Restaurants In Manchester City Centre

Brimming with inhabitants in the hundreds of thousands, Manchester is a buzzing hotspot for all things food and drink... and we're a hungry lot. Ranging from slick steak haunts to laid-back and affordable eats that will leave you craving for more, we've rounded up the best restaurants in Manchester city centre for your pleasure. Don't say we don't treat ya.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 14th November 2024




The Alchemist Manchester - New York Street

While best known for their fizzing, smoking and popping cocktails, did you know that The Alchemist also boasts a mouthwatering menu of international grub? This quirky joint offers an all-day dining menu with a unique theatrical twist, making every meal exciting, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their classic dishes, inspired by global cuisines, come with a creative spin. For dinner, try their smoking boards with chicken, salmon, or lamb, served with rice and charred lime. The menu also features steaks, salads, and vegetarian options like grilled butternut squash with mozzarella and cauliflower curry with crispy kale. 

Bab NQ

£10 Lunch Express and 2 other offers

Located on Little Lever Street in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter, BAB is a split-level casual dining space and late-night cocktail bar. Its menu features locally sourced ingredients, vibrant flavours, and homemade marinades and sauces. Specialising in 'kebabs worth sitting down for', menu highlights include the chicken ezme and jerk pulled pork. Watch its chefs create everything from scratch, including fresh flatbreads, in an open theatre-style kitchen. Expect big flavours and succulent meats, all cooked on a Robata grill for that signature charcoal taste.

Honest Burgers Manchester

Looking for the best places to eat in Manchester city centre? If top-notch burgers, specially brewed craft beers and simple (but divine) cocktails are your idea of a good time, then head to Honest Burgers, where you'll find all that and more. Straight from their own butchery, this comfort food joint uses only chuck and rib cap in their burgers, chopping the meat to retain flavour and juices, then serving it medium rare or to your preference. Picture spectacularly pickled gherkins, crunchy bacon, rich melted cheese, and patties oozing with beefy goodness, all accompanied by rosemary-salted fries. It's the best burger you'll have all year.

Don Giovanni

Pre-Theatre Menu | 2 course £23.95 | 3 course £27.95 and 2 other offers

If you're searching for the best Italian restaurants in Manchester city centre, Don Giovanni is a pretty slick haunt to settle down in for a meal. With 35 years of dishing out delicious Italian grub, this slick joint understands that using top-notch, fresh ingredients is the key to elevating your dining game. Fronting mouthwatering halal steaks, pasta, pizza and seafood, all washed down with artisan cocktails or vintage vino, it's exactly what you've been searching for. We'd recommend grabbing a plates of pollo porcini, lobster thermidore, spaghetti aragosta and diavola pizza.

Three Little Words

Tucked away in the arches of Watson Street you'll find Three Little Words, a glam restaurant bar housed inside the historic Grade II-listed railway arches serving up international plates, including rainbow trout with nduja and coconut laksa, alongside Sunday roasts. Here, you'll discover a world of beautiful spirits and world-class drinks, all crafted with passion and precision, right in the heart of the city. With a gin distillery on-site, you know they've more than got you covered with plenty of cocktails and G&Ts.

Gaucho Manchester

One for all you carnivores, Gaucho is the go-to for Argentinian eats. Start with refreshing lime ceviches, tiraditos, meaty empanadas, and homemade sausages, then revel in towering meat boards showcasing well-aged cuts like ancho, lomo, cuadril, and churrasco. Watch the chefs in action at the open kitchen for some ringside excitement. Pair your prime cut with a full-bodied red or crisp white - and don't miss the cocktails, either. With bold interiors, glittering chandeliers, glass-panelled Art Deco ceilings as well as quirky cow print and plush seating, you'll be wined and dined in stylish settings. 

Riva Blu - Manchester

Located in the Corn Exchange, Riva Blu is a stunning restaurant with unique, turquoise-accented interiors and a crowd-pleasing menu that blends authentic Italian dishes with restaurant favourites. Main courses include popular pastas like carbonara and linguine alle vongole, steaks, as well as seafood dishes like grilled yellowfin tuna. Pizzas feature the company's own 'biga' dough crafted by master baker Davide Argentino. Alongside classics like margherita and fiorentina, you'll find capricciosa and calzone stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and salami. To top it off? A gorgeous terrace for alfresco dining and an open kitchen to catch all the action while your pasta, pizza or other delish dish is being cooked. 

