Best For Lunch In Manchester

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By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight 9 years' expertise in guides and reviews for UK food & drink, arts and entertainment. Last updated on 6th March 2026

With its wealth of bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes, there's no shortage of places to enjoy for an afternoon of eating. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated business meal in a smart Spinningfields bar, a leisurely ladies lunch or a gourmet burger at a cool Northern Quarter haunt, you'll be spoilt for choice with the best lunch in Manchester.




ASK Italian Manchester

Located close to Piccadilly Gardens, ASK Italian is a casual spot that's perfect for lunch. The spacious venue is filled with natural light from their huge windows, as well as pretty greenery and fairy lights.

There's all sorts to choose from on their extensive menu, which is full of tasty Italian treats. Indulge in spicy prawn piccante pizzas, sea bass al forno, aubergine parmigiana ravioli and so much more, with delicious sundaes for dessert.

Cosy Club Manchester

Located within the Corn Exchange, Cosy Club is a stylish restaurant bar that's inspired by all things 70s glamour. Expect retro, patterned wallpaper, warm lighting and plush pink booths to relax in, as well as pretty plants dotted around the venue.

They've got a scrumptious lunch menu to get stuck into, featuring all sorts of international dishes. Think king prawn and cod linguine, sticky Asian chicken salad, double smash burgers and so much more, with a killer cocktail list to boot.

Hello Oriental

If you work in Circle Square or near Oxford Road, or are just visiting the area on a weekend, Hello Oriental is the perfect stop-off at lunchtime - thanks to their express lunch menu. It's between £12 and £14 for a main dish with a soft drink or half-pint of lager, with dishes spanning katsu chicken uramaki, salt and pepper char siu chicken, Taiwanese pork belly lo mein and more.

Sexy Fish Manchester

Fancy a lunch date in insanely beautiful surroundings? Make your way to Sexy Fish in Spinningfields, the swish sister site of the swanky Mayfair haunt. Try out their two-course lunch set menu, featuring goodies like spicy prawn noodles, Japanese wagyu, salmon tartare with Korean spice, and crispy truffled tofu served alongside complimentary miso soup and steamed rice. And the best part? It's priced at just £28 per person.

Exhibition

Looking for somewhere exciting to lunch in the centre of the city? Exhibition has the answer. The snacks and small plates on its multi-kitchen menu are made for grazing, from shaokao skewers to beef short rib and soft shell crab.

If you're in the mood for something more hearty, there's cacio e pepe, mushroom risotto and many more pastas up for grabs. Whatever you eat, partner your plate with a classic cocktail, served with a Manchester twist.