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The 15 Manchester Restaurants to Visit for the Best Fish and Seafood Dishes
- Go Pescetarian at San Carlo Manchester
- Expect the Unexpected at Street Urchin
- Have Some Japanese-style Seafood at KAJI
- Grab Oysters (and More!) at The Oystercatcher
- Have a Hand at the Seafood Boils at SeaWorld Restaurant
- Taste Louisiana Crawfish at Crabbish Manchester
- Dine at the “Back of the Counter” at The Easy Fish Co.
- Eat a Light Fish Dinner at The Ivy Spinningfields Manchester
- Get Seafood Chinese-style at No. 8 Hotpot
- Feel the Seafood Love at Mamas Soul Food
- See Food and Sights at Sapporo Teppanyaki Manchester
- Have Fish “To Die For” at Jimmy’s Killer Prawns - Manchester
- Enjoy the Fish Starters at Off The Grid
- Try Brazilian Fish Dishes at Fazenda Rodizio Manchester
- Eat Good ‘Ol Reliable at Bernies English Fish & Chips
I’m on a “seafood” diet. No, I’m not pescetarian (someone who eats fish or seafood instead of red meat), but when I see seafood, I eat it! Yes, it’s a bit cliché, but I love that joke.
Have you ever noticed that just thinking about eating meat can whet your appetite? The best remedy is to mix things up and grab a fish or seafood meal instead.
If you’re in the same boat, let us and this list help you decide where to enjoy that “taste bud reset meal.” Most of our choices close at midnight, but don’t worry, we also got you with our picks for the best late-night eats.
Read on for Manchester’s top fish restaurants.
Go Pescetarian at San Carlo Manchester
Media from San Carlo Restaurants
Address: 42 King St W, M3 2WY
Contact details: 0161 834 6226
Operating hours: Daily – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Website
Menu
San Carlo is a luxurious Italian restaurant known for its delicious meat dishes and fresh seafood delicacies. It’s a great pescetarian dinner spot for special occasions or just sweet nothings.
Start your seafood journey with the Carpaccio di Tonno, a tuna-based appetiser dressed in sesame and lime. For the main course, my personal favourite is the Tagliatelle Montecarlo, a pasta dish with a bisque sauce made from monkfish and lobsters.
If you’re dining with a group, don’t miss out on San Carlo’s Seafood Mixed Grill—a simple yet scrumptious dish that highlights the best shelled and unshelled flavours of the sea.
Pro tip: Reservations are required at San Carlo. Head over to its website to book yourself one of its in-demand tables.
Expect the Unexpected at Street Urchin
Media from Street Urchin
Address: 72 Great Ancoats St, M4 5BG
Contact details: 7470 804979
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED
We’ve previously featured Street Urchin as one of Manchester’s top restaurants, and we still can’t get enough of it. This modern British eatery, lush with garden-like greenery, is truly a marvel.
Street Urchin offers an ever-changing menu of seafood dishes that you’ll want to revisit time and again. The chefs consistently find innovative ways to prepare the freshest catch of the day into eclectic and delicious dishes.
If you really want a clue on what to look forward to, keep your eyes peeled for the day’s mussel dish. It’s almost always a banger, like the rest of the day’s menu.
Pro tip: Street Urchin updates its menu frequently. For the most current details, reach out to them at [email protected] before or on the day of your visit.
Have Some Japanese-style Seafood at KAJI
Media from KAJI by MUSU
Address: 64 Bridge St, M3 3BN
Contact details: 0161 883 7746
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
KAJI is the brainchild of the team behind MUSU. Although MUSU has already closed its doors, it has risen like a phoenix on the same, exact location to bring us KAJI, which means “fire” in Japanese.
KAJI offers a Japanese cuisine menu with well-balanced flavours. Start your meal with Fried Louët-Feisser Oysters, served with a spicy bonito sauce and a hint of finger limes. You can also enjoy these oysters as part of KAJI’s tasting menu, which includes a variety of seafood and meat dishes.
Opting for the tasting menu ensures you get the best drink pairings with each course.
Pro tip: For the ultimate dining experience, opt for KAJI’s Omakase. This exclusive lunch and dinner service offers the best (and only) six seats, ensuring a premium and intimate setting.
Grab Oysters (and More!) at The Oystercatcher
Media from The Oystercatcher
Address: 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy M21 9PG
Contact details: 0161 637 5890
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Oystercatcher’s name is fitting and straightforward, offering one of the best oyster platters and seafood dining experiences in Greater Manchester.
The menu changes with the season’s catch, so expect a great variety throughout the year. If you get the chance, try the Tandoori BBQ’d Monkfish—this traditional baking method adds depth to the fish’s flavour.