BLVD

On the hunt for cool places to eat in Manchester city centre? BLVD is inspired by the uber-luxe bars of New York, LA and Miami, whipping up an international a la carte menu alongside bottomless brunches. We're talking a menu full of Italian delicacies such as pork Milanese, calamari fritta, alfredo pasta, and marinara pizzas galore. Come nightfall, the space transforms into a sprawling cocktail lounge featuring entertainment and tasty tipples.

Peter Street Kitchen

5 Course Christmas Luncheon: £155 and 7 other offers

When only fancy restaurants in Manchester city centre will do, check out Peter Street Kitchen. Located in the iconic Free Trade Hall, the award-winning restaurant features high ceilings, pendant lighting, wooden accents and stacked sake barrels. The izayaka menu features Japanese A5 wagyu and six-course omakase offerings, which can be upgraded to an epic hibachi experience involving a fire pit. Highlights include seafood platters, grilled lobster gyoza tacos, and seared beef with truffle chilli dressing.

Mowgli Corn Exchange

A great Indian restaurant in Manchester city centre, Mowgli is the Corn Exchange eatery promising authentic bites and vibrant cocktails. They've got a fresh take on traditional dishes, serving up home-cooked goodness with a modern twist. The restaurant's chill vibes and pretty decorations create the perfect backdrop for their delicious sharing plates. Head down and get stuck into warming bowls of dahl, finger-licking small plates and an array of house curries like Himalayan cheese toasties, yoghurt chaat bombs, and the legendary Mother Butter Chicken.

Manahatta Deansgate

Bringing a slice of Manhattan to Manchester, Manahatta is a Deansgate hangout that has gone all out on the stunning NYC stylings. The huge 230-cover space is located inside the Grade II-listed Royal London House and is home to a vast bar, dining area and private subterranean rooms. Think classic American cocktails and dishes in opulent, neon-lit surroundings. We're talking karaage chicken ramen, NY club bagels, turmeric spiced houmous and caramel cookie dough brownies.

The Library Champagne Bar

Champagne Afternoon Tea and 1 other offer

The Library Champagne Bar at The Edwardian Manchester is curated by Assouline and offers up French-inspired dining on Peter Street, reflecting the luxury and style of the iconic publishers in its name. Located in the iconic Free Trade Hall near Deansgate, enjoy handcrafted sandwiches, scones, and patisseries paired with fine Champagne in a chic, art-filled space. Head down for afternoon tea, where you'll be treated to the likes of lemon-roasted chicken sandwiches with truffle mayo and Black Forest gâteau. It's the perfect place to indulge in the timeless British tradition of high tea.

Impossible

Are you ready to discover a whimsical joint serving Asian street food-inspired grub? A gin bar, restaurant and vibrant club room with a theatrical twist all rolled into one, Impossible has you sorted from filling up before your night out to all the fun during it. Think fire eaters, cabaret and other immersive performances on their swish catwalk. The interiors, inspired by creator Aaron Mellor's travels and famous Mancunians, feature private booths and a hidden gin palace with 63 types of gin. Unique touches include a molecular cocktail lab with an alcoholic mist condenser and a lickable Champagne bubble machine. Hungry? Dig into plates of seabass, pork T-bone or chickpea curry while you revel in the epic entertainment.

Foundry Project Manchester

Foundry Project, a cool and contemporary joint in Manchester's Northern Quarter, offers fun, fresh, and incredibly tasty plates. Spread across two floors, they've got mid-morning brunch, late-night drinks and dancing 'til the early hours to boot. Their extensive menu includes Burgers of Filth, which features messy delights like the Black and Gold with double beef patties and black pudding, as well as pizzas with unique toppings like maple bacon, egg, onion marmalade, and sriracha sauce. The Pimped Up Fries are also a must-try, with options like cheeseburger, poutine, and millionaire's fries topped with truffle oil and cheese sauce on offer. 

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

The Blues Kitchen Manchester is a bar, eatery and live music venue bringing the sound of the Deep South to the city. This pretty venue serves up authentic Texan BBQ and boasts the largest collection of rare and vintage bourbons in the city. The dark, moody interior features contemporary furnishings, glowing lanterns, a stunning stained glass window, plenty of seating, and an upstairs live music area. Popular menu items include fried chicken served with coleslaw and fries as well as a grass-fed beef burger with American cheese, Big Mac sauce, fries, and salad. Head over to the Quay Street location for an excellent night out any evening of the week.

