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The 5 Best Restaurants in Northern Quarter Manchester

The 5 Best Restaurants in Northern Quarter Manchester 

  • Food - We assessed both the variety of the dishes and the consistency of their taste.
  • Accessibility - We checked their operating hours and delivery services as this affects how easy it would be for diners to order their food.
  • Price - We reviewed how much it would cost to dine at each establishment and compared it with nearby restaurants.
  • Customer Service - We evaluated the attitude and service time of the staff members as well.

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, the Northern Quarter is a thriving hub for creativity, culture, and most importantly, gastronomy. 

Whether you’re seeking a new favourite spot or just want to explore new flavours, you’ll find something that will cater your tastes and preferences. But if you’re here for a limited time, which ones should you visit?

Well, we’ve got you! We’ve paused our diets and to give you some of the best restaurants in the Northern Quarter, from fast foods serving comfort food to upscale restaurants redefining the food scene. Here are our picks!

1. TNQ

TNQ's Homepage

Services: Dine-in

Website: 108 High St, Manchester M4 1HQ, United Kingdom

Address: https://www.tnq.co.uk/

Contact Details: +44 161 832 7115

Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM

Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.5/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.6/5
Total Reviews4/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food 5/5
→Variety5/5
→Taste5/5
Accessibility4/5
 →Operating Hours4/5
→Delivery Services4/5
Price 
(A higher rating means more affordable prices)
4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Offers local British dishes
  • Open everyday
  • Accommodates dietary restrictions

Cons

  • Closes early on Sundays
  • Does not have delivery services
  • More expensive compared to other restaurants.

TNQ stood out to us because of its diverse menu that centres on contemporary British cuisine. 

When it comes to accessibility, we also appreciate that this restaurant opens its doors every day, which is a plus for diners looking for a reliable spot. However, we believe that the early closing time on Sundays might be a drawback for those seeking a late dinner option.

Another point to consider is that TNQ does not offer delivery services, so it’s essential to drop by for those who would like to taste their dishes.

It’s also worth noting that the price point may be slightly higher compared to nearby restaurants. However, considering the quality of the food and the ambience they provide, we believe that the cost is reasonable. 

After all, we believe that the restaurant’s stylish and relaxed dining room, adorned with exposed wooden floors and grand windows showcasing the iconic Smithfield Fish Markets — makes spending a little more worth it.

This place also scores high on customer service. We like that they have knowledgeable and attentive staff who are happy to recommend dishes and wine pairings. 

Another aspect that impressed us was their consideration of dietary restrictions. According to their regulars, they are consistent in informing guests about their menu choices, making dining at TNQ a pleasant experience for those who watch what they eat.

2. Liquor and Burn

Liquor and Burn's Homepage

Services: Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery

Website: https://liquorandburn.com/

Address: 100-102 High St, Manchester M4 1HP, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours

Google Reviews Score 4.4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.4/5
Total Reviews4.1/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food 5/5
→Variety5/5
→Taste5/5
Accessibility5/5
→Operating Hours5/5
→Delivery Services5/5
Price 
(A higher rating means more affordable prices)
5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Has a wide selection of affordable drinks and dishes
  • Open 24 hours
  • Has takeout and delivery services

Cons

  • Has inconsistent customer service

We learned that Liquor & Burn was inspired by a road trip from LA to Mexico. This is why it’s not surprising to see a menu filled with a wide variety of sun-soaked cocktails and delicious burritos, tacos, loaded fries, and sides.

We like that they are open 24 hours a day every day, making it a perfect spot for late-night food cravings and partying. They also accept reservations for large groups, making it an excellent choice for celebrations.

They also have takeout and delivery services for those who don’t want to leave their home.

Furthermore, we believe their affordability is a major plus. Here, they have meals starting at £20. They also have 50% off tacos on Tuesdays — making it a budget-friendly option for diners.

While the food is generally excellent according to their regulars, we think they could improve on their service. Sadly, some customers reported that the place was busy, leading to longer wait times for food and drinks.

But we must mention that though the staff were friendly, there were instances where they seemed overwhelmed and forgot to provide glasses for water or cutlery.

Despite this, we still think that this restaurant is worth the try as the pros certainly outweigh the cons.

3. Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay's Homepage

Services: Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery

Website: https://turtlebay.co.uk/

Address: 46-50 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 235 8411

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM–11:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM–12:30 AM
  • Friday:  11:00 AM–1:30 AM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM–1:30 AM
Google Reviews Score 4.7/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food 5/5
→Variety5/5
→Taste5/5
Accessibility4.5/5
→Operating Hours4/5
→Delivery Services5/5
Price 
(A higher rating means more affordable prices)
5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Has wide selection of Caribbean drinks and dishes
  • Accepts walk-ins
  • Has takeout and delivery services

Cons

  • Service can get slow during peak hours
  • Has confusing operating hours

Turtle Bay has two locations, but for this review, we’re focusing on the Oldham Street branch in the Northern Quarter. We like that it offers a tropical mix of rum, reggae, and jerk, where the founder’s inspiration struck during a memorable experience in Barbados. 

We think Turtle Bay’s food is a standout feature, offering a variety of delicious Caribbean dishes that transport your taste buds to the islands. Based on our research, the consistency in taste is commendable, ensuring a satisfying experience with every visit.

While they accept walk-ins, it’s best to check their operating hours, as they can be a bit complicated. During peak hours, the place can also get cramped, so it’s wise to book a reservation if you prefer a smoother dining experience.

Sadly, along with this, the serving time might be slow. However, the restaurant’s delivery and takeout services add convenience for those who want to enjoy their dishes at home instead. 

When it comes to the price, we believe Turtle Bay offers good value for money, especially with their bottomless selection of drinks. 

As for their customer service, we’re happy to share that they have dependable staff members. According to their regulars, the servers are both consistent in being attentive and knowledgeable about their menu. 

4. Cane & Grain

Cane & Grain's Homepage

Services: Dine-in, Delivery

Website: http://www.caneandgrain.co.uk/

Address: 49, 51 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 839 7033

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM
  • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–3:00 AM
Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Total Reviews4.4/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food 5/5
→Variety5/5
→Taste5/5
Accessibility4.5/5
→Operating Hours4/5
→Delivery Services5/5
Price 
(A higher rating means more affordable prices)
5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Has a wide selection of dishes
  • Has an affordable menu
  • Good place to be on Friday nights

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays

New York-style bar, Cane & Grain is a hip New York-style bar with three themed floors. Here, they serve up ribs, burgers, and cocktails. 

We like that they have separate menus for food and drinks, giving diners a wide variety of choices to suit their preferences. The affordable meal options start at £10, making them an attractive choice for those looking for a delicious yet budget-friendly dining experience.

In terms of accessibility, we believe it’s unfortunate that the establishment is closed on Sundays, limiting the options for weekend diners.

On a more positive note, we commend them for having a reliable in-house delivery team that ensures that the dishes arrive on time and in good condition. 

On top of this, their customer service remains consistent even for those who want to dine in. According to the regulars that we have spoken to, the staff members here are always polite.

Along with this, they are also knowledgeable about the menu and are always ready to provide insight on good pairings. 

Furthermore, according to our research, it’s good to visit the restaurant on Friday nights if you’re looking for a good time. This is when the crowd is lively and the ambience is ideal for a night of drinking and dancing.

5. Yard & Coop

Yard & Coop's Homepage

Services: Dine-in, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery

Website: https://www.yardandcoop.com/

Address: 37 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 710 2570

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Google Reviews Score 4.4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.3/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food 4.5/5
→Variety4/5
→Taste5/5
Accessibility5/5
→Operating Hours5/5
→Delivery Services5/5
Price 
(A higher rating means more affordable prices)
5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Allows meal customisation
  • Has an affordable selection
  • Has vegetarian options

Cons

  • Has a small menu

For those who are in the Northern Quarter and looking for a delightful lunch and cocktail experience, Yard & Coop is a good choice. We learned that this award-winning chicken and cocktail restaurant has been a favourite in the area for many years.

What we like about this restaurant is that despite having a small menu, they offer the flexibility for customers to create their own meals by choosing their preferred cut and sauce, catering to individual tastes.

Another standout feature is their inclusivity. Here, they easily adapt their recipes to accommodate vegan and vegetarian customers.

While the menu primarily focuses on chicken, we were impressed that vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a satisfying dining experience here as well.

We were pleased to find that they offer a good selection of drinks, including homemade and classic cocktails. They also have beers and wines that complement the meals perfectly.

We think that their thoughtful pairing adds to the overall dining experience.

In terms of prices, they offer a range of £7 to £14 for meals and £5 to £9 for cocktails. We believe the portions are generous and filling — making them the one of most affordable options in the area.

FAQs about Restaurants in Northern Quarter Manchester

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