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Manchester Piccadilly: The Ultimate Restaurant Guide
Manchester Piccadilly is buzzing with an eclectic mix of culinary treasures, making it a must-visit for food lovers far and wide. From hidden gems tucked away in alleyways to bustling markets brimming with street food, the area serves up a feast for the senses.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Piccadilly, showcasing spots where the food does the talking and the vibes are as varied as the menu options. Let’s hop on the train (or tram) and head to Piccadilly Station!
Piccadilly Market
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Website: Piccadilly Market
Address: 49 High St, Manchester M1 1AF, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sun 10AM – 6PM
- Street Food market on Thu – Sat
Piccadilly Market isn’t just a market; it’s a microcosm of Manchester’s vibrant food scene, especially from Thursday to Saturday when the Street Food market kicks into full gear.
It’s our go-to for a diverse mix of eats, from ostrich burgers to freshly made cupcakes, and dim sum to lamb shish. A standout favourite? The halloumi fries from the Turkish wrap stall. Seriously, they’re ridiculously good.
You can taste the tradition and innovation in every bite here, with vendors that change often but always deliver quality.
| Pro tip: Those halloumi fries are not just tasty, they’re addictive. Dive in and let the calorie counting take a back seat for a while. |
Bundobust
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Website: Bundobust
Address: 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 359 6757
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Bundobust has firmly established itself as a pillar of Piccadilly’s dining experience. Famed for its vegetarian Indian street food, this spot is a favourite among locals and critics alike, including Jay Rayner.
It’s not just the food that’s garnering attention—think spiced, hearty, and moreish—but also their vast selection of craft beers and cool cocktails, all served up in a casual, vibrant setting.
It’s the sort of place that makes you want to linger longer, sample everything twice, and leave planning your next visit.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip their award-winning okra fries and a pint of their finest ale—it’s a pairing made in heaven. |
Shoryu Ramen
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Website: Shoryu Ramen
Address: 1 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1RG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 228 3856
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
When it comes to authentic Japanese ramen in Manchester, Shoryu Ramen stands as the undisputed champion.
Praised by both critics, including Jay Rayner, and ramen enthusiasts alike, Shoryu Ramen is renowned for its commitment to traditional Japanese cooking techniques. The magic of their menu lies in the painstaking preparation of their dishes.
The pork stock, simmered for over 12 hours, forms the rich, flavourful base of their ramen. Complementing this are the homemade nitamago eggs—perfectly seasoned and marinated—and expertly roasted meats that add layers of complexity and depth to each bowl.
| Pro tip: Enhance your ramen bowl with their homemade nitamago eggs—each one is a flavour bomb in its own right. |
Pollen
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Website: Pollen
Address: Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ, United Kingdom
Contact details:
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 8AM-4PM
Pollen Bakery is an absolute treasure in Manchester, known far and wide for its exceptional sourdough, impeccable croissants, and the show-stopping cruffins.
Picture this: croissant dough artfully coiled into a muffin tin, baked until it achieves a glorious golden hue, then lavishly filled with either lush crème patisserie or a zesty fruit curd. The result? Pastries that transcend good—they’re phenomenal.
This bakery is a place you’ll find yourself drawn to, with a selection of both sweet and savoury delights that keep the locals queuing up, especially on a Saturday morning.
| Pro tip: Queue up early for those cruffins; they’re a revelation and sell out fast! |
Brasserie Abode
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Website: Brasserie Abode
Address: Abode Manchester, 107 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2DB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 247 7744
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Think you know what to expect from Anglo-French cuisine in Piccadilly? Brasserie Abode is here to overturn those expectations. This gem is carving out a niche for sophisticated yet comforting dishes that blend the best of British and French culinary traditions.
Their Plat de Jour is a steal at £9.95, featuring rotating specialties like Coq Au Vin and Confit of Duck that taste even more delicious knowing you’ve snagged a bargain.
Plus, the chic atmosphere and an enticing cocktail menu make Brasserie Abode a top pick for a classy evening out, where you can savour the flavour and feel of France right in the heart of Manchester.
| Pro tip: Their rock oysters are a must; pair them with one of their signature cocktails for a top-notch start to your meal. |
The Dakota Grill and Restaurant
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Website: The Dakota Grill and Restaurant
Address: Dakota Hotel, 29 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 674 9180
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Dakota Grill is more than its swanky decor; it’s a place that’s all about vibing out with top-notch classic cocktails and cracking seasonal dishes. Dakota is a prime spot for those who fancy a bit of socialising while tucking into some seriously good grub.