For a great sample of what The Oystercatcher has to offer, order the Seafood Platter for two. It usually includes sea bream, grilled squid, mussels, and prawns with some veggies on the side.
Pro tip: To guarantee yourself a seat at The Oystercatcher, whether indoor or outdoor, book in advance. Also, grab a voucher to share the tasty seafood experience with a friend or colleague.
Have a Hand at the Seafood Boils at SeaWorld Restaurant
Media from SeaWorld Restaurant
Address: 10A Wilmslow Rd, M14 5TP
Contact details: 0161 225 1573
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
If you’re looking for a restaurant with the most varied fish menu in Manchester, SeaWorld is the place to be. Located along the famous Curry Mile, this seafood joint offers dishes perfect for both solo diners and groups.
Try the Seafood Boiled Mix for a “handy” meal featuring the freshest prawns, clams, and mussels cooked in the classic American Southern style. If you prefer a less messy option, go for the Grilled Platter, packed with grilled prawns and sides of your choice—it’s a feast!
For a traditional sit-down meal, the Grilled Salmon Steak is always a great choice when you’re veering away from the usual red-meat steak.
Pro tip: Pair your meal with a mocktail of your choice. Kids can enjoy their own, too!
Taste Louisiana Crawfish at Crabbish Manchester
Media from Crabbish
Address: 187 Chapel St, Salford M3 5EQ
Contact details: 0161 215 2540
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Head to the outskirts of Manchester city centre in Salford for an authentic, US Louisiana-style seafood boil at Crabbish. Here, you can savour prawns, lobster, squid, and even the slightly rare-to-find crawfish.
Get ready to get your hands and bibs messy. Crabbish only serves seafood boils, but the best part is you get to pick everything that goes into your order—from the seafood and veggies to the sauce and even dessert.
If you prefer not to be too particular, there are also Mixed Bag Specials with predetermined types and amounts of shellfish.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to tweak the spice level of your seafood boil to get the best experience. You can go as mild or extra hot as you like.
Dine at the “Back of the Counter” at The Easy Fish Co.
Media from The Easy Fish Co.
Address: 117 Heaton Moor Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4HY
Contact details: 0161 442 0823
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – CLOSED
Fish comes naturally to the fishmongers and restaurateurs at The Easy Fish Co. While its Stockport branch might be a bit of a detour from Manchester city centre, the journey is well worth it.
This neighbourhood gem is located just behind the company’s fish shop, ensuring the freshest seafood. If that doesn’t convince you, we don’t know what will (short of being right by the sea, of course).
The Taste of the Sea sharing board is a showstopper, especially for group dining. Surprisingly, the humble Fish and Chips here are also excellent when you’re on a budget.
Pro tip: The Easy Fish Co.’s Stockport branch has limited seating and is only open three days a week. We highly recommend booking a table in advance!
Eat a Light Fish Dinner at The Ivy Spinningfields Manchester
Media from The Ivy Collection
Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St M3 3HG
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 8:30 AM to 2:00 AM
The Ivy at Spinningfields exudes opulence from inside and out. It has a vast menu, but if you’re looking forward to a lighter fare with seafood, then you’re in luck and won’t be disappointed.
You can have the Chilled Lobster and Prawn Cocktail from the à la carte menu for a solid starter. Follow it up with a plate of Blackened Cod Fillet and a dessert of your choice (The Ivy Chocolate Bombe is a crowd favourite, you should try).
This place also serves the traditional fish and chips for those who live for the simpler stuff in life.
Pro tip: If you can, get seats at The Ivy’s Roof Garden, for a perfect al fresco dining experience in the evening.
Get Seafood Chinese-style at No. 8 Hotpot
Media from No.8 Manchester
Address: Unit 7, The Quadrangle, Hulme St M1 5GL
Contact details: 7395 260695
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:45 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:45 PM
For a change from the usual grilled or braised seafood, head over to No. 8 Hotpot on Hulme Street to experience seafood in an enormous pot of soup.
While you’ll still be boiling the fish and shellfish, the unique cooking style and flavourful broths offer a refreshing departure from typical US cuisine.
Try prawns, sea bass, or cuttlefish in a pot of Sichuan Spiced broth or Mushroom Soup. The real, light taste of the seafood shines through, providing a hearty meal.
The flavour possibilities are endless, as you can mix and match the seafood with meats and veggies to your liking.
Pro tip: No. 8 Hotpot has limited seafood stocks each day, so be sure to arrive early to catch them!
Feel the Seafood Love at Mamas Soul Food
Media from Mamas Soul Food
Address: 58, 60 Higher Ardwick M12 6DA
Contact details: 7766 407138
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 2:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 AM
We’re not done exploring the American South-inspired restaurants in Manchester. Next up is Mamas (yes, the lack of apostrophe seems on purpose), which features New Orleans-style seafood boils and soul food.
