Best Restaurants In Manchester

Gusto is one of the best places for Italian food in Manchester, boasting a delicious, high-end menu, as well as a spectacular drinks list, and serves it all in a glamorous, 1920s interior. Inspired by Milan, this spot has got 'date night' written all over it.

Opened by restaurant giants Drake & Morgan, The Refinery is a modern and exciting venue that serves everything from curries to crispy duck flatbread. They also have a great selection of cocktails to accompany your meal, from the likes of negronis through to spritzes.

From vaulted ceiling and opulent chandeliers through to the internationally inspired plates, Grand Pacific is one of Manchester's most beautiful restaurants. Set in a former gentleman's club, the restaurant combines historic features with tropical touches, great if you're looking for somewhere to up your Insta game.

Found just shy of Newton Street, Cottonopolis is a must for those after a excellent Asian cuisine. Serving everything from duck-topped waffles for brunch through to seafood-stuffed bao buns at dinner, this warehouse space is one of Manchester's coolest eating destinations, and that's before we've even started on the cocktails.

Unlike anything else in the city Peter Street Kitchen fuses Japanese and Mexican flavours to bring Manchester a series of delicious small plates. Set in a the grand Grade-II listed Free Trade Hall, the space is a mix of white furnishings, Japanese lanterns and big stone pillars. Before munching through their plates, head to the bar for a sake cocktail.

One of Manchester's most famous restaurants, also just so happens to be one of its best. Australasia has seen many a famous face through its doors, and it's little wonder as chefs fuse Aussie and Pacific flavours for dishes that include sushi, steak and decadent desserts.

Named as one of The Sunday Times' Top 100 Restaurants, James Martin Manchester combines expertly crafted British fare with a modern and well-thought out interior to bring about one of Manchester's best eating out destinations. Expect industrial touches, a vintage feel and a varied menu using fresh produce and local ingredients. 

Glasgow-based Alston Bar & Beef has chosen Manchester as their second home, and boy, are we happy. The cool basement space is all about Scottish steak, all of which are sourced by head butcher John Gilmour. Wash that down with one of their unique gin infusions, including the likes of pineapple and coconut.

The international steak brand is bringing the goods in their swanky Manchester location, with cowhide decor in a renovated church. If that hasn't grabbed your attention, the Argentine menu certainly will, with cuts of steak, vegan options and cocktails all done superbly.

For one of Manchester's best - and most rated - restaurants, leave the knife and fork at home. Almost Famous is a cultural institution to this city, serving up meat patties with some of the most tasty toppings in the business; the namesake Famous Burger is always a winner, with their secret sauce dolloped all over.

This couldn't be a list of the best restaurants in Manchester without making note of one of the best, high-end restaurants in the city. Known for their stunning presentation skills and top notch service, 63 Degrees is prime for date nights and special occasions aplenty.

Polished concrete floors, an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows give Ancoats' Elnecot a lively, communal feel - something which extends to its menu. Watch the chefs sizzle away in the kitchen, knocking up a delicious range of sharing plates, including our favourite: disco cabbage.

From that roof terrace through to its Catalan influences, El Gato Negro is one of Manchester's best restaurants for all sorts of reasons. While the brand has now rolled out across the North, its first home in MCR is still our favourite, with sharing plates and plenty of fresh seafood.

Set in a former Victorian courthouse, Hawksmoor is one of the most stunning places to get steak in Manchester. The Spinningfields restaurant has received national praise for its massive Sunday roast sharing boards, though dinner is just as delicious, with plenty of meaty cuts to choose from.

Renowned Mancunian chef Aidan Byrne is back in the kitchen of the revamped Restaurant MCR, once again working his magic with six to nine-course tasting menus. Showcasing some of the area's best flavours, the menu includes dishes such as pigs head croquettes with smoked apple puree and raw mackerel with turnips and coriander.

Exuding a sleek finesse, Rosso takes pride of place on King's Street. Decadent dining is the tone here with an appreciation for those lustrous Italian flavours in authentic pizzas, homemade pastas and fresh seafood. And it's not just the food; interiors are a beautiful blend of frosted mirror walls and starched white table clothes, in other word: fancy.

Winner of the Great British Menu 2019 and with experience in various Michelin starred kitchens, Adam Reid has opened his eponymous restaurant in uber fancy The French. Set in a stunning old dining room, the space is geared towards special occasions, with a tasting menu that pays homage to the chef's northern roots.

Scouse chef Gary Usher is the man of  the moment, and having gained notoriety thanks to Tripadvisor responses and Crowdfunding campaigns, it's worth checking out just what his culinary offering brings. Hipsi in Didsbury is a great place to start, as the laidback bistro has a long list of crowd-pleasing, British plates.

Having been awarded the first Michelin star in Manchester in 40 years, it's safe to say that Mana should be on everyone's foodie list. Chef Simon Martin has used his experience at world-famous Noma to create a seasonal, British tasting menu that promises diners some of the best cooking in the city.

It's long been a student favourite and even Ed Sheeran has visited; Mughli in Rushulme is the go-to for chargrilled Indian cuisine. Based on India's tiffin box culture, the restaurant serves affordable meals, with dishes including the likes of butter chicken, saagwala, and bhuna.

The official 2019 winner of best restaurant in Manchester at the British Restaurant Awards, this charming eatery on Canal Street offers a slick range of international eats, alongside a stunning cocktail menu that never fails please - proving you don't need to spend a small fortune for excellent dining.