Manchester’s food scene is buzzing. If you’re in town for a few days, you’ll find loads of cool spots for just about every craving. Think indie coffee shops, creative street eats, and a bunch of local places that really show off what this city’s about.
You don’t need to book ages ahead or spend loads either. Whether you’re after cheap eats or want to go full-on luxury, there’s something. And if you’re a market fan, you’ll love the big mix—street food, snacks, and a ton of international flavors.
No matter which corner you end up in—Northern Quarter, Ancoats, or Deansgate—you’re never far from good food and good people.
What to Eat in Manchester
Manchester Tart
This old-school dessert is a local classic. It’s a shortcrust pastry base layered with raspberry jam, custard, and coconut, usually finished with a cherry on top. Loads of bakeries around Manchester make it, but ask locals for their favorite — everyone has an opinion.
Parched Peas
Black peas simmered until soft and slightly smoky—an autumn staple here. You’ll spot pop-up stands near markets especially in colder months. Grab a bowl, add a bit of vinegar, and you’re set.
Curry Mile Favourites
Moss Side’s iconic stretch is famous for South Asian eats. Pile up on biryani, grilled kebabs, or a plate of nihari. There are dozens of places to try, both fancy and super casual.
Eccles Cake
This isn’t just a Manchester thing, but you’ll find killer versions in local bakeries. It’s flaky pastry stuffed with currants and sprinkled with sugar—perfect with a mug of strong tea.
Neapolitan Pizza (Manchester style)
Manchester’s pizza game is legit these days, especially around Ancoats. Look for puffy, wood-fired crusts and creative toppings at indie spots. Rudy’s is the name you’ll hear most often.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Northern Quarter
Manchester’s hipster heart for food and drink. Here you’ll find breakfast spots, low-key lunch places, late-night eats, and a big mix of food from everywhere. Walk around and you’ll hit murals, vinyl shops, vintage stores, and always something new on the menu.
Ancoats
This area’s gone from factories to foodie central. There’s sourdough pizza, cool bakeries, small-plate restaurants, and a seriously laid-back feel. Best for lazy weekends and long lunches.
Chinatown
For a dim sum brunch or late-night noodle fix, this is the spot. There’s a mix of traditional and modern here—bakeries, bubble tea, big seafood feasts. Try a few different places and compare, it’s all super close together.
Deansgate
Deansgate is where big names and big flavors land. You’ve got high-end steakhouses, stylish bars, and trendy spots that turn into DJ hangouts at night. Go here if you’re after something a bit more polished (but not stuffy).
Curry Mile (Rusholme/Moss Side)
If you want to deep-dive into South Asian cuisine, this stretch is where it’s at. Open late, always lively, and cheap portions in just about every spot. There’s no need to pick just one place—try a few, share everything, roll home happy.
Budget Restaurants in Manchester
Bundobust
Vegetarian Indian street food and craft beer in a chilled-out space near Piccadilly. The okra fries and vada pav sliders are legit, and you can get plenty for under £10. A fun spot to go with friends or start a Manc food crawl.
Viet Shack
Inside the Arndale Market, Viet Shack dishes up bright and bold Vietnamese classics. Grab a bánh mì or the “Shack Fries,” then try whatever’s on special at the counter. Cheap, tasty, and fast.
This & That
Legendary for its “rice and three” curries, this family-run cafe is a total Manc institution. It’s no-frills and busy, but the food’s always fresh and filling. Vegetarian options are solid too.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
Classic Neapolitan pizza for not much more than a takeaway. Soft crust, simple toppings, and a cool, buzzy space in Ancoats. Go early, it fills up fast.
Gorilla
Casual burgers, breakfast, and more under the arches on Whitworth Street. Great for a weekend brunch or grabbing decent food before a gig. The atmosphere is always lively but never over the top.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Manchester
Refuge by Volta
This place is stylish, with a big menu of small plates, cocktails, and weekend DJs. It’s inside the Principal Hotel so it’s got a cool lounge feel, not too fancy, not too casual. The Sunday roast here is a hidden gem.
Hawksmoor Manchester
A steakhouse known for its laid-back northern hospitality and killer cuts of meat. Think steak frites and rich sides, plus a great cocktail menu. Perfect if you want a splurge but still keep it chill.
The French at The Midland
Modern British tasting menus in a classic hotel setting. Nothing stuffy, just pure creativity from Adam Reid’s kitchen. Book ahead and try the lunch menu if you’re on a budget.
Mana
Manchester’s only Michelin-star spot, with a minimal look and surprise tasting menu. If you want a “treat yourself” lunch, Mana’s lunch deal is great value. Evening bookings are more of a splurge, but well worth it for foodies.
James Martin Manchester
Modern British, prime cuts, and some of the best desserts around. Inside the casino, but you don’t need to be a high roller. The ambiance is fun and the set menus are a good deal if you book midweek.
Luxury Restaurants in Manchester
Dakota Bar & Grill
If you’re in it for the steak, check out Dakota. The decor is just as slick as the menu—prime beef, sharp cocktails, and polished staff. It all feels fancy but never snobbish.