For those who appreciate the finer things, Dakota doesn’t disappoint. The menu features quality seasonal produce that’s not just cooked but crafted with care and presented without a fuss. It’s the kind of place you head to when you want to treat yourself before a big match.
Just rock up a few hours before the game starts, settle in for some pre-match excellence, and then it’s a short hop over to the stadium.
| Pro tip: Their seasonal menu changes keep things fresh, so ask your server for the latest must-try dishes and cocktails. |
Piccadilly Tap
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Website: Piccadilly Tap
Address: Gateway House, Station Approach, Manchester M1 2GH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 228 2404
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Dakota Grill isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its posh decor—it’s a proper treat for the taste buds too. Nestled in the Northern Quarter, this spot dishes out classic cocktails and seasonal meals that’ll have you feeling right at home.
It’s got the vibes of a high-end spot without being stuffy, making it the perfect place to unwind and have a good natter over some seriously tasty food.
They know how to make you feel special without laying it on too thick, which is exactly what you want when you’re out to enjoy yourself. It’s like your local, but with a bit of a twist—think top-notch grub and drinks that are as good as you’d hope for in a place that looks this good.
| Pro tip: If you fancy yourself a bit of a beer connoisseur, try their guest ales. Always something new to tickle your palate. |
Grub
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Website: Grub
Address: 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 302 3060
Operating Hours: Wed – Sun 12PM-10PM
Alright, so the area behind Piccadilly Station might not be winning any beauty contests, but don’t let that put you off—Grub is a real gem tucked away there. It’s a street food haven that’s open every Friday and Saturday, offering some of the best bites you’ll find in Manchester.
Seriously, from Spaghetti Monsters and Mac Daddies to Hip-Hop Chip Shop and Holy Crab, the variety is just mad; it’s like a mini festival of flavours that keeps the city buzzing. And it’s not just about the grub.
Although it’s a bit rough around the edges, this spot is part of what makes Piccadilly Gardens worth a visit. You’ve got food vendors slinging dishes from all corners of the globe, making it a top spot for anyone keen to taste the world without leaving the city.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on Buddha Belly’s offerings—their dishes are a hit for a reason! |
Jianbing Pancakes
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Address: 55 Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 1506 636767
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-8PM
Tucked away in Piccadilly Gardens, from a humble little ice-cream kiosk, comes a culinary surprise that’s both delightful and delicious—Jianbing Pancakes.
These Chinese crepes, a staple street food back in China, might look simple but they’re bursting with flavour. Made from a wheat and grain-based crepe, the Jianbing is layered with a fresh egg and deep-fried crackers, known as Bao Cui, adding a satisfying crunch.
It’s a popular choice for those on the go, ideal for eating with your hands as you dash to work or school. Topped with your choice of mushrooms, sausage, or crab meat, and all for just £3.50, it’s not just a bargain but a genuinely tasty way to spice up any mundane Monday lunchtime.
| Pro tip: Go for the crab meat topping—it’s a fresh twist that works wonders with the crepe. |
Café Marhaba
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Website: Café Marhaba
Address: 36 Back Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1HP, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 236 4424
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-7PM
Café Marhaba might not be the flashiest joint on the block, but it’s a place where flavour rules supreme. This no-frills, family-run eatery serves up home-cooked curries that warm you to your core, dished out in a setting that’s all about the food.
Inside, you’ll find a simple setup—a galley of five tables, plastic water jugs on the tables, glass tumblers ready for the pouring, and an open kitchen where everything’s cooked right before your eyes.
Their menu, plastered on the wall, lists 25 curries with roots in Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. If you’re up for a real treat, go for their “rice and three” combo at just £6, where you can mix and match curries, including their standout lamb karahi.
| Pro tip: Splash out on their three curry special with rice—your wallet and your belly will thank you. |
Carluccio’s Manchester Piccadilly
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Website: Carluccio’s
Address: Piccadilly Station, Manchester M1 2PB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 228 2829
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Carluccio’s in Manchester Piccadilly is your go-to if you’re after a bit of Italian grub. Nestled right up in the railway station’s upper concourse, it’s spot on whether you’re just rolling into town or about to head off.
Known for dishing out some proper hearty Italian meals, it’s a favourite for anyone keen on good food paired with a decent drop of vino. The place has a nice, rustic feel to it, making it a cosy spot for a brekkie before your commute or a chilled dinner after a day’s wander.
They’re all about keeping it real with top-notch ingredients straight from Italy, cooked up with a bit of love. Whether you’re a pasta fanatic, have a sweet tooth, or need something veggie, vegan, or gluten-free, they’ve got you sorted.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their signature antipasto platter; it’s generously filled with the best flavours of Italy and perfect for sharing. |
