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Dining Sky-High: The 10 Most Magnificent Rooftop Restaurants in Manchester
I’ve got a bit of a thing for rooftop dining. There’s something about eating with the Manchester skyline as your backdrop that just feels, well, posh. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to feel fancy while pretending you’re not terrified of heights.
But hey, who doesn’t love a good view with their vino? I’ve scoped out the best rooftop spots in Manchester where the food is top-notch and the views are even better. Think of it as dinner and a show, but the show is the entire city at your feet.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your dining game (and your Instagram game), check out these sky-high eateries that are well worth the climb.
20 Stories
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Website: 20 Stories
Address: NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square
Contact details: +44 161 204 3333
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Located on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories is the crown jewel of Manchester’s rooftop dining scene. It’s got an elegant restaurant, a vibrant bar, and an expansive rooftop terrace offering 360-degree views of the city’s skyline – not something you see every day.
Executive Chef Daniel Scott has put together menus that show off the best of the Northwest, using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that feel both familiar and innovative. The bar, managed by Jack Marsden, is a marvel on its own.
Five Eurocave fridges housing 600 wines, carefully selected by Head Sommelier Callum Morris, mean you’ll always have the perfect pairing. The outdoor terrace is perfect for a sunny afternoon drink or a romantic evening under the stars.
| Pro tip: Snag a seat by the edge of the terrace for the best views. It’s perfect for a romantic evening or an Instagram-worthy moment. |
The Ivy Spinningfields
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Website: The Ivy Spinningfields
Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St
Contact details: +44 161 503 3222
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-12AM
Pricing: £££
The Ivy Spinningfields is where you go when you want to mix a bit of glitz with your meal. This place is massive, spread across four floors and can seat over 500 diners. The ground floor houses the classic Ivy Brasserie, serving up a modern British menu with seasonal ingredients.
Think British and European classics done right, and yes, their brunch is a local favourite. The second floor is where things get really exciting with Ivy Asia. Imagine semi-precious stone floors, golden gilded ceilings, and lush jade colours.
It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. But the real gem is the rooftop terrace – retractable roof, fire pits, and loads of greenery make it the perfect spot to chill, come rain or shine.
| Pro tip: Head up early in the evening to enjoy their signature cocktails while taking in a stunning sunset view over the city. It’s the perfect way to start your night with a picturesque backdrop. |
Climat
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Website: Climat
Address: 10 Booth St
Contact details: +44 161 302 7600
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Climat is the place to be if you’re into wine and fine dining with a view. This French-inspired restaurant from the team behind Chester’s beloved Covino is located on the eighth floor of Blackfriars House.
The panoramic views of the city are nothing short of spectacular, making it a perfect spot for those sunset dinners. The outdoor terrace adds to the charm, giving you a taste of Parisian expat life right in Manchester.
Their menu is all about ‘Parisian-expat food,’ with dishes like vol-au-vents that are simply to die for. And of course, the wine list is top-notch, featuring a great selection that’ll impress even the pickiest wine aficionado.
| Pro tip: Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, as their terrace seats fill up quickly. You definitely don’t want to miss out on those stunning views and the unique dining experience they offer. |
Honest Burgers Manchester
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Website: Honest Burgers
Address: 36 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 832 1070
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Honest Burgers is all about keeping it real with 100% British beef patties that come straight from their own butchery. They chop the meat rather than mince it, which means those flavours and juices stay locked in, giving you a burger that’s rich and succulent.
The patties are served medium rare, but if you prefer yours less pink, just let them know. Vegans and veggies aren’t left out either, with options that are just as tasty. And those rosemary salt chips? Absolute game changers.
They also keep things local on the drinks front with Manchester’s own Runaway Brewery crafting a special brew just for them. The ‘Just for Manchester’ burger, featuring Bury black pudding and mini roast potatoes, is a local favourite.
With three floors and a sun-trapped terrace, it’s a great spot for groups, and don’t miss their bottomless brunches every first Saturday of the month.
| Pro tip: Try their Manchester special burger – it’s packed with local flavours like Bury black pudding and Runaway beer cheese sauce. |
YES
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Website: YES
Address: 38 Charles St
Contact details: +44 161 273 2725
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
From an old auction house to one of Manchester’s coolest new venues, YES has a bit of everything.
Spread across four floors, it’s a place where you can start with some affordable eats in the bright and colourful social dining area on the ground floor, then head down to the basement for a club night. The pink gig room is where the magic happens, hosting live bands and top DJs.
