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Where the Locals Feast: Insider’s Guide to Places for Dinner in Manchester Tonight
So, you’re in Manchester (manchester uk food), it’s dinner time, and you’re staring at your phone like it’s going to magically tell you where to eat. Spoiler alert: it won’t. But fear not, because I’ve got the lowdown on where the locals actually go when they’re hungry and ready to tuck in.
We’re talking about the spots that might not be on every tourist map but are definitely on every Mancunian’s radar.
Let’s dive in, shall we? Oh, and don’t blame me if you end up drooling on your screen—consider that a job well done.
San Carlo – Manchester
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Address: 42 King St W
Contact details: +44 161 834 6226
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
If you’re in the mood to rub shoulders with Premier League footballers or maybe even spot a pop star like Rihanna, this is the place to be.
Run by the Distefano family, San Carlo is famous not only for its authentic Italian cuisine but also for the buzz that surrounds it—seriously, don’t be surprised if you see a few photographers camped outside, waiting to snap the latest celeb.
Now, let’s talk food. If you’re into seafood, the brandy cream and lobster pasta is a must, and the scallops with white wine, garlic, and lemon will have you dreaming of the Mediterranean. Feeling extra indulgent? The steak and lobster sharing platter is perfect for a lavish dinner.
And don’t even get me started on desserts – the mantecato alla nocciola, a mountain of hazelnut ice cream and Ferrero Rocher, is practically a work of art. Their wine list is just as impressive, showcasing iconic bottles from the southern Mediterranean.
| Pro tip: Order the Tagliolini Lobster, it’s a fan favourite that never disappoints. |
20 Stories
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Address: No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square
Contact details: +44 161 204 3333
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-2AM
Pricing: £££
Perched high above the city, 20 Stories isn’t just Manchester’s highest restaurant—it’s arguably one of its finest. Opened by D&D London in 2018, this place is all about modern British cuisine with a seasonal twist.
And let’s not forget the views—floor-to-ceiling windows and a sprawling outdoor terrace give you an unbeatable panorama of Manchester and beyond. It’s like dining in the clouds.
Start your meal with something like pan-fried scallops served with Jerusalem artichoke purée and crispy Alsace bacon—a combination that’s as delicious as it sounds.
For the main event, their steak offerings are top-notch, but if you’re up for a challenge, the 35oz Tomahawk is a real showstopper. And because they’re all about pleasing the crowd, the desserts here are just as inventive and seasonally inspired.
| Pro tip: Book a table by the window for the best views of the city. |
Tattu Manchester
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Address: 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St
Contact details: +44 161 819 2060
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-1AM
- Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Tattu Manchester is where dining meets art, both literally and figuratively. Nestled in the heart of Spinningfields, this contemporary Chinese restaurant is an Instagrammer’s paradise.
But don’t let the stunning decor distract you from the food. Tattu’s menu is just as artistic, featuring dishes like chicken truffle shumai and braised lamb steamed buns that are as flavourful as they are visually striking.
Sure, it’s on the pricier side— their signature Shanghai black cod will set you back over £30—but trust me, it’s worth every penny.
| Pro tip: Visit on the last Sunday of the month for “Sunday Sunsets”, it’s a blend of food, music, and atmosphere you won’t want to miss. |
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
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Address: 46-50 Oldham St
Contact details: +44 161 235 1010
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 11AM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-1AM
- Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
The interior, a mix of beach bar and shanty town at Turtle Bay, gives you the feeling that you might just catch a glint of tropical sunlight breaking through the ceiling. Tucked away at the back, you’ll find an open kitchen nestled among shipping containers.
We tried kicking off with some cocktails—naturally doubled up, because why not?—and dove into their just jerk platter. This spicy showcase of starters had us sharing eagerly, with pork and beef ribs glazed in rich jerk sauce, a beef patty that we’d have loved with a spicier, flakier pastry.
But the real star? Deep-fried sweetcorn fritters, especially after dousing in Aunt May’s Bajan pepper sauce. They were so good, we didn’t even realise they were vegan—kudos to the kitchen for that sneaky bit of magic!
| Pro tip: Go for the Jerk Chicken Wings; they’re a must-try and perfectly spicy! |
Grand Pacific
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Address: 50 Spring Gardens
Contact details: +44 161 839 9365
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Housed in the former Reform Club, once the gathering spot for Manchester’s Liberal elite, this place oozes Raffles-style colonial grandeur, all set against the backdrop of some of the city’s best Victorian architecture.
Now, it’s more about cocktail shakers than progressive policies, but the glamour is undeniable. The food is a blend of beautifully presented Pan-Asian flavours, with dishes like tempura Szechuan sea bass, lamb massaman roti, and tuna tataki with mango sambal.
And if you’re just in the mood for a nibble, their “bar tidbits” menu offers exotic bites like deep-fried chicken karaage and forbidden rice balls.
If you’re popping in during the day, their two-course Business Lunch menu offers an “exotic midday option,” and the High Tea here is an event in itself, with “savoury treats” and “flavours of the exotic.”
| Pro tip: Order a cocktail and some tempura whatnots, then soak up the majesty of your surroundings. |
Hawksmoor Manchester
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Address: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester
Contact details: +44 161 836 6980
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Hawksmoor Manchester is the go-to spot for anyone who takes their steak seriously. This place, the first Hawksmoor outside of London, set up shop on Deansgate in 2015, and it’s been a hit ever since.
