Over the past few years, Manchester’s dining scene has proven itself to be one of the very best in the UK. It’s as diverse as it is vibrant, and spans everything from fine dining to street food, and everything in between.
There’s real excitement about where it could go next, and despite some big players shutting up shop over the last 12 months, the hospitality industry here continues to fight back, and continually reinvent itself.
We’re home to Mana, the Ancoats haunt that nabbed a Michelin Star in 2019, street food destinations like Arndale Market with a wealth of culinary delights, and legendary ‘rice and three’ cafes that hungry Mancunians flock to.
READ MORE: The amazing bakery in the middle of a Manchester housing estate with queues out the door
There’s no denying that it’s a tough time for the sector, which having survived Covid and cost-of-living crisis, continues to grapple with huge energy bills and tax increases. But, resilient as ever, we continue to report on an array of exciting new openings further adding to the city’s amazing culinary credentials.
In a show of support to some of our city centre’s best, The Manchester Evening News has compiled a list of the 30 Manchester City Centre restaurants we recommend you add to your list in 2025. The list isn’t exhaustive and there are plenty of others that offer amazing menus, value for money and a top-notch experiences.
We’ve included restaurants at a range of price points, located across the city, and with a variety of different cuisines on offer. Some are ideal for a hearty lunch, others grab-and-go, and a selection for those special occasions.
Skof
Arguably one of the most eagerly awaited restaurant openings of 2024, Skof, has very much lived up to the hype. Located in the middle of the NOMA district in Manchester city centre, the restaurant is helmed by top chef Tom Barnes and showcases unpretentious yet ambitious dining from start to finish. This is one to save for a treat or celebration, with tastings menus including the £50 lunch option spanning four courses, to the 12-course option priced at £120 and the slightly longer 15-course taster for £165.
Address: 3 Federation St, Manchester M4 4BF
Erst
Erst in Ancoats, Manchester
(Image: Publicity Picture)
This is the sort of place you head to when you want to show off to your friends – but without it looking like you’re trying too hard. The Scandinavian-esque wine bar and restaurant is big on natural wines and stylish small plates. A stripped-back interior – think concrete floors, contemporary artwork and a open kitchen – allows the dishes to shine. Whether it’s grilled flatbread beef, fat and chilli, oysters or ox heart skewers, everything has been carefully considered and goes down rather well with something chilled.
Address: 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS
Wow Banh Mi
Wow Banh Mi offer five types of baguette including the grilled pork skewers and crispy pork belly as well as the signature Banh Mi
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
This tiny cafe in Manchester’s ‘Little Vietnam’ serves up some of the best sandwiches and broths in all of the city. Opposite the Royal Mail Sorting Office and Wing Yip supermarket on Oldham Road lies a row of family run cafes which have become part of a vibrant hub of South East Asian food and drink businesses. Joining the fray last year, Wow Banh Mi, offers its take on traditional Vietnamese dishes, alongside bubble tea, corndogs, and in a slight curveball, German bratwurst. It’s warm and hospitable hosts Susan and Michael Diep, are more than happy to talk you through the menu too.
Address: 132 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BG
Mana
Ancoats restaurant mana named among the very best in the UK
(Image: Mike Dinsdale/ Midi Photography)
Six years ago Simon Martin’s fine-dining restaurant landed the city it’s first Michelin Star since 1977, and is regularly touted as a must-visit dining destination. Serving carefully considered dishes using celebrated British ingredients, guests are kept on the edge of seats with dishes such as Louet-Feisser oyster served with wasabi and dill and matcha orb flavoured with rose and sorrel. This is most certainly a bucket list meal.
Address: 42 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF
This & That
Manchester’s curry cafes hold legendary status in this city, and it seems like everyone has their favourite. One that we always find ourselves going back to is This & That. Tucked away on Soap Street in the Northern Quarter, this family-run restaurant is known for its ‘rice and three’, which handily comes in at under a tenner. Serving up a hungry lunch crowd seven days a week, curries here are constantly changing, keeping customer’s interest piqued.
Address: 3 Soap Street, Manchester, M4 1EW
Blacklock
The rump cap steak (£18) with Blacklock Gravy (£3) is a treat
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Nestled in the corner basement of a Grade II-Listed textiles warehouse in the city centre on Peter Street, Blacklock, prides itself on being able to pretty much utilise every single part of the animal that can possibly be used. That means, whilst there’s sirloin and prime rib on offer at this new chophouse, there’s also a focus on things like a shoulder Denver cut and a ‘sixth’ rib eye steak offering a ‘great depth of flavour for a snip of the price’. The highlight of the menu, however, is the ‘all in’ sharing platter (£27pp), that is made up of a mix of beef, pork and lamb skinny chops piled high on top of charcoal-grilled flatbreads.