Browns Brasserie & Bar Manchester

Just a short walk from the Northern Quarter, Browns Brasserie & Bar is located at the corner of York Street and Spring Gardens. Designed by Charles Heathcote in 1902, the building showcases Edwardian Baroque architecture with beautiful Art Nouveau details. Settle down in the swish interiors of this gorgeous restaurant, where you can tuck into the likes of Champagne brunches, salmon fillets and other delightful British dishes. We're talking indulgent twists on classic comfort food, featuring favourites like harissa-spiced lamb rack, rhubarb barbecue pork belly, chicken schnitzel, shepherd's pie, and salted caramel profiteroles. Topping it off? A range of signature cocktails like the Bombay Sapphire-infused Lady Cherry Blossom to wet your whistle.

Yard & Coop Manchester

Fancy something a little chilled out? The Northern Quarter's cosy hotspot is ready to hook you on their US-style buttermilk fried chicken. Housed in a former office building, Yard & Coop features hip wall murals, reclaimed wooden tables, and low-hanging light fixtures, adding a stylish touch to the vibrant Edge Street scene. Get your fried chicken fix at one of the best halal restaurants in Manchester city centre, where you'll find finger-lickin' morsels doused in various sauces, spices and marinades. Pair that with Bourbon BBQ wings or battered jalapenos and you're good to go.

Australasia

Australasia reflects the generous Aussie spirit with a menu influenced by the Pacific Rim, especially Japan and Southeast Asia. Frequented by footballers and TV stars alike, it is also one of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester city centre. Look out for a glass pyramid near The John Rylands Library and head downstairs to a sleek white venue, which specialises in Japanese plates and slick cocktails. As for food, you can expect to munch on dishes like sesame-crusted tuna with avocado tempura, seared pigeon with Thai cucumber and mango, barbecued lamb cutlets, or tender black cod roasted in hoba leaf. Want more? Make your way over to their sister bar, Sunset.

The Anthologist, St Peter Square

From weekend brunches to an all-day menu, The Anthologist (AKA the First Dates restaurant) is delivering the goods from its cool St Peter Square eatery. Open seven days a week, this rustic-chic joint boasts an open kitchen and striking cocktail bar, with cosy touches like copper herb pots, tea lights, and plush cushions. It also houses a beautiful plant-filled terrace perfect for year-round alfresco dining and people-watching with a glass of rosé. As for food, we'd recommend starting with chilli-glazed chicken wings and moving on to buttermilk chicken curry with wild rice and naan for mains. And don't forget to get your hands on their dessert cocktails. Swoon.

Grand Pacific Manchester

You would be forgiven for forgetting you were in Central Manchester at all with this beautiful building that draws inspiration from the age of exploration. Grand Pacific is set in a historic space and is themed around the tropics, with high vaulted ceilings contrasted by golden leaf chandeliers. The 120-seat dining room offers an all-day menu, while the Long Bar, taking cues from Raffles Hotel in Singapore, serves bespoke cocktails until late. Food is equally as unique, with everything from an elegantly presented starter of chicken and spring onion gyoza, to a generously portioned tempura Szechuan sea bass featuring tender fillets in perfectly crisp, lightly spiced batter.

Banyan Corn Exchange

While technically a bar, Banyan also doubles as one of the best affordable restaurants in Manchester city centre, serving up a mean menu from breakfast through to dinner, or roasts come the weekend. Here, you can enjoy global-inspired grub in a cosy and vibrant setting decked out in stylish decor, with the option to dine alfresco if you wish. Tuck into American-style pancakes, Thai red curries and signature burgers, all washed down with cocktails. Their main menu features veggie dishes like roasted cauliflower Malayan curry as well as grilled halloumi skewers with layers of pepper and corn on the cob. If you're hankering for sandwiches and burgers, they have a great lineup, including their signature beef burger topped with crispy bacon and cheese.

James Martin Restaurant

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Housed within the Manchester235 Casino, this is a fab joint for post-game refreshments. Formerly the Great Northern Warehouse, James Martin Restaurant is home to exposed brick work and steel girders, alongside the chef's signature, ever-changing, seasonal menus. The elegant dining room, with stunning historic features, is perfect for discovering inspirational chef's table dining, delicious à la carte and tasting menus, as well as stunning Sunday lunches. The seasonally changing menus spotlight ingredients from top UK butchers, fishmongers, game dealers, farmers, and cheesemakers. Original dishes include Ribblesdale sheep cheese pasta, black garlic-glazed wagyu ox cheek, as well as white chocolate and whisky croissant butter pudding.

