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A Foodie’s Guide to the 11 Best Restaurants in Greater Manchester
So, you’re in Greater Manchester, hungry, and wondering where to get a meal that’s more exciting than a soggy chippy down the road? Well, you’re in luck because this city is bursting with culinary gems that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
We’ve done the legwork (and the belt-loosening) to bring you the best of the best—because life’s too short for bad meals, right?
From Michelin-starred marvels to hidden bistros that feel like your nan’s kitchen (if she was a world-class chef), here’s where you should be heading next time hunger strikes in Greater Manchester. Just don’t blame us if you leave with a food baby!
The White Hart
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Address: 51 Stockport Rd, Lydgate, Oldham
Contact details: +44 1457 872566
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
The White Hart at Lydgate isn’t just any pub; it’s a slice of rustic charm perched 700 feet above sea level, right where Saddleworth Moor begins.
The menu is packed with local ingredients cooked with a touch of flair, like foie gras paired with smoked onion or a roast partridge served with beer-braised red cabbage and wild mushrooms.
And if you’re a cheese lover, you’re in for a treat – they’ve got a strong selection of both French and British cheeses to choose from. Finish off with something sweet like a duck egg custard tart or a pear tart tatin with liquorice ice cream.
| Pro tip: Book a table by the fireplace for the ultimate cozy dining experience, especially in winter. |
Wood Manchester
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Address: Jack Rosenthal Street, Manchester M15 4RA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 236 5211
Operating hours:
- Tue – Wed 5PM-11PM
- Thur – Sat 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Wood Manchester, the brainchild of MasterChef winner Simon Wood, is where you’ll find modern British dining at its finest. Located in a sleek, glass-clad building, the restaurant’s muted natural tones and clean lines keep the focus firmly on the food – and with good reason.
The menu is a seasonal showcase of the best local produce, featuring bold yet balanced dishes like truffled duck egg and soldiers or sashimi of British trout with preserved white asparagus.
And for those who like their cheese, Wood has an intimate lounge called Homage, dedicated entirely to cheese, chutneys, wines, and beers. It’s a cozy nook where you can indulge in carefully curated pairings that celebrate the North’s best producers.
| Pro tip: For a truly unique experience, try the ‘Chefs Table’ and watch Simon and his team work their magic right in front of you. |
MUSU
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Address: 15 Bow Ln
Contact details: +44 161 839 3929
Opening Hours:
- Wed 5PM-12AM
- Thur – Sat 12PM-2PM, 5PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
MUSU, which means ‘infinite possibilities’ in Japanese, offers a dining experience that’s as versatile as its name suggests. If you’re up for the Sentaku menu, where you pick dishes that match your taste, or the Kaiseki set menu curated by the chef himself, you’ll be in for a treat!
For a more theatrical experience, there’s the Omakase menu – a sushi lover’s dream, led by Head Sushi Chef Andre Aguiar. It’s currently the only true Omakase experience outside of London, making it a must-try for sushi aficionados.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, go for the A5 Japanese wagyu beef or the very exclusive N25 Schrenckii caviar, known for its nutty, buttery flavor.
| Pro tip: Short on time? The Subayai menu offers a quicker option without skimping on quality. Expect dishes like tuna tartare, salmon sashimi, and the trendy chawanmushi (a savory egg custard). |
Adam Reid at The French
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Address: The Midland Hotel, Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 236 3333
Operating Hours: Tue – Sat 12PM-2PM, 6PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Expect to be greeted by a cool soundtrack—think The Beatles or Oasis—handpicked by Reid himself at Adam Reid, setting the mood for an exceptional dining experience.
The tasting menu is a journey through upscale Northern comfort food, featuring dishes like Cumbrian shorthorn loin cooked in its own fat, paired with swede, seaweed, and fish eggs, or a warm cheese on celery root, enhanced by giblet gravy and English mushrooms.
The wine list is expansive and expertly curated, complementing the complex flavors on the plate. Plus, the draped-off lounge area gives the space an exclusive, intimate vibe, making it easy to forget you’re in the heart of a bustling hotel.
| Pro tip: Go for the tasting menu and try to snag a table by the window for the best view! |
Where The Light Gets In
Address: Rostron House, 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport
Contact details: +44 161 477 5744
Operating hours:
- Wed – Fri 6:30PM-12AM
- Sat 12:30PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Where The Light Gets In is Stockport’s best-kept secret, offering a dining experience that defies conventions. Chef-patron Sam Buckley has created a space where there’s no set menu, and everything hinges on what’s fresh that day.
Each visit is a surprise, with dishes that change with the seasons and the chef’s whims. Past delights have included foraged chestnuts from Delamere Forest, lemony sprats with a curd-topped scrap of poppadom, and even deep-fried bull’s testicles with tart quince puree.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability earned it a ‘green’ Michelin star in January 2021, a testament to its eco-conscious approach. The wine list is as esoteric as the food, often featuring natural and biodynamic options that pair beautifully with the inventive dishes.
| Pro tip: Book well in advance, as this place is always in demand. |
Mana
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Address: 42 Blossom St
Contact details: +44 161 392 7294
Operating Hours: Tue – Sat 6PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Mana is Manchester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why.