Address: 37 Peter St, Manchester M2 5GB
Fenix
Inside Manchester’s new luxury Greek restaurant Fenix
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
It was years in the making, but in November 2023, Fenix, the jaw-dropping restaurant from the team behind popular city centre eatery Tattu, finally opened its doors. Bringing contemporary Greek-Mediterranean food and culture to Manchester within a stunning two-storey setting at St John’s, Executive Head Chef, Ippokratis Anagnostelis is delivering a mouth-watering collection of dishes. Whether it’s Wagyu stifado, glazed with a Wagyu jus, and served with braised onions, spices and cumin potato emulsion, or hearty portions of spiced beef meatballs, and grilled octopus with Aegean fava beans, it’s worth splashing out for.
Address: The Goods Yard Building Goods Yard Street, Manchester M3 3BG
Hakkapo
Serving up traditional Japanese dishes with a hint of Eastern European flare, Hakkapo on Jack Rosenthal Street isn’t afraid to be different. Two of its founders originated from the Hakka region and one from Poland – and the latter has a bit of thing for Japanese cuisine, hence the fusion. Sample divine BBQ pork bao, tuck into a salmon donburi, and slurp your way through the chicken and seafood broth, but don’t leave without trying the ice cream fried bao.
Address: 13 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4FN
Madre
The cocktails at Madre in Manchester
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Madre is essentially one big love letter to Mexico. The ‘taqueria and mezcaleria’ that’s been a huge hit in Liverpool since 2019, finally landed in at the Kampus Neighbourhood in May 2023, and it’s been winning over Mancunians ever since. Offering an authentic taste of Mexico through classic dishes like tacos, pork carnitas, beef birria and fresh seafood cooked over a wood-fired grill, it doesn’t miss a beat. Complementing the diverse menu is an impressive drinks selection, which samples from a collection of more than 100 tequilas and mezcals.
Address: Minshull House, 47 Chorlton St., Manchester M1 3FY
Hong Thai
As the name suggests, the food on offer at Hong Thai consists of dishes inspired by cuisine from Hong Kong and Thailand
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Despite having only opened their Ancoats restaurant on Oldham Street last May, it feels like they have always been there. Bouncing back after a fire at their small unit in Arndale Market, Hong Thai has carved out a niche with their homemade, fresh and scrumptious delights inspired by Hong Kong and Thailand cuisine. Customers flock for the restaurant’s Pad Thai, teriyaki chicken and Thai curries, and really, you should too.
Address: 140 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BG
Double Zero
Double Zero’s traditional Neapolitan pizzas have earnt themselves a big reputation
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Already a south Manchester institution thanks to its well-respected restaurant on Barlow Moor Road in Chorlton, Double Zero planted its first flag in the city centre last year, giving city dwellers a taste of traditional and handmade Neapolitan pizzas on Spring Gardens. With a huge wood-fired Stefano Ferarra Forni pizza oven stationed within the centre of the restaurant’s kitchen, the smell of freshly prepared pizza will hit you the moment you step foot inside. Try the Napoli with Fior di latte, tomato, anchovies, olives and capers – you won’t be disappointed.
Address: 55 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BY
Caravan
Jalapeno cornbread and fried egg at Caravan restaurant in Manchester
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Located in Manchester’s ‘hidden’ neighbourhood just over from Spinningfields, this New Zealand-inspired brunch spot has been a huge hit in London, and is quickly amassing a following here in the North too. Located in the up-and-coming St John’s neighbourhood, home to Aviva Studios, upscale eatery Fenix and soon, Soho House, it’s a little bit out of the way, but is well worth the trip. Tuck into Korean-style buttermilk fried chicken and fried jalapeño cornbread with fried egg and chilli butter, and wash it back with a speciality coffee, Chef’s Margarita, or one of its thoughtfully created mocktails.
Address: 6 Goods Yard St, Manchester M3 3BG
Kaya
This incredible lunch spot nestled between a massage parlour and a bookmakers in Chinatown is slightly out of sight but well worth a visit. Tucked away in the basement of a dessert house, it’s gained a lot of traction over the last year thanks to its selection or rice and noodle dishes, alongside delicacies like Kaya Toast. The Nasi Lemak is a must, as are the Curry Laska Noodles.