The Lawn Club

Lunch Club | Main & Soft Drink for £10

Located in the sunny surrounds of Hardman Square, The Lawn Club is a gorgeous alfresco dining restaurant and cocktail bar, perfect for an after-work drink or weekend lunch. Boasting a covered pergola area covered in greenery as well as private pods and a sprawling lawn, it's the ultimate Spinningfields hangout. You can nab refreshing summer spritzes from their outdoor bar too, paired with a menu of tantalising pizzas, gourmet burgers or small plates to share.

PizzaLuxe

Stop by and savour the love and passion that goes into every pie at PizzaLuxe. They're all about using the freshest ingredients, from homemade dough and tasty tomato sauce to fancy cheeses and deluxe toppings, offering treats like Hawaiian, Sicilian, and picante pizzas. Whether you're craving a quick bite, a family feast, or a chill hangout with pals, this cosy spot has got you covered. And for all things bottomless? Hit them up during the week for free-flowing drinks and pizzas from £34.95 per person.

Hello Oriental

When it comes to Chinese restaurants in Manchester city centre, Hello Oriental isn't just about delivering the foods from China. This Pan-East Asian destination is both a food hall-style dining space and an Asian supermarket, with a menu spanning many different countries from the region.

Find it tucked away under Circle Square near Oxford Road, where you can dig into soft shell crab burgers, Sichuan hot pot, custard bao, Korean ramen-carbonara fusion and more.

Doghouse Manchester

Bottomless Brunch and 3 other offers

The bar of the BrewDog hotel isn't just a mecca of craft beers, there's also a rooftop terrace, 2 for 1 vegan Mondays, buy one get one free taco Tuesdays, unlimited wings Wednesdays, lip-smackin' burgers, and brunch at Doghouse Manchester; phew, what a list. Head down to indulge in a menu filled with street-food inspired goodies like Korean loaded fries, buffalo chicken burgers, Temple of Seitan wings, and deep-fried Oreos. Not exactly your cup of tea? Venture up to the rooftop bar, boasting epic views alongside tasty tacos.

Tattu

It goes without saying that a visit to Tattu should be on the agenda when you're in town. A pretty restaurant where the menu is just as striking as the interiors, it fronts authentic pan-Asian dishes alongside distinctive cocktails containing ingredients like sake and yuzu. This swish haunt boasts a moody colour scheme of deep greys and dark wood, along with soft lighting, creating a seductive ambience, while their iconic purple blossom cherry tree takes centre stage in the space. Diners can choose from à la carte or tasting menus, with the latter showcasing a curated selection of the swanky joint's finest dishes, such as the sticky beef short rib with soy, chilli, and crispy shallots as well as the sesame roasted scallops with Chinese sausage, crushed edamame, and mint.

Dakota Bar And Grill

Dakota Bar & Grill is a dimly-lit brasserie and bar found in the Dakota Manchester offering a sophisticated dining experience with a unique twist. The elegant space located by the canal provides a stunning setting for enjoying high-quality cuisine. Head to the boutique hotel for a menu featuring sizzling steak, luscious seafood and indulgent desserts, all matched with fine wines, including A5 wagyu rib-eye and zesty lemon sole.

Mana

For Michelin star restaurants in Manchester, Mana fits the bill. Simon Martin, former chef at the world-class Danish restaurant NOMA, whips up multi-course tasting menus at this celebrated venue - making sure you're chowing down on the best seasonal fare our British Isles have to offer. Decked out in neutral tones and statement lighting, this swish restaurant serves up Instagram-worthy interiors alongside delicious food. Indulge in dishes like sea urchin chawanmushi, yakitori-style eel, and salt-aged duck with bread sauce while you revel in the swanky surroundings.

The Ivy Spinningfields

From the ground floor brasserie serving all kinds of classic British dishes to the swanky Asian-inspired restaurant and gorgeous roof garden upstairs, The Ivy Spinningfields is the place to be. Not only are the interiors highly Instagrammable, but the food and drink selection is just as impressive. The entire space is adorned with a stunning green stone floor, complemented by an antique gold mirrored bar, gold-gilt ceiling, and opulent Asian fabrics. The menu draws inspiration from chef Steve Scoullar's travels across the continent, offering a selection of raw and cured dishes, dumplings and buns, as well as Robata-grilled meats, fish, and vegetables such as black cod and Japanese wagyu steak.

