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The 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Manchester

The 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Manchester

  • Food  - We assessed the menu offered by each restaurant. This included analysing the quality and variety of their dishes.
  • Accessibility - We reviewed the accessibility of each seafood restaurant, considering factors such as its location, operating hours, and delivery services.
  • Price - We analysed the pricing structure of seafood dishes at each restaurant and compared them to the rates of nearby establishments.
  • Customer Service - We assessed the level of customer service provided by each seafood restaurant by researching the friendliness and attentiveness of staff, the speed of service, and overall customer satisfaction.

Are you craving fresh seafood dishes? Lucky for you, Manchester is filled with restaurants that would take your tastebuds on a journey under the sea.

Join us as we cast our net wide to uncover the finest seafood restaurants in Manchester. Read on!

1. Live Seafood

1. Live Seafood

Services: Dine in, Take out, Private events

Website: https://www.liveseafood.co.uk/

Address: 163 Ashton Old Rd, Manchester M11 3WU, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 222 0363

Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.2/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.7/5
Total Reviews4.2/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food5/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
  Operating Hours4/5
  Location5/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)4/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Live seafoods in display tanks
  • Wide selection of dishes
  • Accessible location

Cons

  • Closes earlier compared to other restaurant
  • Complaints of slow and dismissive customer service
  • More expensive compared to other restaurants

Live Seafood stood out to us with its unique approach of having live seafood on display in tanks—true to its name. We think this feature is outstanding because it ensures a fresh dining experience.

We’re also impressed to have learned that their impressive lobster storage which is capable of holding up to 100 kilograms! They also have an extensive seafood selection including crabs, eels, crayfish, oysters, and more.

When it comes to preparing orders, we like how they offer the option to have it cooked in Cantonese Style or Sichuan Style – great if you’re craving for authentic Asian recipes.

We also found that they’re quite popular, but that means that it can get crowded here. Although, we found that their queues are generally manageable.

Also, it would be great to have a reservation for a more seamless experience, especially during peak times.

We also give them plus points for convenience as well because of their convenient location and daily operating hours. But, we think that it’s worth noting that they close earlier the other seafood restaurants in Manchester.

Sadly, we received mixed reviews in terms of customer service. While we appreciate the polite staff during our visit, some people we spoke with expressed dissatisfaction with slow and dismissive service. 

Finally, the meals here can be a bit pricey that ranges from £80–90. However, we believe the freshness and authentic Asian taste make it a worthwhile indulgence for seafood enthusiasts. 

2. Sexy Fish

2. Sexy Fish

Services: Dine in, Take out, Private events

Website: https://sexyfishmanchester.com/

Address: 1 The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3AP, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 526 2929

Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–11:30 PM

Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM

Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM

Google Reviews Score 3.9/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4/5
Total Reviews4.3/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food5/5
Accessibility 5/5
  Operating Hours5/5
  Location5/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)4/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Private dining area
  • Wide selection of Japanese-inspired dishes
  • Late closing times
  • Accepts walk-in guests

Cons

  • More expensive compared to other restaurants
  • Instances of slow serving time

Sexy Fish is the place to be in Manchester if you’re up for Robata-grilled Japanese-inspired seafood and meat. We love how everything here is luxurious – from their offerings to their opulent decor.

But what we loved most about Sexy Fish is its semi-private dining space called The Tropical Reef Room. We’re mesmerised by the cosy interior of the room that features a stunning live coral reef tank!

We must note, though, that dining here is pricey – and it really didn’t surprise us given Sexy Fish’s high-end vibe. Meals here average at £80 to £90, but we believe they’re worth a try.

Many regulars we surveyed rave about their salmon tartare, tiger prawn, and grilled sea bass. We like their variety of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, especially their enticing Trinity Cocktails.

We also like the well-staffed team which provided us quick service and minimal wait times for food. 

However, we did receive complaints from other customers about some minor issues. One person we spoke with mentioned having to follow up their requests and even experienced delays with their orders. 

