In this writing, I am going to share with you the top 7 restaurants in Manchester. You may be wondering, why Manchester? It’s because Manchester has the best food in the UK, in my opinion. I am an expert at food because I am fat, and I have tasted every food in Manchester. And no, Manchester doesn’t have the best foods or restaurants in the world, but it’s enough to satisfy your tongue and your belly. So if you’re ever in Manchester, you should try and go to these restaurants. They have really tasty food, trust me. So let’s get started with the top 7 restaurants in Manchester.
1. Mana
This restaurant has some really tasty food. If you’re craving smoked eel, this place is perfect for you. They season their food with traditional British flavours, and they also serve dishes like beef tartare with elderberry and roast scallop with dashi. And if that doesn’t satisfy you, don’t worry — there are plenty of other options to try from the menu. This restaurant really focuses on creativity.
This is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Manchester, so if you’ve got a date in the city, you should definitely take them here. Trust me, they’ll love it — you’ll love it too! Every dish in this restaurant is like a work of art.
Location: 42 Blossom Street, Manchester, M4 6BF
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Thursday: 7 AM – 12 PM
Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 1:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
2. The French
This restaurant has some seriously good food. If you want to try fancy British dishes that actually taste amazing, then this is the place for you. They’ve got stuff like duck liver parfait with Yorkshire rhubarb, hand-dived scallops with caviar, and even Wagyu beef. And if that’s not your thing, don’t worry — there are plenty of other options on the menu. This place really knows how to make food feel special.
The French is inside the Midland Hotel, so it’s got that classy, old-school vibe, but it’s not too over-the-top. If you’ve got a date or a special occasion, this is where you want to go. Trust me, they’ll be impressed. Every dish here looks like it belongs in a museum, but it actually tastes good too.
If you wanna feel fancy for a night, this is the spot.
Location: Midland Hotel, 16 Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 2 PM (Lunch), 6 PM – 9 PM (Dinner)
Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
3. Erst
This place is straight-up good vibes. If you’re into small plates that smack, then Erst is where you need to be. They’ve got stuff like chargrilled flatbreads, beef tartare, and grilled leeks with miso butter — sounds fancy, but trust me, it’s just banging food done right. And let’s talk about the wine… next-level natural wines that’ll have you feeling like a sommelier but without the snobby vibes.
The whole place is chill but stylish — no weird posh energy, just good food, great drinks, and a vibe that makes you wanna stay for hours. Perfect for a casual date, catching up with your mates, or just treating yourself because, why not? If you like food that’s simple but hits different, Erst is your spot.
Location: 9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
4. Hawksmoor Manchester
If you love big, juicy steaks that hit different, then Hawksmoor is the place to be. This place is ALL about the meat, and trust me, they do it right. We’re talking perfectly cooked ribeye, sirloin, and fillet, plus massive T-bone steaks if you’re feeling extra hungry. And if steak isn’t your thing (first of all, why?), they’ve got roast chicken, seafood, and even veggie options — but let’s be real, you’re here for the steak and epic sides. Oh, and don’t even think about skipping the triple-cooked chips or the bone marrow gravy.
The vibe? Old-school cool. It’s got that classy but not-too-fancy feel, so you can rock up in jeans and a nice top and still feel like you belong. It’s the perfect spot for date night, a birthday meal, or just when you wanna eat like a king (or queen). And let’s not forget the cocktails — they’ve got some absolute bangers to go with your meal.
Location: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
5. El Gato Negro Tapas
If you want tapas that actually slap, El Gato Negro is the place. This place don’t miss. We’re talking crispy patatas bravas, juicy chorizo drowning in cider, salt cod croquetas that just melt in your mouth, and prawns so good you’ll be fighting your mates for the last one. And if you’re into cheese (which, let’s be real, you should be), their charcuterie and cheese boards go HARD.
The vibe? Loud, fun, and just the right amount of fancy. This is the kind of place where you order way too much food, sip on a sangria, and sit there for hours chatting absolute nonsense. Perfect for when you’re starving, when you wanna eat like a king, or when you just need an excuse to stuff your face with unreal food. And don’t even get me started on the rooftop terrace — absolute game-changer.
Location: 52 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LY
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
6. 10 Tib Lane
If you’re looking for a cozy spot with top-tier food and killer cocktails, 10 Tib Lane is the place to be. This place serves French-inspired small plates, and trust me, every dish is a banger. Think seared scallops, beef tartare, confit duck, and burrata with roasted peaches — all cooked to perfection. And don’t even get me started on the drinks. They’ve got next-level cocktails, natural wines, and a proper good Negroni.
The vibe? Low-lit, classy, but still chill. The service is solid, the food is unreal, and you can tell they put real effort into every plate. If you love good food done right, you need to check this place out.
Location: 10 Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB
7. Rudy’s
If you want proper Neapolitan pizza, Rudy’s is the spot. No messing about — just soft, chewy, wood-fired pizza with that perfect bit of char. The dough? Fermented for 24 hours, so it’s light, fluffy, and melts in your mouth. Toppings? Unreal. They use San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, fresh basil, and proper quality Italian meats. No shortcuts, no messing about — just proper pizza done right.
The vibe? Laid-back, no fuss, just sit down and enjoy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick one or going all in with a full pizza and a beer, you already know it’s gonna hit every time. And the best part? It’s cheap for how good it is. No brainer.
Location: Multiple spots across Manchester
So that’s my list of the top 7 restaurants in Manchester. Whether you want steak, tapas, fancy small plates, or just a solid pizza, Manchester’s got you covered. These places don’t miss — good food, good vibes, no disappointment. If you ever find yourself in Manchester and you’re hungry, trust me, hit up any of these spots and thank me later.
And if you think I missed a banger, let me know — I’m always down to eat more food.