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

Lucky Cat By Gordon Ramsey is a swish three-story Asian eatery on King Street that draws inspiration from 1930s Tokyo's lively drinking dens. Decked out in swish dark wood interiors and dim lighting, this swanky restaurant dishes out indulgent Japanese plates and creative cocktails. Raw plates are the stars of the show here, featuring treats like wagyu beef tataki with truffle ponzu and wild herbs, while other standout treats include smoked brisket and yuzu mustard bao, as well as spicy tuna sushi rolls. Thirsty? The cocktail menu here mirrors the one in Mayfair, offering familiar drinks with an Eastern twist like the lucky negroni, a unique cocktail determined by a roll of the dice (or three, to be exact).

Evuna Deansgate

Top restaurants in Manchester city centre, anyone? Situated just a stone's throw from Deansgate station, Evuna is in prime position for tapas-craving diners. With plenty of exposed brick, wine-lined walls, and low, dark lighting, this place is perfect for cosying up over authentic small plates. Classics include traditional Spanish vegetarian omelettes, gluten-free giant garlic prawns with chilli and oil as well as spiced chickpea croquetas with mint yoghurt sauce. Expect quality, specially sourced ingredients and delish dishes, paired with a thirst-quenching fleet of over 10 Spanish wines. 

Hawksmoor Manchester

In the mood for steak? Hawskmoor has your back. The award-winning steakhouse serves high-grade cuts of dry-aged beef, as well as sustainably sourced seafood and world-class cocktails. Get your tastebuds ready for some lip-smackingfatty bone marrowor succulent scallops jazzed up with aromatic tarragon and garlic. If you're feeling super hungry (and have some extra dough), go all out with the 1kg chateaubriand served with a side of drool-worthy chips. As for non-steak lovers, there are plenty of fish and seafood options, including monkfish and cod from the south coast, as well as a token vegetarian dish. Sip on a tropical cobbler and Champagne Charlie alongside your meal, or keep it classic with a glass of wine.

Mamucium

Taking its name from the Roman fort built centuries ago, Mamucium is an ode to history. From unique Mancunian flavours to British cooking and themed cocktails, there's a clear focus on authenticity with an indulgent and contemporary spin. This vibrant restaurant prides itself on serving exceptional, locally sourced ingredients artfully prepared in an open kitchen. From signature dishes crafted by the head chef to family favourites with a twist, there's something for everyone. Indulge in goodies like Lancashire hotpot, Dover sole, Cumbrian pork chops, and more.

Bundobust Brewery

When it comes to street food in Manny, not much compares to the vibrant vegetarian and vegan Indian delights on offer at Bundobust Brewery. This happening joint encourages sharing so you can gather your crew and go to town on a variety of dishes, from Bundo Chaat to vada pav and their famous bhajis. It's all about sharing and experiencing the goodness together, so don't forget to bring your appetite and your pals. But that's not all, as you'll get the freshest craft beer coming straight from the tank to the tap and your glass.

Las Iguanas Deansgate

Not just a Latin bar, but a restaurant as well, Las Iguanas Deansgate provides a fun atmosphere that's sure to put you in good spirits, if the thought of food hadn't already. This delicious eatery prides itself on serving authentic Latin American cuisine, blending native influences with recipes dating back to the 16th century. As you enter the quirky joint, vibrant colors and unique features will transport you straight to Central America. Expect flame-grilled dishes and shared plates from Brazil, Mexico and beyond, spanning everything from refried black bean gringas to Bahia moqueca coconut curry.

The Allotment

Vegan restaurants in Manchester city centre don't get much better than award-winning chef Matthew Nutter's The Allotment, as it's also gluten-free and was named the best vegetarian restaurant in Britain by The Times. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, the Lloyd Street haunt has garnered quite a few awards. Taste your way through 7-course, 10-course and signature menus featuring goodies like jackfruit tacos, miso mushroom noodles as well as pesto courgette. Trust us, you'll never look back.

Six by Nico Manchester

The famous restaurant that's taking the UK by storm had to get a top spot on our list. Cooked up by chef Nico Simeone, Six By Nico serves up a tasty and wallet-friendly menu. The name says it all – they dish out a six-course tasting menu inspired by everything from childhood memories and fish and chips to Alice in Wonderland and even the flavours of Catalonia. Head to Spring Gardens, where you'll find moody interiors, quirky dishes in multi-course themed menus and paired wines.