Manchester’s restaurants reflect the city’s vibrancy, with some of the country’s most exciting chefs setting up shop in the ever-expanding city centre and beyond, offering creative menus, new concepts, and experiential dining experiences. The spectrum ranges from pared-back and Scandi-cool to wildly theatrical, with the promise of plenty of action after hours (what else would we expect from the birthplace of the Hacienda?) From sleek multi-functional spaces to award-winning seafood restaurants and old favourites, Manchester native Lauren Kate Hughes rounds up the best restaurants in Manchester for your must-dine list.
Manchester’s dining scene is much like the city’s character: a little gritty, undeniably charming, with a no-nonsense approach and plenty of heart. Manchester boasts some of the finest culinary talent in the North, perhaps in the country. Passionate chefs from far and wide have arrived, bringing fresh ideas and creative menus. And the action isn’t just happening in the city centre. Venture to suburbs like Salford, Levenshulme, Prestwich, and Chorlton, and you’ll find plenty of dining options to satisfy the most discerning palates.
Manchester’s landscape has undergone significant changes over the last decade. With the BBC’s expansion to Salford creating a new media hub, and the regeneration of boroughs, such as Altrincham, Levenshulme, and the Heatons, the city and its surrounding areas feel invigorated. Development projects, such as Spinningfields, NOMA, and Mayfield, have created new business and dining centres in the city. Ancoats, once a largely industrial wasteland with the occasional nightclub, has been transformed by independent cafes, bars, and some of Manchester’s more original restaurants. It’s an exciting time for the city’s food scene; here are the best restaurants in Manchester to add to your list.
Best restaurants in Manchester 2025
1. Winsome
On the menu: Heartwarming classics with a fine dining twist
Winsome, having opened its doors in spring 2025, is already winning a legion of loyal fans among Manchester residents and serves as a perfect example of Manchester’s newfound gastronomic prowess. The restaurant is situated in the Whitworth Locke building on Princess Street, offering light and bright interiors alongside uncomplicated menus that showcase Shaun Moffat’s expertise.
Here you’ll find the kind of wholesome food that prompts real cravings: delicious pies, perfectly cooked meats alongside hearty sides, as well as nostalgic desserts with a fine dining twist. Moffat has earned his stripes at the likes of Manchester’s favourite elevated pub, The Edinburgh Castle, and lively multi-story restaurant Maya, so it’s no surprise his debut as chef patron would be a resounding success.
2. Where The Light Gets In
On the menu: Seasonal dishes and an ever-changing menu
Where the Light Gets In is one of the most progressive restaurants in Manchester, boasting a unique dining concept and a zero-waste ethos. What started as a two-year pop-up, the passion project of owner and chef-patron Sam Buckley, has now evolved into an acclaimed restaurant that has breathed new life into Stockport’s dining scene, marking its ninth year in business.
This is not your typical fine dining restaurant. To start, there’s no menu; instead, dishes are crafted by Sam in an ever-changing, hyper-seasonal selection. Rather than being dictated by trends or over-hyped ingredients, diners are served food that depends on what produce is at its peak, what’s in season, and what has been foraged. There’s a fluidity to Where The Light Gets In that gives new weight to an ‘ingredients-driven’ menu. The wine list is similarly diverse, featuring a thoughtful selection that changes daily and a focus on natural and biodynamic wines.
3. Skof
On the menu: Showstopping-yet-simple dishes on acclaimed tasting menus
Skof is a new addition to Manchester’s dining scene, having opened in 2024 under the direction of chef Tom Barnes. Tom already had an excellent reputation, having previously served as head chef at Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume, a luxurious fine dining establishment in the Lake District. That reputation has been further bolstered by Skof’s shiny new Michelin star, where judges praised its ‘clearly thought-through’ dishes.