Address: Lower Ground Floor, 50 Faulkner St, Manchester M1 4FH
Higher Ground
Higher Ground restaurant on New York Street
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Honestly, this place is always winning awards, and we can see why. Sister concept to the brilliant wine bar, Flawd, over at Islington Marina, this city centre dining spot was conjured up by three industry veterans who had worked in Michelin-star restaurants before coming together to create the bistro. They champion seasonal vegetables predominantly sourced from their farm Cinderwood Market Garden in Cheshire, as well as whole-animal butchery, hand-rolled pasta and fresh fish and seafood cooked over coal.
Faulkner House, New York St, Manchester M1 4DY
Ban Di Bul
This Korean barbecue and hot pot spot combines eating out with cooking dinner, which may raise eyebrows initially, but trust us on this one. Sticky, sizzling meats and bubbling pots of soup all add to the theatre and spectacle, and to be honest you would have to be a pretty awful cook to mess this one up.
Address: 77 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4EG
Onda
The fettuccine with garlic mussels, and the Bucatini carbonara are already popular choices
It started life as a pop-up concept, but Onda, which translates to ‘wave’ in Italian, has, in a very short space of time become the place to go. Whilst its plates of pasta are adored, it was a Tiramisu drawer shared online by the likes of Hollywood actress Florence Pugh, that sent it viral. In June last year (2024), it launched it’s first permanent space on Oxford Road and is now booked out for weeks. If you get in, make sure to try the Mafaldine pasta with beef shin, Cacio E Pepe pizzetta, and of course, the famed Tiramisu.
Address: Circle Square, 3 Symphony Park, Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7FS
The Sparrows
The Sparrows in Manchester
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Hidden under an archway in the Green Quarter, this modern, central European dining spot is loved by critics and locals alike. Tricky to find initially, but well worth the adventure, the restaurant takes its name from one of it’s house specialities, Spätzle, which translates as ‘sparrow’, a type of European dumpling popular in South Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Made fresh every day and smothered in the most decadent of cheeses, you have to try the spätzle. And while you’re at it, get the beef goulash and fondue too.
Address: 16 Red Bank, Green Quarter, Manchester, M44HF
House of Habesha
(Image: Supplied)
There are now a few spots in the city to enjoy Ethiopian and Eritrean food, but Habesha was the first to do it, and for a long time one of the city’s best hidden gems. Head here to experience authentic, home-styled dishes, heavily spiced and served with a deliciously sour pancake known as injera. There’s plenty to go at but make a beeline for the spiced chickpea stew, lamb with Berber spices and red lentil stewed in onion, garlic and ginger.
Address: Mala, 8 Dale St, Manchester M1 1JA
Pho Cue
Nestled amongst other fine establishments in the city’s vibrant Chinatown, Vietnamese restaurant Pho Cue has won praise from acclaimed food writers for its fresh and fragrant family recipes, passed down through generations. Take a seat and dig into Vietnamese rolls and tacos, rice and noodle dishes, as well as steaming bowls of pho that – the perfect elixir whatever the time of year.
Address: 52a Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4FH
Bundobust
Bundobust’s second Manchester site on Oxford Road features an in-house brewery
(Image: Bundobust)
Brought over from Leeds City Centre in 2016 and now spanning two locations in Manchester – Piccadilly Gardens and an Oxford Road taproom – the Gujarati street food kitchen has become a go-to for many Mancunians in need of a street food and craft beer fix. Served in little tubs, dishes range from okra fries and the ‘Bundo chaat’ to Mumbai-style burgers and warming lentil curry spiced with cumin, garlic and chilli. Wash it down with a beer and IPAs from local breweries or Bundobust’s own.
Address: 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AG, and St James’s Building, 61-69 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6EQ
Another Hand
The bright interior space of Another Hand on Deansgate Mews
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
This New York-loft style eatery nestled within Deansgate Mews was a breath of fresh air when it opened back in 2022. Quickly ingratiating itself in the city’s culinary scene, this small and buzzing restaurant is a master of small plates and perfectly paired cocktails. Before you roll your eyes at small plates (because we all have at some point or another), just go and give it a try, and make sure to try the Wildfarmed flatbreads with beef tartare, cured trout and salt-aged lamb – then report back.
