As a resident of Manchester, I have always been proud of the city’s diverse and exciting food scene. Manchester is a melting pot of cultures and this is reflected in the variety of cuisines available. From traditional British pub grub to spicy Indian curries, the city has something for everyone. In this article, I will share some of my favourite places to eat in Manchester, including top-rated restaurants, the best cafes and coffee shops, unique bars and pubs, street food markets, and hidden gems for foodies.
Manchester is home to some of the best restaurants in the UK. The city has received numerous awards and accolades for its food scene, and for good reason. My personal favourite is The French, located in the Midland Hotel. This restaurant has two Michelin stars and serves modern British cuisine with a French twist. The tasting menu is a must-try and includes dishes like roasted scallops with smoked eel and apple.
Another top-rated restaurant in Manchester is Adam Reid at The French. This restaurant has one Michelin star and serves contemporary British cuisine. The menu changes regularly but always includes interesting and innovative dishes like hay-baked celeriac with truffle and hazelnut.
For something a little more casual, I recommend Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza. This restaurant has been named the best pizzeria in the UK by The Times and serves authentic Neapolitan pizza. The dough is made fresh every day and the toppings are simple but delicious.
Manchester has a thriving coffee culture and there are plenty of great cafes and coffee shops to choose from. One of my favourites is Takk, located in the Northern Quarter. This Scandinavian-inspired cafe serves excellent coffee and a delicious brunch menu. The decor is also worth mentioning, with exposed brick walls and an industrial feel.
Another great coffee shop is Grindsmith, which has three locations in Manchester. The coffee here is top-notch and the food menu is also worth trying. I recommend the avocado toast with poached eggs and feta.
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, then head to Fig + Sparrow in the Northern Quarter. This cafe also doubles as a lifestyle store, selling a range of homeware and gifts. The menu includes interesting dishes like shakshuka and courgette and feta fritters.
Manchester has a vibrant nightlife scene and there are plenty of unique bars and pubs that also serve great food. One of my favourites is The Refuge, located in the Principal Hotel. This bar serves a range of cocktails and has a great atmosphere. The food menu is also excellent and includes dishes like smoked haddock kedgeree and lamb shoulder with roasted root vegetables.
Another great option is The Gas Lamp, which is a Victorian-style pub located in the city centre. The pub has a great selection of real ales, as well as an impressive gin menu. The food menu includes classic pub grub like fish and chips and pie and mash.
For something a little more unusual, head to The Fitzgerald, which is a 1920s-style speakeasy. The cocktails here are excellent and the food menu includes dishes like confit duck leg and smoked salmon pate.
Manchester has a thriving street food scene and there are plenty of markets to choose from. One of the most popular is Mackie Mayor, located in a renovated market hall in the Northern Quarter. The market has a range of vendors selling everything from pizza to tacos to sushi.
Another great option is the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which takes place every year in September. The festival includes a range of events, including a street food market that showcases some of the best food in the city.
For something a little more low-key, head to Hatch, which is a collection of shipping containers that have been converted into food and drink venues. The vendors here change regularly but always include a great selection of food and drink.
Manchester is full of hidden gems for foodies. One of my favourites is El Gato Negro, which is a tapas bar located in a converted townhouse in the city centre. The food here is excellent and includes dishes like grilled octopus and chorizo in red wine.
Another great option is The Koffee Pot, which is a quirky cafe located in the Northern Quarter. The menu includes classic British dishes like full English breakfast and shepherd’s pie, as well as some more unusual options like black pudding hash.
For something a little more unusual, head to The Creameries, which is a bakery and dairy in Chorlton. The menu includes interesting dishes like black pudding scotch egg and butternut squash and goat’s cheese tart.
Manchester is home to a range of food events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which I mentioned earlier. This festival includes a range of events, including a gala dinner, a street food market, and a beer festival.
Another great event is the Independent Manchester Beer Convention, which takes place every year in September. The festival includes over 70 breweries and is a great way to try some new beers.
For something a little more unusual, head to the Manchester Vegan Festival, which takes place every year in May. The festival includes a range of vegan food vendors, as well as talks and workshops.
No article about Manchester’s food scene would be complete without mentioning some of the city’s signature dishes and drinks. One of the most famous is the Manchester tart, which is a dessert made with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, and coconut.
Another signature dish is the Manchester egg, which is a pickled egg wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs. The dish was invented by the Victorian chef William Nuttall and is still popular today.
When it comes to drinks, Manchester is famous for its beer. The city has a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries like Cloudwater and Marble producing some excellent beers. Manchester is also famous for Vimto, which is a fruity soft drink that was invented in the city in 1908.
If you’re planning a trip to Manchester to explore the food scene, then here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Explore the Northern Quarter: This area of the city is home to some of the best cafes, bars, and restaurants in Manchester. It’s also a great place to wander around and discover some hidden gems.
Visit the markets: Manchester has a range of markets that showcase some of the best food in the city. Make sure to check out Mackie Mayor and the Manchester Food and Drink Festival.
Try something new: Manchester has a diverse food scene, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Whether it’s a spicy curry or a vegan burger, there’s always something interesting to try.
Book ahead: Many of the top-rated restaurants in Manchester require reservations, so make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Manchester’s food scene is one of the best in the UK, with a diverse range of cuisines and plenty of hidden gems to discover. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a quirky cafe, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So why not book a trip to Manchester and taste the flavours for yourself?
CTA: Book a trip to Manchester and explore the city’s food scene today!
At Peake Stays, we’re thrilled to offer you a hassle-free and efficient way to secure your dream rental property. With our streamlined booking process.
We are committed to providing our guests with an exceptional experience, and we are always looking for ways to improve our services.
©️ 2023 Peake Stays | Trading Under Property Peake Ltd