On a more positive note, we appreciate that Sexy Fish is open from noon until the early hours of the morning which gives customers plenty of time to drop by and dine. Plus, they accept walk-ins!

3. Jimmy’s Killer Prawns

3. Jimmy’s Killer Prawns

Services: Dine in, Take out

Website: https://jimmyskillerprawns.com/

Address: 13-25 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NW, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 819 1560

Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday: 12:00 PM–10:45 PM

Saturday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 5/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food5/5
Accessibility 5/5
  Operating Hours5/5
  Location5/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Affordable selection
  • Accepts walk-ins

Cons

  • Complaints about orders not being served promptly

Jimmy’s Killer Prawns was established in 1991 and we’re impressed that they’ve earned a global presence with branches cherished by customers around the world. 

One of the standout features we noted is their affordability, with meals averaging £20 to £30 with generous portions. For us, this makes them an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly seafood without compromising on taste. 

However, we must mention some issues we encountered, such as slow serving times and inattentive staff. We found that many other patrons we spoke with experienced faster service, so our disappointing experience may just be due to the peak hours.

Despite the hiccups, we were impressed by their prawns—we think they’re aptly named because they’re a real killer, but in a good way! 

We also think it’s noteworthy how the restaurant was able to craft their delicious seasoning, with the owner travelling extensively to uncover the perfect blend.

Other popular dishes to try here are the lobster thermidor, grilled crab, and cod fillet. Of course, ordering from their selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to match the food is a good way to elevate the experience.

Lastly, we like that they’re operational every day from noon to late evening. And though they accept walk-ins, reservations are recommended for larger groups since they have to prepare a suitable area. 

4. Street Urchin

4. Street Urchin

Services: Dine in, Take out

Website: https://www.street-urchin.co.uk/

Address: 72 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5BG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 7470 804979

Operating Hours: Sunday: 1:00 PM–9:00 PM

Wednesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Friday: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM | 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Saturday: 1:00 PM–11:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.7/5
Facebook Reviews Score 5/5
Total Reviews4.4/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food5/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
  Operating Hours4/5
  Location5/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Relaxing interior
  • Accessible location
  • Big portions of food
  • Attentive staff members

Cons

  • Limited operating days with varying operating hours

Street Urchin caught our attention with their inviting and cosy interiors. We loved their  airy and relaxed ambience, given the large windows and hanging plants, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.

We also like that they’re conveniently situated in Ancoats, offering easy accessibility to both commuters and drivers. However, it’s worth noting that they operate only five times a week. 

Furthermore, we’re a bit concerned that their varying operating hours may pose a challenge for potential customers. To avoid any unwanted surprises, we think calling before heading to the establishment will ensure a smoother dining experience.

While at glance, their prices may seem steep because of the average costs of £40 to £50 per meal, we think they’re reasonable. In our books, their large servings make up for the costs because several people can share one order.

As for the dishes, we’re fans of Street Urchin’s stone bass ceviche and fresh mussels. Furthermore, we appreciate that they also offer non-seafood options such as English asparagus and banh xeo pancake.

Finally, we’d like to commend how the serving staff contributed to our overall dining experience. Our visit proved that they go the extra mile to accommodate special requests when we requested to have our seafood cooked in a specific way. 

5. Hawksmoor

5. Hawksmoor

Services: Dine in, Take out, Private events

Website: https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/manchester/?y_source=1_MjQyMjUwMzUtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

Address: 184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 836 6980

Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM

Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM | 5:00 PM–9:30 PM

Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.7/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.4/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Food5/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
  Operating Hours4/5
  Location5/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Interior has Victorian era elements
  • Accessible location
  • Accommodating staff members

Cons

  • Varying operating hours
  • £5 corkage fee on specific days

Upon entering Hawksmoor, we were immediately struck by their impressive incorporation of reclaimed materials from the late Victorian era in their interior design.

We loved how they used a variety of notable materials: parquet flooring from a different courthouse, panelling from Birmingham’s Sandwell College, and well-cleaned glazed bricks sourced from a Liverpool public lavatory.

