Top 6 Places to Eat in Manchester

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Aerial view of the iconic Manchester Town Hall and surrounding cityscape in the United Kingdom.
Mylo Kaye, Pexels

Manchester's culinary scene is a vibrant and evolving tapestry, offering an impressive range of dining experiences that cater to diverse palates, from innovative fine dining to authentic international comfort food.

1. Mana

Cuisine: Avant-garde British with Japanese influences

As Manchester's first Michelin-starred restaurant in over 40 years, Mana offers an intimate and luxurious dining experience. The multi-course tasting menu, curated by Chef Simon Martin, celebrates seasonal, locally sourced British produce through innovative techniques, often incorporating elements like N25 caviar with duck liver or Scottish langoustine. The atmosphere is sophisticated, making it ideal for foodies and special occasions. Reservations are highly sought after and often require booking months in advance.

Price: Complete Menu: £175 per person (approximately $220 USD); Extracts Menu: £110 (approximately $140 USD); Lunch Menu: £70 (approximately $90 USD). Wine pairings are additional.

Getting There: Located in Ancoats, a central district in Manchester. It is generally within walking distance from many city centre hotels and attractions, or a short taxi ride.

2. Adam Reid at The French

Cuisine: Modern British Fine Dining

Nestled within the iconic Midland Hotel, Adam Reid at The French provides an opulent yet relaxed setting for modern British cuisine. Chef Adam Reid’s signature tasting menus are known for their whimsical approach to high-quality regional produce, featuring dishes such as organic lamb, cured ham hock, or a reimagined Lancashire pie. The experience is enhanced by attentive service and expertly selected drink pairings, perfect for a sophisticated evening or a romantic dinner.

Price: Signature Menu: £145 per person (approximately $180 USD); drink pairings from £70 (approximately $90 USD). More accessible midweek menus have been offered around £75 (approximately $95 USD).

Getting There: Situated in The Midland Hotel on Peter Street, it is in the heart of Manchester city centre and easily accessible on foot from major transport hubs and attractions.

3. Climat

Cuisine: Wine-led Modern British with European influences

Perched on the 8th floor of Blackfriars House, Climat offers breathtaking panoramic views of Manchester, particularly stunning during daylight hours, complemented by an expansive wine list featuring over 400 selections with a focus on Burgundy. The restaurant operates with a daily changing menu of snacks, small plates, and larger sharing dishes, described as 'Parisian expat food,' ensuring fresh and inventive offerings like hash browns with taramasalata or shared whole John Dory. The open kitchen and outdoor terrace create a vibrant yet refined atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples and those who appreciate fine wine.

Price: Small plates around £6-£12 (approximately $8-$15 USD); larger sharing mains £30-£70 (approximately $38-$90 USD). Set lunch menus may be £48 for two courses or £60 for three courses.

Getting There: Located in Blackfriars House in Manchester city centre, a short walk from many central areas and easily reachable by public transport or taxi.

4. Higher Ground

Cuisine: Sustainable Modern British Bistro

Higher Ground champions hyper-local and seasonal produce, much of it sourced from its own Cinderwood Market Garden. This British bistro, which earned a Bib Gourmand, offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Both à la carte and seasonal sharing menus are available, featuring finely-tuned dishes such as fresh oysters, evolving Pitchfork cheddar tarts, and a focus on whole animal butchery, promising interesting and flavourful creations. The friendly service and commitment to sustainability make it a standout for conscious diners and food enthusiasts alike.

Price: Seasonal sharing menu: £60 per person (approximately $75 USD) for dinner, £40 (approximately $50 USD) for lunch. À la carte options are also available.

Getting There: Found on New York Street, on the periphery of Manchester’s Chinatown, it is conveniently located within walking distance of many central city attractions.

5. Dishoom

Cuisine: Bombay Comfort Food (Irani Cafe style Indian)

Housed within the impressive former Freemasons' Hall, Dishoom transports diners to the Irani cafes of old Bombay with its bustling and vibrant atmosphere. The all-day menu features a range of comforting Indian dishes, including their renowned Bacon Naan Rolls for breakfast, various small plates, charcoal-grilled meats, aromatic biryanis, and the signature slow-cooked House Black Daal. It is a consistently popular spot, offering a lively and social dining experience for groups and individuals.

Price: Small plates from £6.90-£18.90 (approximately $9-$24 USD); main dishes like curries and biryanis from £10.50-£18.50 (approximately $13-$23 USD).

Getting There: Located on Bridge Street in the Spinningfields district, a central and easily walkable area of Manchester. It is well-connected by local bus routes.

6. Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza

Cuisine: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Rudy's is celebrated for serving true Neapolitan pizza, adhering to traditional methods that include 24-hour proved dough, ingredients sourced directly from Naples, and pizzas cooked in imported clay ovens for just 60 seconds. The result is a soft, light, and fluffy pizza with a characteristic airy crust, available with classic and seasonal toppings. With multiple popular locations across the city, Rudy's offers a casual, bustling, and friendly atmosphere perfect for families, younger crowds, and anyone seeking delicious, affordable pizza.

Price: Pizzas generally range from £9.50 to £15.50 (approximately $12-$20 USD). Meal deals around £18.50 (approximately $23 USD).

Getting There: Rudy's has several city centre locations, including Ancoats, Peter Street, and Portland Street, all easily accessible on foot from main areas of Manchester.

Check out our other pages on Manchester

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