When most people think of Manchester, or England generally, they don’t think of it as a foodies destination. Last winter we spent a month in this vibrant city and discovered that Manchester’s culinary scene is thriving. With restaurants and bars delivering big on flavours for all budgets.
Discover some of our favourite spots to add to your must-visit lists.
Manchester Restaurants & Bars:
- Exhibition – Perfect for those seeking variety.
- Elnecot – A charming neighbourhood gem
- 20 Stories – Elevated dining with stunning views
- Dishoom – A spice lovers heaven.
- The Beagle – Nell Pizza – Laid-back pizza pub vibes.
- Mackie Mayor – A trendy, buzzing food hall.
- Wash House – Cocktails served with theatrical flair.
- Sterling Bar – A dark and moody hideaway.
- Edinburgh Castle – A classic gastropub with historic charm.
- Albert Schloss – Live music & Bavarian fun.
- Lead Station – A local Institution
1. Exhibition – Perfect for those seeking variety.
Exhibition was my favourite restaurant in Manchester. Set in a trendy industrial style building, it offers a unique dining experience as it manages to combine 3 different kitchens in one place without feeling like yo’re in a food hall. With 3 very varied menus, including Basque, Scandinavian and Peruvian, each kitchen is run individually and led by 3 head chefs. Yet the service and restaurant feeling remains at a very high standard. The vibe is fun, with a bar in the front part, often with dj’s at the weekends and a buzzy, relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant itself.
2. Elnecot – A charming neighbourhood gem
Set in the trendy Ancoats area on a street full of popular local restaurants, is Elnecot – offering modern British cuisine. The restaurant is very relaxed and the whole place has a real neighbourhood vibe to it. All the food is made with good quality ingredients and tasted delicious. The special of the day the carpaccio was a real highlight. They are also very popular for their Sunday roasts including some great yorkshire puddings.
3. 20 Stories – Elevated dining with stunning views
For those looking for a view across Manchester as you wine and dine, 20 Stories is the place to come. panoramic views surround the restaurant and there is an outside bar area where you can really soak in the views from. The menu is modern European with lots of share plates and a good cocktail and wine list to match. We went for the afternoon tea and they also offer bottomless brunches.
4. Dishoom – A spice lovers heaven.
Set in the Freemason’s Hall this is a great place to come if you’re looking for some spice. Popular across London and other parts of England, Dishoom’s serve up mouth-watering Bombay style street food, packed full of flavour. For something different try their breakfasts, the Akuri eggs seem so simple yet taste delicious. Whatever time of day you visit you will leave very satisfied.
5. The Beagle – Nell Pizza – Laid-back pizza pub vibes
We stayed out in the Chorlton area, which has really become a neighbourhood scene for great bars and restaurants if you’re looking to get out of the city. We loved the New York style pizzas at our local bar The Beagle, served up by Nell’s pizza. It was also amazing value with lots of offers on if you’re on a budget. They aren’t shy on the portions so easy to share too. The Beagle pub had great craft beers and was very popular with local groups catching up over a slice or two. Nell pizza has have locations in the Northern Quarter and Altrincham.
If you like a more Italian style pizza Rudy’s are good too and located all over the city.
6. Mackie Mayor – A trendy, buzzing food hall
A new trend is developing across England where food halls are having a moment. Mackie Mayor is housed in a pretty impressive space, a Grade II listed market building, dating back to 1858, setting the tone for a alightly more upmarket food hall experience. This place is very popular with groups of people socializing in the wine bars and the brewery or dining on the communal tables. The selection is good with the usual fare including pizza’s, fried chicken, thai food and steaks, so you can each choose whatever you feel like on the day.
7.Wash House – Cocktails served with theatrical flair.
If you love a quirky but stytlish cocktail bar then this is a must visit. Hidden behind a Wash House / laundrette is a door that takes you into this fun speakeasy bar. One of the best I’ve been too. All of the cocktails are themed (I won’t ruin the surprise) and are full of theatre on arrival – think dry smoke, unusual shaped drinking vessels that really have that surprise and delight effect across the tables. The cocktails all taste delicious too, but they are pricey. It’s a fairly big bar for a speakeasy but it still gets busy, so I’d recommend booking.
8. Sterling Bar – A dark and moody hideaway.
Sterling Bar is part of the historic Stock Exchange Hotel, which is owned by footballer Gary Neville (he’s pretty much royalty in Manchester). This bar is very swanky and has a real dark and moody vibe to it. Making it perfect for a date night. Think stylish leather booths, high bar stools, dimly lit lighting and a private dining in the wine room. This is one for when you’re after a taste of luxury.
9. Edinburgh Castle – A classic gastropub with historic charm.
If you are after more of an historic local pub vibe then head to Edinburgh Castle in the Ancoats area. This gastropub dates back to the 19th century and manages to combine the beauty of the historical building with a modern twist. It is very popular, with the front bar packed out but it has a great vibe. We didn’t eat here but apparently the food is equally as good as the pub itself.
10. Albert Schloss – Live music & Bavarian fun.
If you are after a lively night out then head to Bavarian bar Albert Schloss. With regular live music, a wide beer selection and a fun vibe all round, this is a great place to visit. Think apres ski! They even have a special disco toilet in the ladies… It’s also a good spot to visit in the day with delicious fresh pastries and pretzels served up and large, tasty bar meals in a large modern setting.
11. Lead Station – A local institution
If you explore out of Manchester city centre, head over to the lovely area of Chorlton-Cum-Hardy. This local institution is on Beech Road a lovely spot full of local pubs, restaurants and cocktail bars. Lead Station is worth the trip out. This place had amazing food, in a lovely cosy style restaurant. The service was great and everything was delicious, with a good wine list to match. If you can’t get to this spot they have a sister restaurant in the city – Tariff & Dale.
Other recommeded restaurants we didn’t make it to include Tattu, Gaucho – a London staple for upmarket steaks, El gato Negro for a tapas fix and Australasia for a modern dining experience of Asian and Australian flavours.
Explore more food and travel tips here… https://spritzinguplife.com/travel-tips/