For us, this attention to detail undoubtedly adds character and a unique charm to the space. We also appreciate that they are situated at the city centre, ensuring easy accessibility for diners.

We were just confused by their varying operating hours. Though we think it’s an advantage that they’re open daily, they have midday closures that might confuse some customers.

Nonetheless, we think it’s a minor dilemma, as calling their responsive staff can easily resolve the problem. 

When it comes to the food, Hawksmoor impressed us with a diverse menu featuring high-quality seafood dishes. Some dishes that stood out to us are the roasted scallops and Hawksmoor smoked salmon.

As for their pricing, we think that their reasonable factor adds to the appeal, with meals averaging at £30 to £40. But it’s worth noting a £5 corkage fee on Mondays and Sundays, which could influence the overall cost for diners.

On a positive note, we’re happy to share that their staff was accommodating and knowledgeable about the menu offerings during our visit. We loved how they were proactive in offering food pairings without being too pushy.

6. The Oystercatcher

6. The Oystercatcher

Services: Dine in, Take out

Website: https://www.theoystercatcher.org/

Address: 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 637 5890

Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM

Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Friday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.8/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.7/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Quality5/5
Accessibility 4.5
  Operating Hours4/5
  Location5/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)4/4
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Accessible location
  • Unique food offerings
  • Gluten-free and vegan options
  • Helpful staff

Cons

  • Varying operating hours
  • Expensive menu

Nestled in the serene surroundings of Chorlton-cum-Hardy lies The Oystercatcher. We like that they’re easily accessible yet tucked away enough for a peaceful dining experience.

However, we think potential patrons might get slightly confused by the establishment’s varying hours, as they open late on weekends.

Moreover, given their popularity and shorter operating hours, we noted that The Oystercatcher fills up quickly, so having a reservation will come in handy here.

As for their menu, we were pleasantly surprised by their innovative culinary offerings.

Some of the standout dishes for us are the black sea bream, panang curry mussels, and piri piri swordfish steak. Overall, we were left thoroughly impressed with their flavours and freshness.

Another plus in our books is that The Oystercatcher offers both vegan and gluten-free options. However, we think that it’s worth noting that their menu is subject to change according to seasonal availability

And in case someone wouldn’t know what to order, we noted that their staff is fantastic at recommending pairings. 

On top of this, their price point may lean towards the higher end, averaging around £40 to £50 per meal. But for us, this cost is justified when you consider the quality of their dishes.

7. San Carlo

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7. San Carlo

Services: Dine in, Take out, Private Events

Website: https://sancarlo.co.uk/restaurants/san-carlo-manchester/

Address: 42 King St W, Manchester M3 2WY, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 834 6226

Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.2/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.1/5
Total Reviews4.6/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Quality5/5
Accessibility 4/5
  Operating Hours4/5
  Location4/5
Price (A higher rating means better value)4/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Italian seafood dishes
  • Beautiful interior
  • Private rooms
  • Accessible location
  • Long operating hours

Cons

  • Expensive menu
  • Reports of slow service

San Carlo is renowned for their authentic Italian dishes. However, we learned that they are most loved by their patrons for their seafood selection.

According to our research, some of the most popular dishes here are the Ostriche and Cozze all’Arrabbiata — and we approve! Just keep in mind that prices lean towards the higher end.

From what we’ve experienced, though, we believe that the quality of their dishes and the overall dining experience justify the cost.

Even by just stepping into their restaurant, we were immediately captivated by the stunning interior. They boast a chic all-white space accentuated by stylish red accents — creating an ambience of contemporary elegance.

Moreover, we appreciate that they have a beautiful private room that they offer free of charge. But what further elevated our dining experience were the attentive and accommodating staff during our visit. 

Sadly, though, not everyone is happy as we received reports of occasional slow service. Some customers even complained that they waited about an hour for their food to arrive.

On the brighter side, we like that they are conveniently located on King Street. Accessibility is definitely not an issue, thanks as well to their extensive operating hours from noon until late at night.


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