Address: Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Peace Garden
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Tucked in behind the universities, Peace Garden is a homage to classics of Chinese regional cooking, from homestyle dishes to the kind of thing they pull out only for national banquets. The restaurant combines elements from the east and west, preparing delicious dishes in line with the concept of “there is no fixed taste for food, what suits the taste is the best” in order to promote Chinese food culture, so expect everything from roasted Peking duck and salt and pepper spare ribs to goji berry lamb chops, sliced mutton golden soup and crispy fried prawns.
Address: 57 Booth Street West, Manchester, M15 6PQ
Adam Reid at The French
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Manchester’s culinary scene continues to grow, but there’s some restaurants that people will always go back to – and this is one of them. Adam Reid took the reins of the Manchester institution from his mentor Simon Rogan in 2016, building on its reputation for modern, British dishes served within decadent surroundings. The top chef’s best dishes are those served up with a strong Northern accent – think thick slices of bread doused in hearty broth and Cumbrian shorthorn loin.
Address: 16 Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
Happy Seasons
Happy Seasons restaurant on Faulkner Street in Chinatown, Manchester
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Back in Chinatown and there’s a place that will always pull in a crowd. Rain or shine, this neon-lit dining institution is a magnet for hungry diners who will happily queue down the street for it’s delectable roast meats. This family run Faulkner Street stalwart is a master when it comes to crispy pork belly, roast duck and char sui, but make sure to leave space for a for a piping hot bowl of beef brisket and spicy chilli chicken with bones too.
Address: 59 Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4FF
Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor on Deansgate in Manchester
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
If you’re after an impeccably cooked steak, full-bodied glass of red or a beautifully mixed Negroni, Hawksmoor is the spot. This London export, which can be found on Deansgate, has earned it’s stripes as one of the city’s very best steak spots with its large cuts and sublime wine list. This upscale restaurant and bar with its frosted glass, mid-century lighting and dark-panelled walls, is a master when it comes to steaks but also delivers when it comes to its Winslade Wellington, south coast monkfish and roasted scallops.
Address: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
Yuzu
Yuzu in Manchester
(Image: ABNM Photography)
This place has been around years, and remains one of the best places for Japanese food in the city. Serving up delicious ‘Japanese Tapas’ as it’s know, all their food is cooked from scratch using only fresh ingredients, and never frozen. Whether its delicately crafted tempura, mouth-watering sashimi or glorious gyoza, every dish hits the spot.
Address: 39 Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4EE
Maray
Maray’s famous disco cauliflower
Liverpool-born restaurant Maray, opened its doors in Manchester a couple of summer’s ago and has quickly become a go-to for locals and visitors. Founded in 2014 by James Bates, Tom White and Dom Jones, the concept was originally inspired by their experience in the Le Marais district of Paris – a buzzing district touted as a culinary melting pot of Middle Eastern flavours. Dishes span the disco cauliflower, served with chermoula, harissa, tahini and yoghurt, crispy buttermilk chicken and a diverse selection of mezze.
Address: 14 Brazennose Street, Manchester, M2 6LW
Dishoom
Dishes from Dishoom
(Image: Suuplied)
Dishoom is all about the experience. From the moment you ascend the stairs and enter Manchester Hall you’re hit with a thick and beautiful aroma of incense which permeates the entirety of the space, transporting you to the old Iranian cafes of Bombay. If you’re starting your day here, make sure to grab a bacon naan roll and a cup of chai, but if you’re there a little later it has to be the house black daal, gunpowder potatoes, tandoori lamb chops and tender shank of lamb layered with rice and caramelised onions then sealed beneath a pastry blanket.
Address: 32 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT
Seoul Kimchi
Seoul Kimchi
(Image: Courtesy of Trip Advisor)
Pretty much always packed full of students, this family-run gem opposite the MRI turns out wonderful Korean and Japanese – but mostly Korean – classics, like jeon (savoury pancakes stuffed with all kinds of joyousness) and generous bimibap (rice bowls). But it’s the glorious barbecue dishes which will leave an impression, particularly the squid and pork bulgogi.
Address: 275 Upper Brook Street, Manchester, M13 0H
Cafe Marhaba
First established back in 1992, the takeaway has become known for its vast selection of dishes, and for its ‘rice and three’ offering
From the most modest of kitchens comes some of the very best Pakistani home-cooking. Marhaba, hidden down Back Piccadilly, has long been a spot for a speedy lunch, with its legendary curries the stuff of legend. Changing daily, dishes include terrific seekh kebabs, melting lamb niharis and vegetarian curries in abundance, with puffy pillows of bread cooked in the clay tandoor.
Address: 36 Back Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 1HP