The restaurant operates with scientific precision—everything from the kitchen’s temperature zones to the meticulously crafted menu is designed to showcase the best of the season.
Expect a tasting menu that ranges from 12 to 17 plates, each one a masterpiece that could include ingredients you’ve never encountered before. This isn’t just dining; it’s an exploration of the wild and wonderful.
Mana’s informal setting is deceivingly laid-back, but don’t be fooled—this is serious food. The chefs themselves often forage for ingredients, bringing a true sense of nature to the plate.
| Pro tip: Snag a seat at the counter for an up-close view of the culinary action. |
Hispi
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Address: 1C School Ln, Didsbury
Contact details: +44 161 445 3996
Operating Hours: Sun 12PM-8PM
Pricing: £££
Hispi is the fifth venture in Gary Usher’s successful chain of neighborhood restaurants. Basically, it’s all about getting the basics right—think British comfort food with a twist, served up in a relaxed, unfussy setting.
The menu here is straightforward but packed with flavor. You might start with beer-battered salt pickles paired with parsley and tarragon mayo, or perhaps a roasted butternut squash linguine topped with ‘sticky walnuts’ and goats curd.
For the mains, their feather blade beef with truffle and parmesan chips is a standout, but don’t overlook the homemade Eccles cake with whipped cream—a true northern treat.
The drinks list is just as appealing, featuring bespoke brews from Manchester’s Blackjack brewery and a range of wines, including fashionable orange wines and Turkish varietals.
| Pro tip: Order the feather blade beef, it’s a crowd favorite for a reason, perfectly cooked and full of flavor. |
El Gato Negro
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Address: 52 King St
Contact details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
El Gato Negro, which translates to ‘The Black Cat,’ is a tapas joint that brings a slice of Spain right to the heart of Manchester.
Each dish here is a creative twist on classic tapas, from quince-glazed pork ribs to Josper-chargrilled chicken in a sauce made from Sobrassada—a cured pork sausage from the Balearic Islands.
There are also crowd-pleasers like salt cod fritters and crunchy croquetas filled with jamon Iberico or leek and cheese. Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of, too, with options like tempura cauliflower in romesco sauce or a summery veggie rice dish with courgette, pea, and Manchego.
The menu changes with the seasons, but classics like patatas bravas and crispy fried squid are mainstays. To wash it all down, El Gato Negro offers a wide selection of Spanish wines, sherries, and gins—so whether you’re here for a quick bite or a full meal, you’re in for a treat.
| Pro tip: Try the Josper-chargrilled dishes as they’re a house specialty and packed with smoky flavor. |
Kala
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Address: 55 King Street
Contact details: +44 161 820 3018
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Kala might describe itself as a ‘humble bistro,’ but there’s nothing modest about the food coming out of the kitchen. Here, simplicity meets sophistication!
Starters might include baked goat’s cheese paired with purple carrots and smoked garlic, or a crispy pig’s head croquette that’s as delicious as it is inventive.
For mains, the miso-glazed squash or pan-roasted cod with curry and almond sauce showcase the kitchen’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
As for dessert, expect grown-up choux buns filled with espresso ice cream or a dark and delicious blackberry pavlova that’s as visually stunning as it is tasty.
Even Sunday lunch gets a special touch here, with a sirloin of beef and all the trimmings that take the traditional roast to a whole new level.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the featherblade of beef, it’s a dish that truly captures the essence of Kala’s approach to bistro dining. |
The Sparrows
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Address: 16 Red Bank
Contact details: +44 161 832 3900
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
This restaurant’s name itself is a nod to Spätzle, the irregularly shaped egg pasta often served with Emmental cheese and braised onions, which you’ll find on their menu as Käse. But that’s just the start.
The Sparrows’ menu is a celebration of comfort food, featuring everything from gnocchi to pierogi, and pelmeni. Each dish is freshly handmade, bringing authentic European flavors to the heart of Manchester.
For those with a sweet tooth, sugary Spätzle or bergamot-tea infused panna cotta make for delightful desserts. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their unique edition vodkas from Poland or sip on some schnapps.
| Pro tip: Order the Spätzle Käse, it’s a comforting dish that’s as cheesy and satisfying as it sounds. |
Honey Restaurant at Hotel Gotham
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Address: 100 King St
Contact details: +44 161 413 0000
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Honey Restaurant at Hotel Gotham is as theatrical as its surroundings, but sometimes that flair for drama can leave you scratching your head.
Their chicken and ham pie, despite its quirky presentation with a pastry hat, is actually a solid dish with good textures and flavors. The lamb hotpot, while not quite what you might expect, offers a hearty, herby meal that satisfies, even if it’s not quite a traditional hotpot.
Accessibility is decent, but it’s best suited for those looking for a unique dining experience rather than a casual meal.
| Pro tip: Dress up a bit to match the restaurant’s sophisticated vibe. |
