Our Top Tables to Book in Manchester
Manchester is a melting pot of influences and its culinary scene is no different
Evelyn’s
44 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LA
evelyns.co
A lively brunch spot by day, by night Evelyn’s becomes a great small plates restaurant with fun, international influences – think mackerel with pickled chilies, fried courgette with pistachio tapenade, and buttermilk bream with horseradish cream. Happy hour is from 5pm on weeknights (thank us later) and Sunday is given over to a great roast dinner.
Mana
42 Blossom Street, Manchester M4 6BF
manarestaurant.co.uk
Sleek and contemporary, no matter where you sit in this Michelin-star restaurant you’ll have a clear view of the kitchen. Chef-owner Simon Martin showcases his bold and innovative approach to dishes on the tasting menus, and diners can choose between the Complete Menu, Extracts Menu, or lunch.
10 Tib Lane
10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB
0161 833 1034
10tiblane.com
This relaxed neighbourhood restaurant has just earned itself a well-deserved spot in the Michelin Guide. The cocktail list is central to the experience here, and from the menu expect a curated selection of European-influenced dishes. Think scallop crudo with oyster cream, pork chop with creamed leeks and beef tartare with fried bread and spiced tomatoes.
The Spärrows
16 Red Bank, Green Quarter, Manchester M4 4HF
0161 302 6267
thesparrows.me
This is something of a hidden gem in Manchester’s Green Quarter, offering authentic German pasta (or noodle) dishes, and European dumplings. The house specialty is Spätzle, fresh egg pasta which has its origins in Swabia to the south west of Germany. Diners will also find a menu of dishes designed to share, including beef carpaccio, rainbow trout, and smoked sausage with sauerkraut.
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
100 King Street, Manchester M2 4WU
0161 424 9150
gordonramsayrestaurants.com
You’ll find this elegant restaurant within the historic old bank, featuring two private dining rooms and a semi-private mezzanine overlooking the restaurant below. The menu is all about Asian-inspired small plates, sushi and sashimi, which are all created in the open kitchen.
Erst
9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS
0161 547 3683
erst-mcr.co.uk
Everything about Erst feels communal, from its open kitchen set up to its eclectic menu of sharing plates based on what is fresh and in season, and the list of natural wine is taken just as seriously as the food offering. The atmosphere is relaxed, and recommendations from the team should always be taken.
Higher Ground
Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester M1 4DY
0161 470 9821
highergroundmcr.co.uk
This popular bistro is part of a clutch of eateries run by local friends Joseph, Daniel and Richard. Inside, the space is pared-back with an industrial edge, and from the menu diners can choose between a seasonal set menu and à la carte designed for sharing. We recommend taking a high seat overlooking the open kitchen to watch the team in action.
El Gato Negro
52 King Street, Manchester M2 4LY
0161 694 8585
elgatonegrotapas.com
You’ll find this lively spot inside a beautifully restored three-storey townhouse. Holding a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, this is a great spot for quality tapas that won’t break the bank. Particularly special is the first floor Chef’s Table experience, with a front row view of the open-kitchen.
Stow
62 Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BW
07903 067674
stowmcr.co.uk
We love the moody, low lighting of this open-fire restaurant. Cocktails are an essential part of the Stow experience, and the selection goes above and beyond a standard martini. The menu features a curated selection of seasonal options like squid and pancetta ragu, brined chicken with tarragon, and smoked cream tart with rum plums to finish.
Winsome
74 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6JD
07776 880839
winsomemcr.co.uk
This large and light brasserie is where classic touches blend with industrial charm – think whitewashed brick walls, tall windows, candlelit tables and thick white tablecloths. The drinks menu focuses on traditional Old World wines and classic cocktails. Dinner is simple and straightforward with plenty of northern classics, and the Sunday roasts here are spectacular.
Lupo
Unit 65 Ardent Way, Manchester M25 9WE
lupocaffe.co.uk
This is an unassuming spot in the middle of an industrial estate, but head inside and you’ll be delighted to find an award-winning Italian café and restaurant. Modern meets traditional at Lupo, where diners can enjoy Roman-style pizza, traditional pasta, and artisan pasticceria, as well as a range of Italian deli goods from the shelves. There’s a good terrace for al fresco dining too.
The Trof
6–8 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1EU
0161 833 3197
trof.co.uk
Recently reopened, The Trof has been reimagined as a classic pub and dining room by the same team behind the Michelin-recommended Stow. Downstairs, diners can enjoy a proper pub complete with bar snacks and a great range of ales. Head upstairs to the dining room for seasonal, hearty dishes enjoyed in moody, dark wood interiors.
Skof
3 Federation Street, Manchester M4 4BF
0161 669 1961
skofmanchester.co.uk
Skof is former L’Enclume executive chef Tom Barnes’s first solo restaurant, and has earned a Michelin star and a loyal following. The restaurant is simple and unpretentious, with a tasting menu that’s available in two lengths, and a separate menu available for lunch. Dishes here are inspired by classic British flavours and created using fresh, seasonal produce.
The Pearl
425 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AF
0161 526 3667
thepearlmcr.com
This unassuming restaurant popped up in Prestwich just under three years ago, and has since gone on to achieve great acclaim for its seasonal British cooking. The vibe has remained friendly and welcoming, led by husband-and-wife team Sam Taylor and Melissa Gage. Stop by for Sunday lunch, a Thursday steak frites menu, an à la carte menu on Friday and Saturday, plus plenty of bar snacks.
Bar Shrimp
7 New York Street, Manchester M1 4JB
barshrimpmcr.co.uk
This is the newest opening from the Michelin-recommended team behind Higher Ground. Unsurprisingly, Bar Shrimp takes the form of a glitzy cocktail and seafood bar. Enjoy a range of options served on ice including scallop tartare, shrimp cocktail and hand-dived razor clams. There’s also a selection of snacks and small plates too.