The menu is all about well-sourced, perfectly cooked steak, with options ranging from solo cuts to huge sharing portions like T-bone, porterhouse, and prime rib. And if you’re more in the mood for seafood, their scallops, served in white port and garlic butter, are a treat.
Even the sides are showstoppers—think triple-cooked chips, creamed spinach, and bone marrow gravy. Classic cocktails, highballs, and an intriguing wine list mean there’s something to suit every palate.
| Pro tip: Treat yourself to the Beef Dripping Fries as they’re the perfect accompaniment to any steak. |
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
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Address: 52 King St
Contact details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
Inspired by the chef’s journeys through culinary hotspots like Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian, this place serves up tapas with a twist, combining traditional Spanish flavours with innovative techniques.
Expect dishes that are as playful as they are delicious—think quince-glazed pork ribs, Josper-chargrilled chicken with a sauce made from Sobrassada (a deliciously spicy sausage from the Balearic Islands), and salt cod fritters that will have you dreaming of the Spanish coast.
The menu is a love letter to Spanish cuisine, with everything from crunchy croquetas (try the jamon Iberico or the vegetarian leek and cheese) to tempura cauliflower with romesco sauce.
For dessert, why not indulge in a baked cheesecake or an almond tart with orange Chantilly cream? Pair your meal with one of their many wines, gins, or sherries—they’ve got an impressive selection that’ll transport you straight to Spain.
| Pro tip: Order a charcuterie board and a glass of sherry to start, it’s the perfect way to ease into an evening of tapas. |
The Refuge
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Address: Oxford St
Contact details: +44 161 233 5151
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Run by the DJ duo The Unabombers, who also brought us West Didsbury’s beloved Volta, The Refuge is a bold mix of grand design and eclectic eats. Inside, you’ll find everything from a Winter Garden and an enormous bar to a restaurant and even a subterranean ballroom.
The dining room itself is a stunner, with soaring ceilings and bright tiles that make for a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere. And the food? It’s a glorious mashup of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mancunian influences, served as small plates they call ‘Voltini.’
Think sticky Gloucester Old Spot pork belly with cumin and chimichurri, crispy lamb shawarma with harissa and yoghurt, or slow-cooked ox cheek with egg and Sriracha. The Sunday roast sharing boards are legendary, and the puddings.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their Sunday roast sharing boards. |
Annies
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Address: 5 Old Bank St, Manchester
Contact details: +44 161 839 4423
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Annies is the kind of place that feels like a warm hug on a cold day—homely, comforting, and just what you need when you’re craving some good old British fare. Brought to life by Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine (aka Fiz Brown) and her partner, Annies blends the cosy vibes of a traditional pub with the elegance of a modern dining spot.
The menu is a celebration of British classics, with dishes like Lancashire Hotpot and other Mancunian favourites taking centre stage. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, their Afternoon Teas are a real treat.
Annies also offers private dining for up to 30 people, making it a great choice for special occasions or intimate gatherings. Whether you’re there for a Sunday roast or just a comforting meal, Annies delivers the kind of homely goodness that keeps you coming back.
| Pro tip: Treat yourself to their Afternoon Tea; a delightful experience, and they’ve got gluten-free options too! |
Albert’s Shed Restaurant Manchester
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Address: 20 Castle St, Castlefield
Contact details: +44 161 839 9818
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Albert’s Shed is a bit of a gem in the heart of Castlefield, blending contemporary British cuisine with an eclectic mix of global influences. The restaurant’s waterside location is perfect for those looking to enjoy a meal with a view, especially when the sun’s out, and the terrace comes alive.
The menu at Albert’s Shed is all about taking familiar dishes and giving them a twist. Take, for instance, the roasted duck and tabbouleh salad, where tender duck meets the fresh zing of pomegranate seeds and the earthy flavours of Middle Eastern tabbouleh.
For mains, their roast lamb is a standout, cooked to a perfect pink that would satisfy any lamb lover. Sides are yours to pick, with options like green beans and a solid, if slightly underwhelming, potato dauphinoise.
And if you’re a fan of aubergine, the aubergine and goat’s cheese pappardelle is a must-try, showcasing the vegetable in all its fat-soaked, olive oil-drenched glory.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the aubergine and goat’s cheese pappardelle. |
10 Tib Lane
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Address: 10 Tib Lane
Contact details: +44 161 832 2035
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
The folks behind this spot know their stuff—it’s a joint venture between Chorlton’s Henry C and the Northern Quarter’s Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun, so you know you’re in good hands. The menu is a showcase of what you can do with top-notch ingredients.
From a gutsy lamb rump with saffron aioli and salty rostis to a delicate vegan heritage beetroot with carrot swirls and hazelnut and sorrel pesto, every dish is a balance of bold flavours and thoughtful presentation.
As you’d expect from a team with this pedigree, the drinks list is on point, focusing on natural, low-intervention wines and fuss-free cocktails.
| Pro tip: Order a glass of their natural wine to pair with your meal. It’s definitely the perfect complement to the fresh, vibrant flavours on the plate. |