Skof is located near Shudehill tram station within NOMA, a key area in the city centre’s regeneration. The building, which once served as a textile warehouse, plays into the restaurant’s industrial edge, in keeping with the city’s character. It’s unassuming in appearance, yet with an understated elegance, much like the food it serves. The tasting menus on offer are extensive, featuring 12 and 15 courses, as well as a seasonal menu that changes regularly. Dishes are ingredient-driven and celebrate simplicity, yet chefs incorporate some theatrical elements and artistic flourishes in their presentation.
5. Erst
On the menu: Sophisticated small plates
Erst is the poster restaurant for Manchester’s new wave of industrial-chic eateries, which master the small plates and natural wine list combination with relaxed, yet undoubtedly fine, dining. Erst became an instant classic when it launched in 2018 and has gone on to scoop numerous awards and enjoy a steady stream of diners.
Located in the creative and urban Ancoats district, Erst is situated in a redeveloped warehouse building with lofty and modern interiors, featuring an industrial edge that evokes a distinctly New York feel. Minimalism runs through Erst’s ethos, from its understated interiors to a simple menu that lets ingredients shine. Everything about this new Manchester favourite is well thought out; it’s easy to see why it continues to attract the crowds.
5. Mana
On the menu: Scandi-style fine dining
Mana needs little introduction, having previously been crowned Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant in over 40 years. The Nordic-inspired dining spot launched in 2018 by chef patron Simon Martin, who refined his cooking skills at the renowned Noma in Copenhagen, bringing a slice of Scandinavia to the north of England. In 2019, it was awarded a Michelin star, marking a shift towards more progressive and innovative cuisine for the establishment.
Nestled in the heart of Ancoats, which is rapidly becoming Manchester’s foodie capital, Mana offers extensive tasting menus of up to 19 courses with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Dishes are imaginative and unique, utilising ingredients and flavour combinations we rarely come across. Think fresh oysters with iced sherbert, or petit fours made of parsley root and hogget fat. It’s safe to say a trip to Mana will undoubtedly offer some talking points for diners. Prepare to be dazzled.
6. The Pearl
On the menu: Beautifully presented bistro classics
Newcomer Pearl is an independent, family-owned restaurant in Prestwich that’s well worth the journey out of the city. Prestwich itself is another key area of development in Greater Manchester’s regeneration, with the new wave of homeowners in the area coinciding with the launch of more independent restaurants, shops, and elegant wine bars and bottle shops.
The Pearl in Prestwich Village is one of the most exciting new arrivals, billing itself as an intimate dining room serving beautifully presented dishes. Although the menu is heavily influenced by local culture and ingredients, it also incorporates elements of a classic French bistro, featuring bright blue and green hues, a handful of tables for an intimate setting, and tapered candles for atmospheric evenings.
There’s also a Tuscan-style wine hatch for the summer months, which adds to its welcoming atmosphere. The Pearl has a genuine warmth that extends beyond its position as a charming neighbourhood eatery. The menu focuses on regional and ethically sourced ingredients, and diners will soon sense that there’s a genuine community behind this local gem. This is paired with a passion for authentic, old-fashioned hospitality.
And it looks like things are about to get more exciting for The Pearl, which has just announced ex-Mana and Gidleigh Park Matt Bennett as their new head chef. Bennett brings with him a wealth of experience, and the owners are set to let his creativity galvanise their menu and further explore the concept of a ‘British bistro’.
7. Maya
On the menu: Decadent dishes (think rib-eye steak and lobster, washed down with stylish cocktails)
Maya is undoubtedly a lot of fun. The highly anticipated multi-story food and drink venue opened its doors in spring 2024 in Manchester’s Gay Village, one of the city’s most vibrant areas. The all-day all-singing-and-dancing Maya has pedigree, with a hospitality team who have worked for the likes of Soho House and the Michelin-starred Petersham Nurseries in London at the helm.
On the menu, you’ll find European classics served in a more casual setting in the brasserie as well as a lower ground-floor space for fine dining. Split across three floors, each with an individual character, there’s plenty to explore at Maya. Including the Berlin-style subterranean bar, ‘The Pump Room’, which has a strictly no-photographs policy.
