant food culture, our guide to the best restaurants in Manchester will help you discover exceptional dining spots across the city.

As Manchester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant since 2019, Mana has established itself as the pinnacle of fine dining in the city. Located in the trendy Ancoats neighborhood, Chef-Patron Simon Martin brings his experience from working at Noma in Copenhagen (once named “The Best Restaurant in the World”) to create an immersive dining experience that showcases the finest British produce.

The restaurant features a stunning open kitchen where chefs work alongside diners, creating an intimate yet informal atmosphere. The tasting menu consists of at least 14 courses that highlight seasonal ingredients, including unique offerings like Reindeer Moss from the Isle of Skye. While vegetarian options are available, the restaurant doesn’t cater to vegan or lactose-free diets.

Located in the historic dining room of The Midland Hotel, Adam Reid at The French offers what many consider the best all-round dining experience in Manchester. Led by BBC’s Great British Menu winner Adam Reid, the restaurant serves modern British cuisine using the finest seasonal produce available.

Despite being the most accredited restaurant in the UK without a Michelin Star (holding 4 AA Rosettes and scoring 8/10 in the Good Food Guide), The French continues to impress with its signature dishes and set menu format. The restaurant has maintained its status as the Pride Of Manchester Award-winning “Best Restaurant in Manchester” since opening in February 2013.

For unparalleled views of Manchester’s skyline, 20 Stories stands out as the city’s premier rooftop dining destination. Located on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, this glamorous restaurant, cocktail bar, and expansive terrace offers a 360-degree panorama that’s particularly spectacular at sunset.

The menu focuses on showcasing the best of the North West, with ingredients sourced from within 50 miles of Manchester. The restaurant maintains a smart dress code, adding to its reputation as one of the city’s most sophisticated dining venues. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail on the terrace or a full meal in the restaurant, the views alone make 20 Stories worth visiting.

Located inside the plush Manchester 235 casino, James Martin Manchester offers a stunning dining experience from the former BBC TV’s Saturday Kitchen host. The restaurant serves delicious British dishes, steaks, and desserts that showcase the Yorkshireman’s signature style.

Using only the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, James Martin Manchester is particularly famed for its Cumbrian Lakeland Fells and Yorkshire Wagyu beef. The restaurant offers various dining options, including à la carte, a Tasting Menu, and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available, along with a fantastic Sunday Roast and Afternoon Tea.

Manchester’s Northern Quarter has evolved into the city’s most vibrant food district, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to artisanal coffee and innovative cocktails. This bohemian neighborhood is home to some of Manchester’s most creative and exciting dining spots.

Located on Church Street Market, Northern Soul Grilled Cheese has developed a cult following for its indulgent cheese toasties. Using sourdough bread and their secret three-cheese blend as a base, they create mouthwatering combinations that elevate the humble grilled cheese to an art form.

Popular options include the Pestorella (featuring fresh tomato and basil pesto) and the Mac Attack (incorporating mac and cheese into the sandwich). Each toastie comes with a pickle on the side and oozes with perfectly melted cheese. Beyond sandwiches, they also offer mac and cheese, nachos, and milkshakes.

Tucked away off Piccadilly, Bundobust combines two Manchester favorites: Indian street food and craft beer. The restaurant’s unassuming entrance leads to a vibrant space with communal tables, Bollywood posters, and an impressive beer menu featuring both local and international craft options.

The entirely vegetarian menu includes favorites like onion bhaji, masala dosa (rice crepe filled with potato and onion dry fry), chole bhatura (chickpeas cooked in tomato and onion sauce), and paneer and mushroom tikka. Don’t miss the vada pav, known as “Mumbai’s favorite burger,” which offers a perfect balance of flavors and subtle spice.

For authentic Spanish cuisine in Manchester, La Bandera stands out as a family-run establishment serving traditional Iberian tapas, rice dishes, and Canary Islands specialties. Located just off Deansgate near the Town Hall, the restaurant has become popular with footballers from both Manchester United and Manchester City.

Diners can choose from a tapas menu, sharing Arroces rice dishes, or a seven-course tasting menu. The restaurant also features an outside terrace for alfresco dining when the Manchester weather permits. La Bandera offers a genuine taste of Spain in the heart of Manchester.

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill brings authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine to Manchester from its stylish £1 million venue. Located across from The Palace Theatre and a short walk from several universities, it’s perfectly positioned for pre-theatre dining or student meals.

The restaurant features a Sigri charcoal grill in its theatre-style open kitchen, where chefs prepare an array of healthy Indian and Pakistani dishes. The menu includes wide selections for vegetarians, vegans, seafood lovers, and those requiring gluten-free options. Beyond dinner, Zouk offers Mezze breakfast, Indian Nashta brunch, and even Indian-style Sunday roasts.

The Al Fresco Sheesha Lounge with heated parasols provides outdoor dining and a variety of Egyptian Shishas. For those interested in learning culinary skills, Zouk also runs a popular Indian cookery school.

Tucked away in Prestwich Village, The Pearl is a charming British restaurant that has quietly built a reputation for excellence. The intimate dining room provides the perfect setting for enjoying beautifully presented dishes that let the ingredients speak for themselves.

The menu is simple yet delicious, focusing on produce from local suppliers around the British Isles. The Pearl’s wine list is equally thoughtful – succinct and carefully considered to complement the food offerings. This neighborhood gem offers a more relaxed fine dining experience away from the city center bustle.

As the first branch outside of London, Shoryu Manchester brings authentic Japanese ramen to Piccadilly Gardens. This intimate restaurant with communal dining specializes in Hakata cuisine, particularly their signature Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen with its rich, creamy pork broth and thin noodles.

Beyond ramen, the menu features Shoryu buns, Testunabe gyozas, tempura, sashimi, and yakitori dishes. The drink selection includes Gekkeikan Royal Warrant Sake among many other Japanese wines, shochus, and sakes. The head chef comes from a Michelin Star background in Japan, ensuring authentic flavors and techniques.

Manchester’s restaurant scene continues to evolve, offering dining experiences to suit every taste, occasion, and budget. From Michelin-starred establishments to hidden neighborhood gems, the city’s culinary landscape reflects its diverse, innovative spirit.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion at Mana or Adam Reid at The French, enjoying panoramic views at 20 Stories, savoring international cuisines at La Bandera or Zouk, or exploring the eclectic offerings of the Northern Quarter, Manchester’s best restaurants promise memorable dining experiences that showcase both local ingredients and global influences.