The Alan
Design-led, unique, and right in the center. The Alan does modern British food with flair, using local and seasonal ingredients. Go for the tasting menu if you want the full experience, but brunch is great here too.
Adam Reid at The French
Inside the Midland, this is for those celebration nights. Expect beautifully plated dishes, flawless service, and wine to match. Don’t skip dessert here.
James Martin Manchester
Upstairs at the Manchester235 Casino, James Martin’s place is a proper “dress up, go out” kind of vibe. Fancy but fun, with seasonal creations and one of the city’s best bread baskets.
Mana
This is the big-name tasting menu in Manchester—innovative, multi-course, and the only Michelin star in town. It’s not cheap, but for special occasions, you’ll remember every course.
Best Coffee Shops in Manchester
Idle Hands
Sweet pies for breakfast, anyone? Idle Hands is famous for them, but the coffee is next-level too. Chilled vibes and super friendly staff, plus top-tier filter brews.
Foundation Coffee House
Minimalist and bright, with space to get work done or just relax. Their espresso is strong, pastries are fresh, and it’s an easy stop if you’re wandering around the Northern Quarter.
Takk
Scandi-inspired, often busy, and well loved for their flat whites. Try a cinnamon bun if you see one in the display—they’re proper sticky and sweet.
Ezra & Gil
Big on brunch, with loads of healthy and veggie choices if that’s your thing. Coffee’s solid, and it’s a real neighborhood hangout—easy walk-in, no booking stress.
Pot Kettle Black
Spacious vibe and some of the best batch brew in the city. Perfect if you want a slow morning, or to grab a seat and people watch. Their pastries and cakes are worth the trip alone.
Markets in Manchester
Mackie Mayor
A big, lively food hall with everything from tacos to fancy doughnuts. Grab a spot at a long communal table, order a few dishes, and try whatever looks good. Perfect for groups.
Arndale Market
Loads of lunch options — street food stalls, produce stands, fishmongers, and local snacks. It’s right in the middle of the city, so easy to pop in for a casual bite or a quick to-go box.
Escape to Freight Island
Railway arches, craft beer, DJs, and some of the wildest street food stalls in town. Try something new or just hang out with a drink and people-watch. There’s always a good buzz, especially on the weekends.
Society
Street food hub with vendors doing everything from Nashville chicken to katsu sandos. The drinks menu’s almost as wide-ranging as the food. Go with mates and sample loads of things at once.
Budget Accommodation in Manchester
Hatters Hostel
Super central on Newton Street and great for meeting other travelers. Clean shared spaces, 24/7 reception, and basic breakfast. Private rooms and dorms both available.
YHA Manchester
Right by Castlefield and the canals, YHA is a favorite for budget digs. Friendly staff, comfy bar, handy kitchen onsite, and easy walk to everywhere.
Selina NQ1
Trendy hostel in the Northern Quarter with private pods and dorm options. Yoga classes, coworking space, and an all-day cafe on site. Book ahead — it’s popular.
Birchfields Guest House
Guest house near Victoria Park. No fuss, nothing fancy, but quiet, clean, and budget-friendly. Handy for Curry Mile and university area.
Ibis Budget Manchester Salford Quays
Not a hostel vibe, but cheerful, modern, and an easy ride to city center. Basic but comfy, and there’s a tram stop nearby for late night eats.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Manchester
Whitworth Locke
Boutique aparthotel with cool industrial decor and a coffee shop in the lobby. Close to the Gay Village and easy access to both Northern Quarter and Oxford Road restaurants.
The Cow Hollow Hotel
Seriously Insta-worthy, with a former textile warehouse feel and perks like free prosecco. Location’s handy for Northern Quarter dining.
Hotel Gotham
Funky Art Deco rooms and a private club vibe. Steps from Market Street and all the late-night eats. Great for a treat-yo’self weekend.
Leven Manchester
Right in the village, with spacious suites and a big focus on design. Perfect for exploring nearby coffee shops and evening food spots.
King Street Townhouse
19th-century Italianate building just off King Street. Rooftop pool and afternoon tea. It feels fancy but isn’t stuffy. Good value for central Manchester.
Luxury Accommodation in Manchester
The Midland
Grand old hotel right in the middle of everything, with a spa and lots of restaurant choices. Rooms are plush, service is old-school, and you’re a short walk to just about anywhere.
Hotel Brooklyn
NYC-inspired, with big city views and playful decor. Unique suites, fun restaurant and bar, and lots of extras. Minutes away from Piccadilly for easy travels and good eats.
King Street Townhouse
Italianate architecture, rooftop pool, and massive suites. Afternoon teas and beautiful restaurant menus. It has serious “treat yourself” energy but it’s modern, not stuffy.
The Edwardian Manchester
Big, bold, and glossy. A spa, two restaurants, and luxury baths in most rooms. Good for city views and totally soundproofed if you need downtime after dinner crawls.
Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Set on Deansgate, this one’s playful and eco-focused. Creative cocktail bar, cool food options, and big rooms with leafy touches. A fun and modern take on a high-end stay.