And when you need some fresh air, the roof terrace is the place to be. With turquoise beams and plenty of plants, it’s a chilled spot to enjoy a drink and the views.
| Pro tip: Check out their gig schedule before you go; they host some top-notch live music nights featuring local and touring artists. These events are popular, so arriving early ensures you get a good spot to enjoy the show. |
Doghouse Manchester
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Website: Doghouse
Address: 18-22 Lloyd St
Contact details: +44 161 833 3197
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-1AM
Pricing: £
Located on Fountain Street, this place is perfect for anyone who loves craft beer. The hotel offers 18 boutique rooms, each decked out with shower beer fridges, in-room beer taps, and a vinyl collection curated by local legends.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. On the ground floor, you’ll find a taproom with 30 taps of craft beer, alongside a menu featuring monster burgers and spicy buffalo wings.
Head upstairs, and you’re in for a treat with a scenic rooftop bar pouring craft beers, wines, and signature cocktails. They’ve even planted an urban jungle on the rooftop and used CO2-eating paint throughout the hotel, making it as eco-friendly as it is cool.
| Pro tip: Their cocktail menu is a must-try. Ask the bartender for their latest creations – they’re always mixing up something new and exciting. |
The Con Club
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Website: The Con Club
Address: 48 Greenwood St
Contact details: +44 161 696 6870
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-11PM
Pricing: £
The Con Club is where industrial chic meets cosy dining. This renovated working men’s club in Altrincham is a mix of industrial features and contemporary furnishings, making it a top spot for both casual meals and date nights.
The hidden rooftop tipi overlooking the town’s market area adds a whimsical touch. On the menu, you’ll find a strong emphasis on fresh seafood with a dedicated raw bar serving up sushi and sashimi.
But don’t stop there – their seasonal specials, made from scratch with local produce, are not to be missed. Pair your meal with a unique cocktail from their extensive drinks list.
Whether it’s a mango and chilli margarita or a chocolate orange martini, there’s something to suit every palate. And let’s not forget the on-site microbrewery – fresh pints are always a good idea.
| Pro tip: Make sure to try their sushi; it’s unexpectedly fantastic for a place primarily known for its brews and grills. The freshness and quality of the sushi will surprise you and make for a delightful dining experience. |
Tre Ciccio
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Website: Tre Ciccio
Address: 4A Moss Ln, Altrincham WA14 1BA
Contact details: +44 161 414 0196
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Tre Ciccio is your go-to for a genuine Italian experience right in Altrincham. Family-run and full of charm, it’s perfect for chilled lunches by day and cosy date nights when the sun goes down. The sprawling terrace is a must-visit for alfresco feasting.
The menu boasts Southern Italian favourites like the signature pollo alla Diavola – a spicy, flavour-packed chicken dish with potatoes, chilli, and Calabrian nduja. Of course, their Neapolitan-style pizzas are a highlight, cooked to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven.
And if you’re feeling thirsty, their selection of wines, classic cocktails, and spirits will more than satisfy.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their wood-fired pizzas – they’re a slice of heaven with a perfectly crispy crust and fresh, flavorful toppings. |
El Gato Negro
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Website: El Gato Negro
Address: 52 King St
Contact details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
El Gato Negro has brought its award-winning tapas from West Yorkshire to Manchester’s King Street, and it’s been a hit ever since. The critically acclaimed menu features a variety of tapas dishes made with both local and authentic Mediterranean ingredients.
Expect to indulge in cured meats, cheeses, and fresh seafood, all paired with top-notch Iberian wines. The decor blends comfort with rustic Spanish charm, creating an intimate dining experience spread across three floors.
The top floor is home to The Black Cat, their own bar with a retractable roof offering stellar views of Manchester’s skyline. With antiques, unique furnishings, and reclaimed features, it’s got a distinct character that makes it a perfect spot for a casual yet stylish night out.
| Pro tip: Their seafood tapas are a must-try, featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients. Pair them with a glass of their house sangria to enhance the flavours and enjoy the full, authentic Spanish dining experience. |
Sora
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Website: Sora
Address: Great John St
Contact details: +44 161 667 0707
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Sora, sitting pretty above the city on the seventh floor, is a dining experience designed to elevate your senses. This chic rooftop spot offers panoramic views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
The menu is a blend of Asian fusion and contemporary European dishes, perfect for mixing and matching small plates. Think sushi rolls, sashimi platters, tempura tiger prawns, and robata grilled meats – it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Their selection of cocktails is just as irresistible, with highlights like the peach and lychee spritz, cherry blossom negroni, and a classic Cuba libre. The rooftop terrace is sleek, adorned with modern decor and plenty of plants, creating a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.
| Pro tip: Book a table for sunset – the view is absolutely breathtaking and adds an extra special touch to your dining experience. |
