Affordable Restaurants in Manchester

Craving barbecue at a bargain? Cane and Grain offers baby back ribs, roast chicken, and burgers fit for the carnivorous of people. And with their bourbon gravy or hot as f*ck sauce, you're in for a lip-smacking treat without breaking the bank.

Savoury yet healthy, Pho Manchester is serving some flavourful noodle soups, rice entrees and wholesome salads from its home in the city centre. With 2-course lunches for £10.95 and 15% student discounts, you can't get any tastier on a budget than that.

Located in the hub of Salford Quays, Lime Restaurant and Bar is a brilliant all-day affordable restaurant that's sure to please everyone and their dog. Whether you're looking for a light bite, lunchtime dish, dinner feast or pre-theatre plate, you'll find it all at this vibrant spot.

A traditional British pub, The Waldorf has some of the best cheap eats in Manchester. The spot offers a 4 for £15 snack option, and a fixed-price lunch special can be found during the weekday where you can get a 3-course meal for £12.

Mexican street food and punchy cocktails collide at El Capo in the Northern Quarter. Choose between small plates, burgers, tacos, burritos, nachos and wings, and go vegan on Thursdays; when a selection of meat-free dishes will set you back just £12.50 per person.

This affordable restaurant is bringing Thai cuisine to Manchester without leaving your wallet empty. Tuck into signature dishes such as hearty curries, warming noodles bowls and delicious sides at this unique spot for budget-friendly dates, hangouts and family meals.

Not only does Honest Burgers promise perfectly cooked burgers and a menu of thirst-quenching drinks, but the city centre favourite is doing it all at affordable prices. Head here for meaty, veggie and vegan options with a stunning rooftop for those warmer days.

Located in Chorlton, this Pan-Asian chicken shack offers a stunning selection of sauce-slathered faves, from wings and breasts to tempeh and cauliflower bites, all for less than £11. Heading down in the summertime? Grab a spot in their front garden for budget-friendly al fresco eats. 

Offering nothing but the best plant-based eats, this pretty café and restaurant in Deansgate offers a stunning selection of 100% plant-based breakfasts, lunches and dinners from 7.30am every morning. There's also a penny-saving range of beers and wines for those after-work thirsts.

A vegetarian and predominantly gluten-free restaurant, Bundobust is serving some spice with an attitude. For as little as a fiver, you can enjoy a steamy raghda pethis or a warm idli sambhar. And during their express lunch, you can grab any of their two dishes for as low as £7.50.

With fresh and locally sourced ingredients, Trof is an affordable Northern Quarter restaurant bringing quality food like katsu curry and chermoula lamb skewers for reasonable prices. And if you need to something to look forward to on Mondays, their entire menu is 50% off. 

It's all about small plates and pared-back interiors as chef-owner Michael Clay whips up a pocket-friendly menu in the heart of Ancoats. Out with the whole family? You're in luck, because not only is Elnecot dog-friendly, but kids under 12 can eat for free. You're welcome.

Fancy a beer and a low-cost meal? There's loads to choose from at The Courtyard, think lasagne, wings, and a cheeky surf and turf. But if you have the guts, try the Man v. Food challenge, where your meal is on the house if you finish the entire burger tower with chips and onion rings.

Chow down on fluffy buns, crispy tempura, sashimi and yakitori as Shoryu brings affordable Japanese dining to Piccadilly Gardens. Pair your warming bowls with sake, shochu and imported beers, all without the hefty price tag.

Aching for a taste of some traditional Irish grub? O'Sheas offers all the favourites including a full Irish breakfast or a Guinness pie. And to top it off, every Monday their entire main menu is 50% off, making it a bangin' Manchester restaurant deal.

Build your own feast at Yard & Coop, where you'll be treated to chicken (or halloumi nuggets) slathered in your choice of sauce and paired with fries, salad or pickles. Better yet, the lunch menu is just £5 on weekdays from 12-5pm.

A real taste of India in the heart of Manchester, Mowgli is not afraid to throw in spice even for the smallest of prices. Get a sweet and fiery Mowgli paneer or a tangy Goan fish curry for about £10 a pop at this affordable Corn Exchange restaurant.

Vegan food doesn't always have to be expensive as Sandbar, a popular spot for cheap eats in Manchester, proves. The restaurant is huge on sustainability and making feel-good dishes for a low cost, with around 20 pizza options for no more than £15 for a 14”. 

Think you know cheese toasties? You ain't seen nothing until you've sunk your teeth into melting sandos, layers of bacon and lip-smacking pickles at Northern Soul. Located by The Arndale, this casual spot is perfect for a quick bite.

Rudy's Peter Street is perfect for any pizza connoisseur on a budget in Manchester. With 12 different options to choose from including Margherita, Tonno, and Calabrese for less than £9, your belly will be just as full as your wallet.

Offering big bites on a budget, Almost Famous is sure to leave your belly full without a hefty price tag. Chomp away on American-inspired classics, such as stacked burgers, fiery chilli dogs and bbq smoked wings, with jam-jar cocktails to wash everything down.

Late-night and NY-styled, Crazy Pedro's is serving insane flavour at a cost next to nothing. From the hamburger-inspired Mac Daddy, to the spicy Locky Locky Kat, the options are far-fetched, yet executed beautifully. And don't miss happy (four) hour as they offer £10 pizzas and £2 slices.