The cold has crept in and the days are getting shorter... sounds like you need a warm nook to hunker down in. And that's why we've rounded up the best winter restaurants in Manchester, where you can enjoy a seasonal meal in snug surroundings.
From fairy-lit dining spots to pubs with fireplaces and seasonal pop-up igloos and places serving fondue, these picks have got everything you need to see you through the icier seasons. Discover your favourites below.
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Not only does The Anthologist have a menu of hearty, warming classics like pies, burgers and Marmite mac 'n' cheese, but the selection of indulgent dessert cocktails is sure to get you in the winter spirit. Better yet, you'll be able to say you've been to the First Dates restaurant.
Boasting plenty of cosy corners and even a giant tipi, The Oast House is one of our favourite winter outdoor restaurants in Manchester. Whether it's a chilled out date night or drinks with mates, make the evening hearty thanks to fondue sharing dishes and hanging kebabs.
One of the best restaurants in Manchester for cosy winter vibes is El Gato Negro, who bring a Mediterranean feel to the city through Michelin Guide-recommended tapas plates. Topping it off? Wine and sangria to warm the cockles.
They may have swapped their winter igloo dining in Manchester for show-stopping rooftop pergolas, but 20 Stories still gets our vote for an unforgettable meal. It combines views, plush furnishings, blankets and cushions across a stunning space, alongside festive decor across the main dining space too.
With a name inspired by Jungle Book, candle-lit timber tables, decorative fairy lights and lanterns, Mowgli is a top choice of the best cosy restaurants in Manchester. Enjoy hearty Indian dishes and street food with a good slosh of curry leaf-steeped whisky cocktails.
Warm your soul and your belly with French comfort food this season at Brasserie Blanc, home of seasonal menus inspired by Raymond Blanc OBE, championing traditional French culinary techniques and top ingredients sourced with care.
The dining room is set within an atrium decked out with cosy booths and a botanical theme, letting in floods of natural light and filling the space with a warm glow. Settle in for hearty, feel-good food, from cheese soufflé and dry-aged steaks to confit rabbit leg and flavourful soups. Heat up your experience by pairing your meal with something from the curated wine list or an expertly made cocktail.
A gorgeous venue strung with fairy lights, Spinningfields' The Lawn Club boasts a cosy pergola for that alfresco dining feel without the chill. Find it packed with blankets and low lighting in the colder months, alongside their pop-up winter yurt for extra winter vibes.
Albert's Schloss Manchester is a cosy restaurant and bar that's inspired by Queen Victoria's husband's Anglo-Bavarian heritage and his love of entertainment. The Alpine-decorated spot (think chopped wood and twinkling lights) features performances seven nights a week, from the likes of piano duels to cabaret.
On the menu? Cookhaus classics that are sure to warm your cockles, like bratwurst and ooey gooey fondue, washed down with a stein of beer or a signature apple strudel cocktail.
The Ivy is serving up quintessentially British food and a heavy dose of festive vibes to the Spinningfields masses. Join this best pick of cosy rooftop restaurants in Manchester for a hearty feast washed down with special seasonal cocktails, alongside gorgeous winter wonderland-esque surroundings.
Authentic tapas and a plethora of fine wines; Evuna is a strong choice for cosy winter restaurants in Manchester city centre. Along with sharing paellas and vegetarian small plates, it also serves up a signature seabass baked in rock salt, which is dramatically filleted in front of you.
Tattu is already a beautiful year-round destination, but when they turn their gorgeous cherry blossoms blue for winter? You know it's a must-visit for the season. Sip through limited-edition cocktails and munch themed desserts while the immersive Aurora Borealis light shows dazzle you.
The king of cosy pubs with fireplaces, The Wharf is a brilliant place to eat this winter. Grab a table by the hearth to enjoy an evening of local brews or pub grub classics in this cute and characterful spot.
Sam's Chop House in Manchester is a historic gem that combines a rich heritage with a contemporary dining experience. Established in 1872 by the Studd brothers, this restaurant reflects the spirit of the Victorian era when chop houses were the go-to places for hearty meals and lively conversation.
Nestled in a charming location off Chapel Walks, Sam's boasts an inviting atmosphere characterised by warm wood panelling and original tiling that echoes its storied past, with a sister venue called Mr Thomas's Chop House too. The menu features traditional British fare, emphasising locally sourced ingredients and classic recipes. Indulge in a range of meaty delights, from the renowned steak and kidney pudding or a corned beef hash to a sumptuous Sunday roast.
If you're a fan of dinners by candlelight - I mean, who isn't - then Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats is the place for you. The pub and restaurant knocks up a whole host of brunch fare, weekday eats and a cracking Sunday roast.
With an indoor restaurant inspired by eating alfresco and a menu of exquisite food, The Refuge is, without a doubt, up there for cosy winter garden restaurants in Manchester. Nestle into the romantic surroundings while tucking into a wide array of seasonal bites.
Replacing their winter outdoor dining pods in Manchester again this year is The Black Friar's winter tavern, which takes over an award-winning garden space. Munch through menus of divine festive fare, alongside sipping on seasonal cocktails or Manchester-themed concoctions.
Not just one for boozy sips and hot toddies, Bar Hütte is also a top choice for food come wintertime. Check out the city centre pop-up as it returns with après-ski chalets and freshly baked pizza.
Pull up a chair at The Dakota Grill this winter and get stuck into their menu of yuletide classics. From hearty plates of turkey with all the trimmings to braised short rib of beef and Christmas pudding slathered in brandy custard, there's plenty to give you all the festive feels.
Dimitri's Bar Taverna in Deansgate is a vibrant gem in Manchester's culinary scene, renowned for its authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Nestled in Campfield Arcade, this popular eatery has been delighting guests for over 30 years with its mouthwatering tapas and meze, making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.
You can hunker down under the heaters in the outdoor arcade area, which includes murals of views over the sea on Greek islands. Tuck into a variety of delicious platters, with standout offerings including hummus, grilled meats, and fresh seafood, perfect for sharing among friends.
Housed within an impressive historic building, The Fountain House is a very British affair. Fronting wooden flooring and plenty of gastropub grub, the restaurant will have you chomping on hearty classics for total comfort this winter.
The Wharf in Castlefield has a hearth, so you can sit beside it while you eat pub classics or drink local brews. It suits a relaxed winter meal and is dog friendly too.
Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats serves a Sunday roast alongside its brunch and weekday menu. Sam's Chop House on King Street, which dates back to 1872, also offers a Sunday roast with traditional British mains.
Mowgli Corn Exchange has candle-lit timber tables, fairy lights and lanterns, with hearty Indian dishes and street food. Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats is another candlelit choice for dinner.
The Oast House in Spinningfields has a giant tipi and cosy corners, and The Lawn Club in Spinningfields has a pop-up winter yurt alongside blankets and its pergola. Dimitris Bar Taverna on Deansgate lets diners sit under heaters in its outdoor arcade.
Dakota Bar and Grill serves yuletide classics, including turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with brandy custard. The Black Friar Salford's winter tavern offers festive fare in its garden space, and The Ivy Spinningfields adds seasonal cocktails and winter-wonderland surroundings.