8. Fenix
On the menu: High-end Mediterranean food
There’s no shortage of theatrical restaurants in Manchester city centre that champion a specific theme. Fenix is the city’s tribute to the Greek islands, featuring stone walls, arched ceilings, plush seating, and a menu that celebrates the flavours of the Mediterranean.
This unique restaurant, part of the same group as the beloved contemporary Chinese restaurant Tattu in Spinningfields and the Rat Pack-style Italian-American Louis, offers a truly immersive dining experience; a sensory experience that transports you to sun-drenched Greece through its flavourful dishes and sophisticated interiors.
9. Stretford Canteen
On the menu: Warming bistro-style dishes
Stretford Canteen is one of those restaurants you’ll only find if you know where to look, nestled on the edge of the 1970s shopping mall Stretford Ardale, which is currently undergoing a huge renovation project, rebranding as Stretford Mall. Although the setting may not be as picturesque as some of the other restaurants on our list of the best restaurants in Manchester, this charming bistro is well worth a visit and has earned itself a legion of fans, both locals and those who travel from all corners of the city to experience its buzzy atmosphere and well-crafted food.
This bistro-style restaurant blends French classics with English charm, offering an eclectic selection of dishes served in a cosy setting. The masterminds behind Stretford’s arguably more popular new restaurant have learned from the best. Josephine Sandwith is the daughter of legendary Manchester foodies Maureen and David, who ran Beaujolais, one of Manchester’s original French bistros. Josephine and her husband, Dean Taylor, tested the waters with Stretford Canteen with a pop-up spurred on by the lack of dining options in the area. As demand grew, their venture soon became a full-fledged bistro — and it appears that things are only set to expand, thanks to Stretford Canteen’s rave reviews. Be sure to add this to your list of South Manchester restaurants.
10. Edinburgh Castle
On the menu: British pub classics and contemporary Thai food
Another addition to the rapidly developing foodie hotspot of Ancoats, Edinburgh Castle is a fully restored 19th-century pub offering much more than great pints. There’s a stellar cocktail list, inventive wine selection, and distinguished whiskies, as well as an unexpected restaurant.
The Edinburgh Castle is a pub of two halves, and one of Manchester’s most popular pubs for enjoying an evening meal as well as a quick pint, with a cosy drinking den downstairs and a sophisticated dining room upstairs. There’s also delicious food downstairs, with hearty British dishes on offer. Upstairs, there’s inventive Thai cooking at Bangkok Diners Club. The historic Victoria pub setting adds to this unique Manchester dining experience.
12. Peter Street Kitchen
On the menu: Japanese-Mexican fusion small plates and elegant cocktails
Peter Street Kitchen is a sleek and spacious Manchester restaurant situated in the iconic Free Trade Hall, featuring a design that pays homage to the building’s original features with a contemporary edge. The menu is inventive, fusing contemporary Japanese cuisine with Mexican flavours. Peter Street Kitchen exudes elegance; everything about this modern restaurant feels balanced.
thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk/peter-street-kitchen
13. Adam Reid at The French
On the menu: Fine dining with northern soul
The French, housed within the Midland Hotel, has been one of Manchester’s finest restaurants for decades. The Grade II-listed dining room is perhaps the most sophisticated place to dine in the city, with its luxurious drapes and Belle Époque style, tucked away off the central reception area of one of Manchester’s most beloved hotels.
This old-school restaurant has been somewhat modernised, with a chef’s counter that lets diners in on the action. The menu, despite the restaurant’s name, is distinctly modern British, with an emphasis on classic Northern dishes and regional ingredients.
themidlandhotel.co.uk/thefrench
14. Tattu
On the menu: Contemporary Chinese
Dining at Tattu is a lot of fun, from its interesting menu and delicious cocktails to its bold interiors, which are centred around a giant blossom tree. Lighting is kept to a minimum, creating a sultry evening atmosphere; this is a restaurant best enjoyed after dark. The rest of the decor draws inspiration from traditional Easter art, with carved wall art and lanterns adding to the theatrical experience.
