Best Salford Quays Restaurants

• Location: Unit 3, Orange Tower, M50 2EQ
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian, pizza
• Why we recommend: the weekday 777 Lunch Deal (any 14” pizza from £7.77) makes it a strong shout for casual lunches

For Salford Quays restaurants, Manchester's Nell's can be found in MediaCity's Orange building with its biggest and most playful venue yet. Already something of an institution, this NYC-inspired pizza joint dials things up on the Quays with three private karaoke booths, shuffleboard tables and a huge heated outdoor terrace overlooking the action. 

Wolf down super thin, crispy-bottomed New York-style bases with the perfect char and absolutely no flop. Classics like the OG Cheese and Double Down Pepperoni sit alongside fun, fully-loaded numbers such as Barbie & 'Ken (a BBQ chicken twist). You can order by the slice, go for a 14-inch pie, or commit to a whopping 22-inch pizza built for sharing.

• Location: The Bund, The Quays, M50 3AB
• Price: ££-£££
• Cuisine: Pan-Asian
• Why we recommend: we love The Alchemist for its brilliant drinks, but we also find its food highly addictive, especially the buttermilk chicken bao buns 

For fans of theatrical cocktails and Pan-Asian eats, The Alchemist in MediaCity has got you covered. Looking out across the water, the venue boasts luxurious-looking decor in the form of velvety booths, geometric pendant lighting, and shiny table tops. 

It's known for its pretty creative cocktails, such as The Colour Changing One and Bong Voyage, but it also serves some tasty food. Small plates include chicken gyozas, salt and shake potatoes, and pulled beef on brioche, while larger dishes feature katsu curry, lobster mac and cheese, and more. 

• Location: Unit G40B, The Lowry Outlet Mall, M50 3AZ
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Pan-Asian 
• Why we recommend: whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch, enjoying a lively bottomless brunch, or settling in for a relaxed three-course dinner, Banana Tree delivers 

Nestled in The Lowry Outlet Mall, just a short stroll from MediaCityUK, Banana Tree brings the tastes of South-East Asia to the waterfront, spanning Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Japan. 

Signature plates include the richly aromatic lamb rendang curry, slow-cooked with chillies and coconut for deep, layered heat, and the legendary beef rendang, simmered for up to four hours to achieve its creamy, nutty intensity. Brunch is a particular highlight, with free-flowing prosecco, beer or cocktails available for £33.95 per person, plus optional £5 upgrades on cocktails for the whole table.

• Location: Unit 35, The Quays, M50 3AG
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: American BBQ 
• Why we recommend: we think this spot is a great shout for groups, as you can grab their signature 'big tray' and share brisket and fried chicken

When it comes to big-hitting restaurants at Salford Quays, Brewski's Big Tray BBQ doesn't do subtle. This is smoke and serious portion sizes - a walk-ins-only, counter-service spot that invites you to join its ongoing barbecue road trip across all 50 states of America.

The premise is gloriously simple: pick your feast and watch it arrive piled high on the signature 'big tray', built for sharing, or for the bravest diner at the table. The menu riffs on Texas classics while embracing a new wave of 'Nu-Skool' BBQ without borders. We're talking low-and-slow smoked brisket with a proper bark, sticky ribs, loaded fries, punchy slaws and rotating specials that nod to regional American traditions but aren't afraid of bold twists. 

• Location: Unit 32, Central Bay, Quayside Media City, M50 3AG
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Korean, Caribbean, Greek, and more 
• Why we recommend: it's impossible to order just one thing at this food court, as the impeccable trader line-up will have you stuck for choice 

If you're scanning the waterfront for a Salford Quays food court, Kargo MKT is the place to go. Powered by award-winning food hall curators Blend, this slick, industrial-style space brings together around 20 independent kitchens under one roof, all set against the backdrop of Central Bay. 

ou can dip into Korean barbecue and bibimbap at Bab K, order rich Palestinian plates from Baity, or go big on Caribbean comfort at Sunrise Caribbean. There's crisp fried chicken from BOKBOK, artisan slices at Leopard Pie, Greek wraps from Thatziki, and Vietnamese street food at +84. Come hungry.

• Location: 8 The Quays, M50 3AZ
• Price: ££-£££
• Cuisine: European 
• Why we recommend: the restaurant has a brilliant set menu where you can delight in two courses for £32 each, or three for £38

For waterside dining with polish, The Lowry Bar & Kitchen is perfect for pre-theatre dining, or a romantic meal for two. Overlooking the waterfront, this modern British restaurant pairs floor-to-ceiling views with a seasonal menu that changes four times a year, ensuring the kitchen works with the best available local produce.

The food leans into contemporary British flavours, thoughtfully executed and backed by a wine list that spans both Old and New World producers. You can tuck into the likes of North Atlantic trout, Cumbrain chicken breast with celeriac puree, and more. Behind the bar, you'll find local gins and beers alongside classic cocktails and low- or no-alcohol options, making it an easy crowd-pleaser.