From birthdays with bottomless bubbles through to an anniversary overlooking the city’s skyline, the city is one hell of a hottie when it comes to celebrating. And no matter what your special occasion in Manchester, these bars and restaurants are pros at making a fuss. Ditch the petrol shop flowers and get ready to go all out at our picks of Manchester’s best fine dining and aesthetically appealing restaurants for a special occasion.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
If you're looking for a special occasion dining spot then look no further than Peter Street Kitchen, winner of the 'Best Luxury Restaurant' at the British Restaurant Awards 2019. The central Manchester venue serves an exquisite selection of Japanese and Mexican small plates, all within a contemporary dining space.
Perfect for that special celebration, Grand Pacific has style by the bucket and the substance to match. Located within a decadent, palm-laden space, the kitchen serves up Pan-Asian eats and some stunning cocktails to give your evening the extra-opulent flair.
This stylish European brasserie is one of Manchester's more relaxed dining spots for a celebratory meal, whether that be a graduation or anniversary date. The restaurant serves goodies such as truffle macaroni, fried halibut and crab bisque, or push the boat out with Sunday Social: unlimited prosecco and a roast.
A beautiful, botanical eatery on St Peter's Square, The Anthologist has got you covered for any special occasion in Manchester, with international plates such as tandoori monkfish curry and pulled beef brisket, great for even the fussiest group of friends.
Pre-Theatre Menu | 2 course £23.95 | 3 course £27.95 and 2 other offers
Nestled on Oxford Street, Don Giovanni is a triumph of Italian cuisine, featuring succulent steaks and fresh pasta. When it's time to toast your special occasion, order from their tasty selection of craft beers, Italian wines and fabulous cocktails.
Located on top of No.1 Spinningfields building, this rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace is a stunner. With 360 degree views of the cityscape, the smart-dress-code venue serves a variety of dishes - all aimed to be sourced from within a 50 mile radius - alongside an extensive selection of Champagne.
For a special occasion meal at a venue from a celeb chef, check out James Martin Restaurant in Manchester. You can either opt for some amazing courses of British grub in the main dining room, or enjoy a chef's table dining experience in priavte.
Located in a Grade II listed former bank in the heart of Manchester, Browns Brasserie & Bar is one of the city's best dining spots. Sit amongst the building's green marble pillars, mosaic flooring and crystal chandeliers whilst feasting on prawn and crab linguine, lobster risotto or ribeye steak.
Widely considered one of the best Spanish restaurants in Manchester, this authentic tapas bar provides an intimate and relaxed setting for those looking for a more low-key celebration. With over 100 fine Spanish wines and great banquet deals, we'd recommend visiting with the family or friends.
Created by Simon Martin, a former chef of world-class Danish restaurant NOMA, Mana offers a new approach to fine-dining. The restaurant uses some of the best culinary techniques to showcase the best of British cuisine and create a frequently-changing tasting menu of 12 to 18 plates, all served in quick succession.
Birthday plans? Anniversary dinner? Make it a date to remember and join Six by Nico for their iconic 6-course tasting menu that's sure to send a tingle down the tastebuds. Courses change every 6 weeks, so you'll be in for a surprise here.
This fine-dining Manchester spot is one for the foodies. Located within a beautiful Grade II listed building, the kitchen is run by Adam Reid - one of the city's top chefs and winner of the Great British Menu 2019. Celebrate in the ultra luxe dining room whilst enjoying one of the three available tasting menus - including the exclusive 2019 GBM winning menu.
If El Gato Negro's critically-acclaimed tapas wasn't reason enough to visit, the venue's top floor bar will win you over. Featuring a sun terrace with a retractable roof to reveal views of the city skyline, this is the perfect place to toast with friends over a glass or two of Iberian wine.
Decked out with blue velvet seats, pink neon signs and wall hanging paper cranes, this Insta-worthy venue has also been visited by Justin Timberlake, Kevin Hart and Tyson Fury. The aesthetic spot makes a great choice for birthday bottomless brunches or a classy afternoon tea.
This award-winning vegan eatery, named the best vegetarian restaurant in Britain by The Times, features delicious and innovative dishes such as beer battered banana blossom, cauliflower hot wings and parsley and cornichon cream cheese. The frequently-changing menu also ensures that guests are only experiencing the best, locally-sourced produce.