Sharing is encouraged at Tattu, with light and fluffy sim sum in an array of colours, steaming plates of marinated meats, and the signature Duck Egg and Sausage Fried Rice — a unique take on fried rice.
tattu.co.uk/locations/manchester
15. Bar San Juan
On the menu: A mix of classic and inventive tapas
Tucked away in leafy Chorlton, Bar San Juan is a tiny tapas restaurant that draws in the crowds thanks to its fail-safe offering of Spanish bites and affordable wines. Inside the walls, artwork and trinkets adorn the space, accompanied by a small terrace at the front where guests can enjoy a refreshing jug of sangria during the summer months.
Due to the restaurant’s small size, it’s advisable to book in advance. However, it’s this small size that also creates a cosy and inviting environment, particularly in the evening. Menu highlights include Jamon Ibérico, a carved Ibérico ham from Salamanca, which is cured for 12 months, and Almejas Salsa Verde, clams in garlic and parsley sauce.
16. Piccolino Caffè Grande
On the menu: Elegant Italian dishes
Piccolino Caffè Grande is a Manchester institution, renowned for its elegant Italian dishes and vibrant atmosphere. The interiors are cosy and atmospheric, with Italian touches and a distinctive duck egg blue colour scheme. There’s also a huge terrace for Italian-style al fresco dining in the warmer months, adding to the grandeur of this city centre restaurant.
On the menu, you’ll find hearty pasta dishes, stone-baked pizzas, creamy risottos, and a selection of meat and fresh fish dishes, as well as elegant starters like burrata with roasted grapes and aged balsamic, and saffron and pea arancini.
17. The Firehouse
On the menu: Charred chicken and loaded sides
The Firehouse restaurant showcases how well Manchester can combine dining with a fun night out, with a day-to-night venue with plenty of glitz. The energy at Firehouse is vibrant, with live performances taking place between the tables on Friday and Saturday nights. This casual eatery is perfect for dinner, drinks, snacks, or dancing – wherever the mood takes you. It’s especially popular for long brunches that last until the evening.
The menu is centred around the restaurant’s signature Firehouse Chicken, a charred chicken dish seasoned with peri-peri spices, salt, and lemon, served with accompaniments such as Crispy Pita, Stracciatella, and Crushed Roast Fingerling Potatoes. There are also plenty of smaller plate options for those seeking something lighter. For those looking to extend the evening, Diecast, just a short stroll down the road, is a huge multi-purpose entertainment venue housed in a former factory, offering games, bars, a large beer garden, and a nightclub, all under one roof.
18. The Martlet
On the menu: Heartwarming classics fused with fine dining
Jay Rayner has praised newcomer The Martlet as ‘glorious cooking at a remarkably fair price’, with the venue winning the approval of the famously candid critic due to its elegant dishes, warm hospitality, and stunning interiors.
The Martlet is housed inside Rochdale’s magnificent Town Hall, a gloriously gothic Grade I listed building, and serves an unpretentious menu that surprises diners with its accomplished dishes. These elevate the likes of tea and cake, or pie and chips, to new heights, thanks to the expertise of executive chef Darren Parkinson.
19. Another Hand
On the menu: Vegetarian showstoppers
Another Hand is another accomplished bistro in Manchester tucked away off busy Deansgate, offering an intimate setting with just 24 seats and an open kitchen where diners can watch chefs hard at work crafting the restaurant’s exquisite vegetarian-led sharing plates. It’s the place to go if you want a cosy (or perhaps romantic) evening enhanced by warm hospitality and accomplished cooking. Craft beers and low-intervention wines are great accompaniments.
Liked our round-up of the best restaurants in Manchester? You can also read about the most romantic restaurants in London, whether you’re a local or visiting the area. Bon appétit.