Mamas is part of the ghost kitchen phenomenon, but the building it’s in also caters to dine-in patrons.
Whether you’re a new or returning customer, Mama’s Seafood Boil (this time written with the apostrophe) is always a great choice. For larger groups, try the Fully Loaded Seafood Boil.
For something different, experiment with the Ramen Seafood Boil, which combines Cajun flavours with seafood and ramen noodles.
Pro tip: Want to enjoy Mama’s Soul Food at home? Call in and pick up your order instead of dining in.
See Food and Sights at Sapporo Teppanyaki Manchester
Media from Sapporo Teppanyaki
Address: 91-93 Liverpool Road M3 4JN
Contact details: 0161 831 9888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Seafood and entertainment blend perfectly at Sapporo Teppanyaki on Liverpool Road. Watch as highly-skilled chefs cook your favourite seafood dishes right in front of you for a delightful meal.
Order the restaurant’s signature Land and Sea teppanyaki, featuring juicy beef fillet cooked with jumbo prawns in garlic butter, or the standard seafood option with tuna, salmon, or sea bass. These dishes come with stir-fried veggies and egg fried rice for a complete and filling meal.
You can also add a small plate of tuna, shrimp, and salmon nigiri on the side. For a more substantial seafood meal, opt for the Samurai or Emperor Tasting menus.
Pro tip: Get ready for the egg fried rice and possibly the most thrilling juggling event you’ll ever see in your life.
Have Fish “To Die For” at Jimmy’s Killer Prawns – Manchester
Media from Jimmy’s Killer Prawns
Address: 13-25 Liverpool Rd M3 4NW
Contact details: 0161 819 1560
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:45 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Jimmy’s Killer Prawns are truly “the bomb.” The parent company of this Liverpool Street branch has received many accolades over the years, so you can trust that the prawns live up to their name.
Try Jimmy’s world-famous Mountain of Killer Prawns. The shellfish is grilled and coated with a proprietary blend of sauce and spices, giving it the signature “killer” flavour—perfect for enjoying solo or with a group.
For individuals, the “Boils for One” on the menu offers a taste of what Jimmy’s has to offer, all in the same “killer” sauce. There’s also grilled fish (salmon, sea bass, or cod) for the safest option.
Pro tip: For some reason, Jimmy’s Killer Prawns doesn’t serve tap water, so budget for bottled water if you plan to eat here.
Enjoy the Fish Starters at Off The Grid
Media from Off The Grid
Address: 366 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy M21 8AZ
Contact details: 0161 882 0172
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Chorlton’s Off The Grid is an independent restaurant offering a unique dining experience. Its key influences are the Hispanic cuisines of Latin America and its European counterparts, Spain and Portugal.
Start with the Saltcod Croquettes, a great finger food and starter for a fish-centred meal. Follow it up with the Mixed Fritto Misto, which includes fried prawns, calamari, and whitebait in one tasty serving.
For the mains, Off The Grid’s menu actually lacks seafood options, but we still recommend the Double Truffle Burger. It’s light and great for vegetarian diets—featuring double the patties with the usual veggies, truffle aioli, and halloumi.
Pro tip: This shop has limited tables, so arrive early if you plan to eat here on weekends.
Try Brazilian Fish Dishes at Fazenda Rodizio Manchester
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Address: The Avenue, Spinningfields M3 3AP
Contact details: 0161 207 1183
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Fazenda Rodizio is a posh Brazilian bar and grill at Spinningfields. Given this, it’s not surprising to learn that the main focus of its menu is on different cuts of grilled beef steaks.
However, there’s also a decent fish and vegetarian menu here for those looking for something lighter or new. Have your cod done very soft in Brazilian style with the Cod Loin “À Brasileira,” and get it on a plate with potatoes, olives, peppers, and an egg.
For a unique fish dish, order the Seafood Moqueca, a tomato and coconut milk stew with cod, mussels, and prawns.
Pro tip: Children under eight years of age can dine here for free!
Eat Good ‘Ol Reliable at Bernies English Fish & Chips
Media from Bernie’s Fish & Chips, Manchester
Address: 1A Andrew Rd, Manchester M9 8AY
Contact details: 0161 720 9290
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM, 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
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We’ve tried our hardest not to steer this list towards fish and chip shops, and we think we’ve sort of succeeded. However, we couldn’t resist adding this one because the list wouldn’t feel complete without it.
This family-run chip shop, established in 1993, has been a beloved community staple ever since. Its fish and chips have cod that’s covered in a light batter and fried just right to have a crispy outside—the fries are equally crispy, too.
While it’s a classic to have these with mushy peas (just kidding, you can have it any way you like, even with beans).
Pro tip: Visit Bernie’s chip shop on weekdays, as it’s closed on weekends.
