Ah, the lunchtime rush in the city; eating out always poses an eternal struggle between quality, quantity and cost. But, why should you have to settle for a mediocre supermarket meal deal when there are some top spots delivering unbelievable quality on a budget? Now, you'll never worry about your dreaded midday munching again, as we've rounded up some of Manchester's best cheap lunches - from affordable pubs to casual restaurants.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 16th May 2025
Saving you some serious pennies, Yard & Coop is bringing cheap eats to town from Sunday through Thursday. Head over for a cracking midday menu that sees you tuck into £8 lunch deals in Manchester city centre - think lip-smacking treats such as chip shop butties with gravy or buttermilk fried chicken tenders.
Whether you build your own sharing board from the range of tasty small plates or tuck into a hearty classic main, the pub grub at Yates Manchester won't cost a pretty penny. Topping it off? For just £1 extra you can upgrade to an alcoholic drink on their meal deals.
The best cheap lunch in Manchester? Blue Kitchen has got to be up there with its midweek deal for £9. There's tonnes to choose from too, including hearty meat or plant-based cheeseburgers, vegan taco bowls and a hot honey chicken sandwich.
After a cheap set lunch menu in Manchester city centre? Bab NQ has choices of fancy kebab coming in at just £10 between 12 and 3pm Monday to Friday. Think chicken shawarma, halloumi with harissa tomatoes, salt and pepper tofu and more.
Spinningfields' Thaikun is a vibrant restaurant serving authentic Thai dishes at an affordable price, with a main and a side on the lunch menu setting you back just £12 or the set menu for only £15. Dish include aromatic red curry pork, crispy sweet and sour tofu, classic pad Thai and more.
Ideal for a cheap lunch in Manchester city centre, Honest Burgers is serving quality beef and chicken across a variety of flavours without breaking the bank. Think flavours like pesto chicken, onion relish and smoked bacon-topped patties, and vegan cheeseburgers.
Happy Hour - Tuesday - Friday - 4pm - All Cocktails £7/All Spritz £7/Bottle Prosecco £20
A store, bar, kitchen and social space all in one, Side Street is a trendy place for lunch in the Spinningfields area. The dynamic spot is decked out in plush velvet sofas, pretty plants and checkered floors, and you might even find some live music here.
The lunch menu features everything from chicken kiev sandwiches to squash salad to macaroni cheese, which you can pair with spritz cocktails or craft beer.
If you're looking for an affordable lunch in a laid-back venue then head to ASK Italian near Piccadilly Gardens. This spacious destination is filled with natural light, decorated with pretty plants and fairy lights.
There are a number of tasty Italian dishes up for grabs here, including mushroom and truffle calzones, crispy pancetta carbonara, creamy lasagna and much more.
You can eat for well under £15 at Indian kitchen Bundobust. Located in the Northern Quarter, the restaurant is a veggie haven of spicy cooking fronting two dishes for £10.50 come weekday lunch. Choose a main and a side, with options including crispy onion bhajis, okra fries and tarka dhal with rice.
One of the best places to eat a cheap lunch in Manchester, West Didsbury's Volta is delving out three delicious small plates for £18 on weekdays. While a little more pricey than some of our picks, it's well worth the visit for getting plenty of bang for your buck, thanks to succulent queenie scallops, Padron peppers and sticky halloumi.
A cool music space, YES is a great place to spend your lunch hour. The Charles Street spot hosts a lineup of pop-up kitchens, including pizza from Pepperoni Playboy, which offers half-price pizza between 12 and 6pm every single day. Whether you want it by the slice or whole, you can enjoy toppings like charred corn, goat's cheese and chipotle chicken.
THE BUTCHER is award-winning Amsterdam, Berlin and Ibiza brand that's delving out bargain lunches at its Urban Playground location in Manchester Arndale. Choose everything from classic cheese-topped patties to truffle-glazed beef, as well as plant-based alternatives.
With six pieces of sushi, katsu curry and ramen all coming in at under a tenner, YO! at the Trafford Centre or Arndale is an affordable place to stop for lunch after a spot of shopping. Better yet, they've got a whole vegan menu to keep everyone round the table happy.
