Say sayonara to small plates being exclusively for tapas, and welcome in a whole new world of cicchetti, mamezara and more on your next dining adventure. Whether you're on a date night, group dinner or you just fancy trying a little bit of everything, these restaurants across the city have got you covered. Explore the wonderful array of small plate restaurants in Manchester and let the feasting begin.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 21st January 2026
For lovers of shared dining, Canto in Ancoats offers a tempting selection of small plates inspired by Portugal and the Mediterranean. Designed for tasting and sharing, the menu encourages trying a bit of everything - perfect for those who like variety and flavour-packed bites.
With an open kitchen adding a sense of theatre, and a drinks list showcasing Portuguese wines and classic cocktails, Canto is a go-to destination for casual, flavour-driven dining.
Right in the heart of Manchester's historic King Street, El Gato Negro offers a sophisticated yet lively dining experience inspired by bold Spanish flavours.
Housed in a beautifully restored townhouse across three floors, the restaurant features an open kitchen, vibrant bar, and a rooftop terrace with all-season charm. Whether you're stopping by for a midweek lunch or weekend celebration, it's a go-to destination for exceptional tapas and drinks in the city centre.
Peter Street Kitchen have built up a reputation for exceptional Japanese and Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Dinner here consists of tempura and smaller dishes such as grilled lobster gyoza tacos, sea bass carpaccio and sashimi.
Elevate your evening at Sora Sky Bar, where Manchester's skyline sets the scene for a menu full of pan-Asian delights. From crispy tempura to rich bao buns, sushi and robatayaki, the small plates are made for sharing, while the cocktail list brings a touch of class to your glass across drinks like the togarashi margarita and cherry blossom negroni - all recognisable, Japanese-inspired twists on classics.
It's rooftop dining done right, with a seventh floor setting at Malmaison Deansgate.
For lovers of small plates and shareable dishes, Higher Ground is a gem in Manchester's dining scene. The restaurant focuses on produce-driven, thoughtfully crafted British dishes served in an inviting space centred around an open kitchen island.
Ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of flavours, Higher Ground's menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that celebrate British farming and sustainability.
Toting that quintessentially Manchester industrial chic aesthetic, Elnecot is whipping up some of the city's most inspiring small plates. The inventive and eclectic menu ranges from pig head croquettes to the very funky disco cabbage, with a cracking happy hour and lunchtime deals.
Fumo serves award-winning cicchetti in St Peters Square. For maximum impact, guests are encouraged to choose 5 - 6 dishes between two, and indulge in Sicilian arancini, truffle and pecorino ravioli and beef tagliata in the restaurant's luxurious setting.
For small plates in Didsbury, look no further than favourite Volta. Known across the city for its food inspired by countries spanning from Ethiopia to Japan, alongside being the sister restaurant of city centre spot The Refuge, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit.
Located on Beech Road, The Jane Eyre brings the charm and creativity of its Ancoats sister venue to South Manchester. The interior invites guests in with exposed brick walls and soft lighting, creating a relaxed, welcoming space.
The kitchen focuses on seasonal small plates and hearty Sunday roasts crafted from local ingredients, while the bar serves up an impressive selection of wines, local beers, and cocktails. Founded by brothers Joe and Jonny Eyre, along with Frank Burke and chef Jack Mullen, the venue balances top-tier quality with an unpretentious, neighbourly vibe that has quickly earned praise in the Chorlton community.
Offering Chinese dishes to share, alongside main meals, signature cocktails and those iconic cherry blossom interiors, Tattu is a top choice of Manchester restaurants serving small plates. This swish destination is perfect for wooing come date night.
Tucked away on Bridge Street, Stow is making waves way beyond the city walls. With a Michelin Guide recommendation to its name, it's fast becoming one of the country's most hotly tipped spots.
The focus here is cooking over fire, and its central open kitchen gives you a great view of the action. Expect perfectly charred small plates packing in everything from BBQ mooli to pork collar skewers.
Nestled away in a townhouse near Albert Square, 10 Tib Lane is as well known for its warm and welcoming ambience as its sensational small plates. Spread across three floors, it's all cosy corners, warm amber lighting and rich wood panels.
Wherever you choose to tuck in, you're sure to be wowed by former MFDF Chef of the Year Alex Shaw's seasonal signature dishes. You taste your way through everything from monkfish crudo and mustardy steak tartare to ex‑dairy ribeye and octopus with winter tomato - all perfectly paired with natural wines and classic cocktails.
A guide to small dishes wouldn't be complete without tapas at Evuna Manchester - a stalwart of the Spanish dining scene on Deansgate and in the Northern Quarter. Wash your favourites down with plenty of vino, as this place doubles as a wine bar too.
